W.W. Grainger Analysts Cut Their Forecasts After Q2 Earnings

Core Insights - W.W. Grainger, Inc. reported weaker-than-expected earnings for Q2, with earnings per share (EPS) of $9.97, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $10.04, while quarterly sales of $4.554 billion exceeded the estimate of $4.522 billion [1] - The company revised its FY2025 GAAP EPS guidance down from a range of $39.00-$41.50 to $38.50-$40.25, but raised its sales guidance from $17.600 billion-$18.100 billion to $17.900 billion-$18.200 billion [2] - CEO D.G. Macpherson emphasized the company's focus on customer relationships and innovation, noting that performance was affected by tariff-related factors, but expressed confidence in the company's ability to create value amid macroeconomic uncertainty [3] Analyst Reactions - Following the earnings announcement, RBC Capital analyst Deane Dray maintained a Sector Perform rating on W.W. Grainger and lowered the price target from $1,176 to $1,007 [6] - Loop Capital analyst Chris Dankert also maintained a Hold rating and reduced the price target from $1,000 to $950 [6]