Core Insights - W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) is set to report its second-quarter 2025 results on August 1, with sales expected to reach $4.52 billion, reflecting a 4.8% year-over-year growth, and earnings per share (EPS) estimated at $10.00, indicating a 2.5% increase from the previous year [2][5] Financial Performance - The consensus estimate for GWW's sales is $4.52 billion, which represents a 4.8% growth compared to the same quarter last year [2][5] - The earnings estimate of $10.00 per share shows a 2.5% year-over-year increase, with a slight upward revision of 0.1% in the past 60 days [2][5] - GWW's earnings surprise history indicates that the company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimates in two of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 1.2% [3][4] Segment Performance - High-Touch sales are projected to rise by 2.2% to $3.53 billion, driven by strength in commercial, transportation, and heavy manufacturing sectors [5][9] - The Endless Assortment segment is expected to see an 11% increase in sales to $862 million, attributed to robust customer acquisition and repeat business [5][10] Growth Drivers - GWW's growth is anticipated to be supported by digital investments, supply-chain improvements, and overall sales momentum, with organic daily sales growth expected at 3.8% [5][7] - The High-Touch Solutions North America segment is benefiting from an expanding customer base and strong revenue growth across North America [8][9] Cost Considerations - The company has been facing elevated material and freight costs, along with higher operating expenses and increased selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs due to technology investments, which may negatively impact margins [11] Stock Performance - GWW's stock has increased by 9.4% over the past year, compared to a 13.7% rise in the industry [12]

Core Viewpoint - W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) is set to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 1, with sales expected to reach $4.33 billion, reflecting a 2.4% increase year-over-year, while earnings per share are estimated at $9.46, indicating a 1.7% decline from the previous year [1]. Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GWW's sales is $4.33 billion, showing a growth of 2.4% compared to the previous year [1]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is $9.46 per share, which represents a year-over-year decrease of 1.7% [1]. - GWW's earnings estimate has decreased by 0.2% over the past 60 days [1]. Earnings Surprise History - Grainger has a mixed earnings surprise history, beating estimates in two of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 0.2% [3]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current Earnings ESP for GWW is -0.08%, indicating that the model does not predict an earnings beat this time [4]. - GWW holds a Zacks Rank of 3, suggesting a hold position [5]. Factors Influencing Q1 Performance - GWW has experienced strong growth in core product sales, driven by investments in e-commerce and digital capabilities, as well as supply chain improvements [6]. - Organic daily sales growth is expected to be 2.7% [6]. Segment Performance Insights - The High-Touch Solutions North America segment is projected to see organic daily sales growth of 1.7%, benefiting from strength in commercial and heavy manufacturing sectors [7]. - Sales for the High-Touch Solutions segment are expected to reach $3.45 billion, up 1.3% from the previous year [8]. - The Endless Assortment segment is anticipated to grow by 6.7% in organic daily sales, with projected sales of $793 million, reflecting a 6.3% increase year-over-year [9]. Cost Challenges - GWW has faced elevated material and freight costs, along with increased operating and SG&A costs due to higher technology investments, which may negatively impact margins [10]. Stock Performance - Grainger's stock has increased by 9.1% over the past year, contrasting with an 11.1% decline in the industry [11].