Core Insights - W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 3, with sales expected to reach $4.40 billion, reflecting a 3.9% year-over-year growth [1][4] - The earnings consensus estimate for GWW is $9.43 per share, indicating a 2.9% decrease compared to the previous year, with a slight downward revision of 0.3% in the last 60 days [1][4] Sales and Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GWW's sales is $4.40 billion, which represents a 3.9% increase from the prior year [1][4] - Earnings are projected at $9.43 per share, down 2.9% year-over-year, with a recent 0.3% decrease in the consensus estimate [1][4] Earnings Surprise History - Grainger has a mixed earnings surprise history, beating estimates in two of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 1.6% [2] Factors Influencing Q4 Performance - Strong growth in core product sales is anticipated, supported by investments in e-commerce, digital capabilities, and supply-chain improvements, with expected organic daily sales growth of 4.9% [6] - The High-Touch Solutions North America segment is projected to benefit from growth in commercial and heavy manufacturing sectors, with an expected organic daily sales growth of 2.6% [7] - The Endless Assortment segment is likely to see a significant increase in sales, projected at $928 million, indicating a 13.8% rise year-over-year, driven by customer acquisition and repeat business [9] Margin Pressures - GWW is facing margin pressures due to elevated material and freight costs, along with increased operating and SG&A costs related to technology investments [10] Stock Performance - GWW shares have increased by 2.8% over the past year, compared to a 4.5% growth in the industry [11]

Core Insights - W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) is set to report its third-quarter 2025 results on October 31, with sales estimated at $4.64 billion, reflecting a 5.8% year-over-year growth, and earnings per share (EPS) projected at $9.93, indicating a 0.6% increase from the previous year [1][5] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GWW's sales is $4.64 billion, which represents a 5.8% growth compared to the same quarter last year [1] - The earnings estimate for GWW is $9.93 per share, although this has decreased by 2.2% over the past 60 days [1][6] - Historical earnings surprise shows GWW has beaten estimates in one of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 0.6% [2][3] Segment Performance - GWW's High-Touch Solutions North America segment is expected to show strong growth, benefiting from commercial, transportation, and heavy manufacturing sectors, with projected sales of $3.63 billion, indicating a 3.2% increase from the previous year [8][9] - The Endless Assortment segment is anticipated to grow significantly, with a projected sales increase of 15.4% year-over-year, reaching $913 million, driven by customer acquisition and repeat business [10] Cost Considerations - GWW has been facing elevated material and freight costs, along with increased operating expenses and higher selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs due to technology investments, which may negatively impact profit margins [11] Stock Performance - Over the past year, GWW's stock has declined by 11.6%, contrasting with a 3.1% decline in the industry [12]