W.W. Grainger raised full-year guidance after reporting stronger MRO demand and pricing drove first-quarter earnings growth.
W.W. Grainger reported first-quarter diluted EPS of $11.65, up 18.2% year-over-year, as sales rose 10.1% and 12.2% on an adjusted basis. The company cited improved maintenance, repair, and operations demand, pricing, and execution for the outperformance across both business segments.
High-Touch Solutions sales increased 10.5% with margin improvement, while Endless Assortment sales surged 19.6% alongside operating margin gains. Management noted broad-based demand from manufacturing, government, and contractor customers.
Grainger raised its 2026 guidance, now expecting daily organic constant-currency sales growth of 9.5% to 12% and EPS between $44.25 and $46.25. The company also increased its dividend by 10% but flagged tariffs, fuel costs, and private label inventory expenses as margin pressures.