GRAINGER REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Grainger (GWW) reported strong Q4 2024 results with sales reaching $4.2 billion, up 5.9% year-over-year, and full-year sales of $17.2 billion, up 4.2%. The company's Q4 diluted EPS increased 23.1% to $9.71, while full-year EPS rose 6.8% to $38.71.

Operating margin for Q4 improved to 15.0%, up 110 basis points, while full-year operating margin was 15.4%. The company generated $2.1 billion in operating cash flow and returned $1.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

For 2025, Grainger projects sales growth of 4.0-6.5% on a daily, constant currency basis, with expected net sales between $17.6-18.1 billion. The company anticipates operating margin of 15.1-15.5% and diluted EPS of $39.00-$41.50.

Positive

• Q4 sales increased 5.9% to $4.2 billion
• Q4 diluted EPS grew 23.1% to $9.71
• Q4 operating margin improved 110 basis points to 15.0%
• Generated $2.1 billion in operating cash flow
• Returned $1.6 billion to shareholders in 2024

Negative

• Full-year operating margin declined 20 basis points to 15.4%
• 2025 guidance suggests potential margin pressure with operating margin of 15.1-15.5%

Insights

Financial Analyst

Grainger's Q4 2024 results showcase impressive operational execution in a challenging environment. The standout performance comes from the Endless Assortment segment, posting 15.1% growth, significantly outpacing the High-Touch Solutions segment's 4.0% growth. This demonstrates successful digital transformation and B2B e-commerce penetration.

The company's margin management deserves attention - Q4's operating margin expansion of 110 basis points (40 basis points adjusted) reflects successful pricing strategies and operational efficiency. However, the full-year operating margin decline of 20 basis points signals ongoing investment in growth initiatives.

Looking ahead, the 2025 guidance suggests cautious optimism with projected daily constant currency sales growth of 4.0%-6.5%. The targeted operating margin of 15.1%-15.5% indicates potential pressure from continued investments, while the planned share buyback of $1.15-$1.25 billion shows strong commitment to shareholder returns.

The $2.1 billion operating cash flow achievement in 2024 provides ample flexibility for both growth investments and shareholder returns, with the company maintaining a balanced capital allocation approach between dividends, share repurchases and strategic investments.

Market Research Analyst

Grainger's performance reflects successful market positioning in the evolving B2B distribution landscape. The 13.2% constant currency growth in Endless Assortment's core B2B customers, particularly at MonotaRO, demonstrates the company's strong competitive position in digital commerce.

Strategic investments, including the new bulk warehouse, signal preparation for anticipated market share gains and improved operational efficiency. This infrastructure expansion, combined with consistent gross margin performance (39.6% in Q4), indicates effective balance between competitive pricing and profitability.

The company's 2025 guidance suggests confidence in maintaining growth momentum despite economic uncertainties. The projected gross margin range of 39.1%-39.4% reflects realistic expectations given competitive pressures and ongoing investments in customer experience enhancements.

Focused execution driving strategy forward and powering continued solid results;
Issues 2025 guidance, including 4.0% - 6.5% daily, constant currency sales growth

Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

• Delivered sales of $4.2 billion, up 5.9%, or 4.7% on a daily, organic constant currency basis
• Achieved operating margin of 15.0%, up 110 basis points on a reported basis, or up 40 basis points on an adjusted basis
• Increased diluted EPS to $9.71, up 23.1% on a reported basis, or up 16.6% on an adjusted basis

Full Year 2024 Highlights

• Grew sales to $17.2 billion, up 4.2%, or 4.7% on a daily, organic constant currency basis
• Realized reported operating margin of 15.4%, or 15.5% on an adjusted basis, down 20 basis points
• Increased diluted EPS by 6.8% to $38.71 on a reported basis, or by 6.2% to $38.96 on an adjusted basis
• Produced $2.1 billion in operating cash flow and returned $1.6 billion to Grainger shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024. Sales of $4.2 billion in the fourth quarter 2024 increased 5.9%, or 4.7% on a daily, organic constant currency basis versus the fourth quarter 2023. For the full year, sales of $17.2 billion increased 4.2%, or 4.7% on a daily, organic constant currency basis compared to the prior year.

"Amidst a stable, yet muted demand environment throughout 2024, our team delivered strong performance by staying focused on what matters and delivering an outstanding customer experience. Across both our High-Touch Solutions and Endless Assortment segments, we deepened our customer relationships and advanced our capabilities, all while delivering on our commitments to shareholders," said D.G. Macpherson, Chairman and CEO. "Looking to 2025, we remain committed to our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, as we continue to provide exceptional service for our customers."

2024 Financial Summary

($ in millions), except per share amount	Q4 2024		Q4 2024		FY 2024		FY 2024
			Change vs. Prior (Fav. vs. (Unfav.))				Change vs. Prior (Fav. vs. (Unfav.))
	Reported	Adjusted	Reported	Adjusted(1)	Reported	Adjusted(2)	Reported	Adjusted(2)
Net Sales	$4,233	$4,233	5.9 %	5.9 %	$17,168	$17,168	4.2 %	4.2 %
Gross Profit	$1,676	$1,676	7.2 %	7.2 %	$6,758	$6,758	4.0 %	4.0 %
Operating Earnings	$633	$633	13.6 %	8.6 %	$2,637	$2,653	2.8 %	2.4 %
Net Earnings Attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	$475	$475	20.3 %	13.9 %	$1,909	$1,921	4.4 %	3.8 %
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$9.71	$9.71	23.1 %	16.6 %	$38.71	$38.96	6.8 %	6.2 %
Gross Profit Margin	39.6 %	39.6 %	50 bps	50 bps	39.4 %	39.4 %	— bps	— bps
Operating Margin	15.0 %	15.0 %	110 bps	40 bps	15.4 %	15.5 %	(20) bps	(20) bps
Effective Tax Rate	20.1 %	20.1 %	370 bps	340 bps	23.0 %	23.0 %	90 bps	80 bps

(1)	Reflects the adjustment for the loss on divestiture of Grainger's subsidiary, E&R Industrial Sales, Inc., reported in the Company's HTS-N.A. segment completed in the fourth quarter of 2023.
(2)	Reflects the adjustment for restructuring costs incurred in Grainger's HTS-N.A. segment and Other businesses in the second quarter of 2024 and the loss on divestiture of Grainger's subsidiary, E&R Industrial Sales Inc., reported in the Company's HTS-N.A. segment completed in the fourth quarter of 2023.
See the supplemental information of this release for further information regarding the Company's non-GAAP measures including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Revenue
For the fourth quarter 2024, total Company sales were up 5.9%, or up 4.2% on a daily basis compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Normalizing for the impact of foreign currency exchange and the divestiture of the Company's subsidiary, E & R Industrial Sales, Inc., sales on a daily, organic constant currency basis were up 4.7% versus the fourth quarter 2023.

In the High-Touch Solutions N.A. segment, sales were up 4.0%, or 3.0% on a daily, organic constant currency basis versus the fourth quarter 2023 driven by continued growth across all geographies. In the Endless Assortment segment, sales were up 15.1%, or 13.2% on a daily, constant currency basis versus the prior year quarter. Growth was driven by core B2B customers across the segment as well as enterprise customer growth at MonotaRO.

For the full year 2024, total Company sales increased 4.2% versus the full year 2023. Daily sales on an organic, constant currency basis increased 4.7% versus the prior year driven by growth in both segments.

Gross Profit Margin
For the fourth quarter 2024, total Company gross profit margin was 39.6%, up 50 basis points compared to the fourth quarter 2023.

In the High-Touch Solutions N.A. segment, gross margin increased 90 basis points compared to the fourth quarter 2023 driven by a lap of year-end inventory cost adjustments from the prior year period, as well as slight freight and mix favorability in the current year. In the Endless Assortment segment, gross margin declined by 10 basis points versus the fourth quarter 2023.

For the full year 2024, total Company gross profit margin was 39.4%, flat versus the prior year as various factors offset.

Earnings
For the fourth quarter 2024, reported operating earnings for the total Company were $633 million, up 13.6% over the fourth quarter 2023. Reported operating margin was 15.0%, a 110 basis point increase compared to the prior year quarter. On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts from the divestiture of the Company's subsidiary, E & R Industrial Sales, Inc., fourth quarter 2024 operating earnings were up 8.6% and operating margin was up 40 basis points over the fourth quarter 2023. The increase in adjusted operating margin was driven by High-Touch Solutions N.A. gross margin favorability coupled with strong expense leverage in Endless Assortment.

Diluted EPS for the fourth quarter 2024 was $9.71, up 23.1% on a reported basis, or up 16.6% on an adjusted basis versus the prior year quarter. The increase in earnings per share was primarily due to strong operating performance, aided by a lower share count and favorable tax rate versus the fourth quarter 2023.

For the full year 2024, reported operating earnings for the total Company of $2.6 billion were up 2.8% versus the prior year, and resulted in reported operating margin of 15.4%, a decrease of 20 basis points over prior year. On an adjusted basis, 2024 operating earnings of $2.7 billion were up 2.4%, and resulted in adjusted operating margin of 15.5%, a decrease of 20 basis points compared to 2023 as stable gross margin was partially offset by continued demand generation investment.

Diluted EPS for the full year 2024 was $38.71 on a reported basis, up 6.8% versus 2023. On an adjusted basis, 2024 diluted EPS was $38.96, up 6.2% versus the prior year. The increase in earnings per share was due primarily to the strong operating performance in the year, aided by a lower share count and favorable tax rate versus 2023.

Tax Rate
For the fourth quarter 2024, the reported effective tax rate was 20.1% compared to 23.8% in the fourth quarter 2023. On an adjusted basis, the tax rate was 20.1% compared to 23.5% in the prior year quarter.

For the full year 2024, the reported effective tax rate was 23.0% versus 23.9% in 2023. On an adjusted basis, the full year effective tax rate was 23.0% versus 23.8% in the prior year.

The variance for both the fourth quarter and full year reported and adjusted tax rates was primarily driven by the expiration of a statute of limitation period in 2024.

Cash Flow
During the fourth quarter 2024, the Company generated $428 million of cash flow from operating activities as solid net earnings were partially offset by investments in working capital. The Company invested $258 million in capital expenditures which was higher than prior year driven by the purchase of a new bulk warehouse. This resulted in free cash flow for the period of $170 million. During the quarter, the Company returned $562 million to Grainger shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

For the full year 2024, the Company generated $2.1 billion of cash flow from operating activities as solid net earnings were slightly offset by unfavorable working capital. As compared to 2023, operating cash flow increased $80 million, up 3.9%. The Company invested $541 million in capital expenditures, resulting in free cash flow of $1.6 billion in 2024. During the year, the Company returned $1.6 billion to Grainger shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. 

2025 Company Guidance
The Company is providing the following outlook for 2025:

Total Company(1)	2025 Guidance Range
Net Sales	$17.6 - $18.1 billion
Sales growth	2.7% - 5.2%
Daily, constant currency sales growth	4.0% - 6.5%
Gross Profit Margin	39.1% - 39.4%
Operating Margin	15.1% - 15.5%
Diluted Earnings per Share	$39.00 - $41.50
Operating Cash Flow	$2.05 - $2.25 billion
CapEx (cash basis)	$0.45 - $0.55 billion
Share Buyback	$1.15 - $1.25 billion
Effective Tax Rate	~23.8%
Segment Operating Margin
High-Touch Solutions N.A.	17.0% - 17.4%
Endless Assortment	8.5% - 9.0%

(1)	Guidance provided is on an adjusted basis. Daily, constant currency sales growth is adjusted for the impact of one less selling day in 2025 as compared to 2024 and changes in foreign currency exchange. The Company does not reconcile forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures. For further details see the supplemental information of this release.

Webcast
The Company will conduct a live conference call and webcast at 11:00 a.m. ET on January 31, 2025, to discuss the fourth quarter and full-year results. The event will be hosted by D.G. Macpherson, Chairman and CEO, and Deidra Merriwether, Senior Vice President and CFO, and can be accessed at invest.grainger.com. To access the conference call via phone, please send a request to InvestorRelations@grainger.com. For those unable to participate in the live event, a webcast replay will be available for 90 days at invest.grainger.com.

About Grainger
W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working^® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

Visit invest.grainger.com to view information about the Company, including a supplement regarding 2024 fourth quarter results. Additional Company information can be found on the Grainger Investor Relations website which includes our Company snapshot and ESG report.

Forward-Looking Statements
From time to time in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in other written reports, communications and verbal statements, Grainger (as defined below) makes forward-looking statements that are not historical in nature but concern forecasts of future results, business plans, analyses, prospects, strategies, objectives and other matters that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" under the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by their use of terms such as "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "expect," "could," "forecast," "may," "intend," "plan," "predict," "project," "will," or "would," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

Grainger cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized and achievement of future results is subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Grainger's control, which could cause Grainger's results to differ materially from those that are presented.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented or implied in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: inflation, higher product costs or other expenses, including operational and administrative expenses; a major loss of customers; loss or disruption of sources of supply; changes in customer or product mix; increased competitive pricing pressures; changes in third-party practices regarding digital advertising; failure to enter into or sustain contractual arrangements on a satisfactory basis with group purchasing organizations; failure to develop, manage or implement new technology initiatives or business strategies, including with respect to Grainger's eCommerce platforms and artificial intelligence; failure to adequately protect intellectual property or successfully defend against infringement claims; fluctuations or declines in Grainger's gross profit margin; Grainger's responses to market pressures; the outcome of pending and future litigation or governmental or regulatory proceedings, including with respect to wage and hour, anti-bribery and corruption, environmental, regulations related to advertising, marketing and the Internet, consumer protection, pricing (including disaster or emergency declaration pricing statutes), product liability, compliance or safety, trade and export compliance, general commercial disputes, or privacy and cybersecurity matters; investigations, inquiries, audits and changes in laws and regulations; failure to comply with laws, regulations and standards, including new or stricter environmental laws or regulations; government contract matters; the impact of any government shutdown; disruption or breaches of information technology or data security systems involving Grainger or third parties on which Grainger depends; general industry, economic, market or political conditions; general global economic conditions including existing, new, or increased tariffs, trade issues and changes in trade policies, inflation, and interest rates; currency exchange rate fluctuations; market volatility, including price and trading volume volatility or price declines of Grainger's common stock; commodity price volatility; facilities disruptions or shutdowns; higher fuel costs or disruptions in transportation services; effects of outbreaks of pandemic disease or viral contagions, global conflicts, natural or human induced disasters, extreme weather, and other catastrophes or conditions; effects of climate change; failure to execute on our efforts and programs related to environmental, social and governance matters; competition for, or failure to attract, retain, train, motivate and develop executives and key team members; loss of key members of management or key team members; loss of operational flexibility and potential for work stoppages or slowdowns if team members unionize or join a collective bargaining arrangement; changes in effective tax rates; changes in credit ratings or outlook; Grainger's incurrence of indebtedness or failure to comply with restrictions and obligations under its debt agreements and instruments and other factors identified under Part I, Item 1A: Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of the factors that could impact Grainger's forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Grainger's forward looking-statements and Grainger undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In millions of dollars, except for per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended December 31,				Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Net sales	$     4,233		$     3,997		$     17,168		$    16,478
Cost of goods sold	2,557		2,434		10,410		9,982
Gross profit	1,676		1,563		6,758		6,496
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,043		1,006		4,121		3,931
Operating earnings	633		557		2,637		2,565
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense – net	17		23		77		93
Other – net	(6)		(7)		(24)		(28)
Total other expense – net	11		16		53		65
Earnings before income taxes	622		541		2,584		2,500
Income tax provision	125		129		595		597
Net earnings	497		412		1,989		1,903
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	22		17		80		74
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	$       475		$       395		$       1,909		$      1,829
Earnings per share:
Basic	$      9.74		$      7.93		$       38.84		$      36.39
Diluted	$      9.71		$      7.89		$       38.71		$      36.23
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	48.6		49.5		48.9		49.9
Diluted	48.7		49.7		49.0		50.1

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  (In millions of dollars) (Unaudited)
	As of
	(Unaudited)
Assets	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$                         1,036		$                          660
Accounts receivable (less allowance for credit losses of $32 and $35, respectively)	2,232		2,192
Inventories – net	2,306		2,266
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	163		156
Total current assets	5,737		5,274
Property, buildings and equipment – net	1,927		1,658
Goodwill	355		370
Intangibles – net	243		234
Operating lease right-of-use	371		429
Other assets	196		182
Total assets	$                         8,829		$                        8,147
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Current maturities	499		34
Trade accounts payable	952		954
Accrued compensation and benefits	324		327
Operating lease liability	78		71
Accrued expenses	407		397
Income taxes payable	45		48
Total current liabilities	2,305		1,831
Long-term debt	2,279		2,266
Long-term operating lease liability	327		381
Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties	101		104
Other non-current liabilities	114		124
Shareholders' equity	3,703		3,441
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$                         8,829		$                        8,147

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions of dollars) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended December 31,				Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$          497		$         412		$       1,989		$       1,903
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses	5		8		23		23
Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties	(32)		(29)		(8)		(9)
Depreciation and amortization	62		57		237		214
Non-cash lease expense	23		20		84		76
Net losses (gains) from sales of assets and business divestitures	—		21		—		17
Stock-based compensation	14		13		62		62
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	73		253		(110)		(98)
Inventories	(163)		(58)		(77)		(16)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(10)		(3)		(36)		101
Trade accounts payable	(79)		(120)		20		(65)
Operating lease liabilities	(23)		(23)		(96)		(88)
Accrued liabilities	(16)		1		20		(91)
Income taxes – net	61		30		(3)		(4)
Other non-current liabilities	16		22		6		6
Net cash provided by operating activities	428		604		2,111		2,031
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(258)		(127)		(541)		(445)
Proceeds from sale of assets and business divestitures	1		10		3		21
Other – net	(1)		2		18		2
Net cash used in investing activities	(258)		(115)		(520)		(422)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	—		—		503		7
Payments of debt	(1)		—		(39)		(37)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	4		5		30		34
Payments for employee taxes withheld from stock awards	(6)		(5)		(50)		(37)
Purchases of treasury stock	(462)		(344)		(1,201)		(850)
Cash dividends paid	(100)		(92)		(421)		(392)
Other – net	—		(3)		(2)		(3)
Net cash used in financing activities	(565)		(439)		(1,180)		(1,278)
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents	(17)		9		(35)		4
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(412)		59		376		335
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,448		601		660		325
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$       1,036		$         660		$       1,036		$         660

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP
FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)

The Company supplements the reporting of financial information determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with the non-GAAP financial measures as defined below. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful information to assist investors in understanding financial results and assessing prospects for future performance as they provide a better baseline for analyzing the ongoing performance of its business by excluding items that may not be indicative of core operating results.

Basis of presentation
The Company has a controlling ownership interest in MonotaRO, which is part of our Endless Assortment segment. MonotaRO's results are fully consolidated, reflected in U.S. GAAP, and reported one-month in arrears. Results will differ from MonotaRO's externally reported financials which follow Japanese GAAP.

Adjusted gross profit, adjusted SG&A, adjusted operating earnings, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net earnings, adjusted diluted EPS
Exclude certain non-recurring items, like restructuring charges, asset impairments, gains and losses associated with business divestitures and other non-recurring, infrequent or unusual gains and losses (together referred to as "non-GAAP adjustments"), from the Company's most directly comparable reported U.S. GAAP figures (reported gross profit, SG&A, operating earnings, net earnings and EPS).The Company believes these non-GAAP adjustments provide meaningful information to assist investors in understanding financial results and assessing prospects for future performance as they provide a better baseline for analyzing the ongoing performance of its business by excluding items that may not be indicative of core operating results.

Free cash flow (FCF)
Calculated using total cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. The Company believes the presentation of FCF allows investors to evaluate the capacity of the Company's operations to generate free cash flow.

Daily sales
Refers to sales for the period divided by the number of U.S. selling days for the period.

Daily, constant currency sales
Refers to the daily sales adjusted for changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Daily, organic constant currency sales
Refers to daily sales excluding the sales of certain divested businesses in the comparable prior year period post date of divestiture and changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Foreign currency exchange
Calculated by dividing current period local currency daily sales by current period average exchange rate and subtracting the current period local currency daily sales divided by the prior period average exchange rate.

U.S. selling days:
2023: Q1-64, Q2-64, Q3-63, Q4-63, FY-254
2024: Q1-64, Q2-64, Q3-64, Q4-64, FY-256
2025: Q1-63, Q2-64, Q3-64, Q4-64, FY-255

As non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these measures with other companies' non-GAAP measures having the same or similar names. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported results. These non-GAAP measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of operations that, when viewed with GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of the business. This press release also includes certain non-GAAP forward-looking information. The Company believes that a quantitative reconciliation of such forward-looking information to the most comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP cannot be made available without unreasonable efforts. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures would require the Company to predict the timing and likelihood of future restructurings, asset impairments, and other charges. Neither of these forward-looking measures, nor their probable significance, can be quantified with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Accordingly, a reconciliation of the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measures is not provided.

The reconciliations provided below reconciles GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures used in this release: daily sales; daily, organic constant currency sales; free cash flow; adjusted operating margin; and adjustments reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Sales growth for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 (percent change compared to prior year period)  (unaudited)
	Total Company				High-Touch Solutions - N.A.				Endless Assortment
	Q4 2024		FY 2024		Q4 2024		FY 2024		Q4 2024		FY 2024
Reported sales	5.9 %		4.2 %		4.0 %		3.4 %		15.1 %		7.5 %
Daily impact	(1.7) %		(0.8) %		(1.7) %		(0.8) %		(1.8) %		(0.9) %
Daily sales(1)	4.2 %		3.4 %		2.3 %		2.6 %		13.3 %		6.6 %
Business divestiture(2)	0.3 %		0.4 %		0.4 %		0.5 %		— %		— %
Foreign currency exchange(3)	0.2 %		0.9 %		0.3 %		0.1 %		(0.1) %		5.0 %
Daily, organic constant currency sales	4.7 %		4.7 %		3.0 %		3.2 %		13.2 %		11.6 %

(1)	Based on U.S. selling days, there were 64 and 63 selling days in Q4 2024 and Q4 2023, respectively; there were 256 and 254 selling days in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(2)	Reflects the divestiture of Grainger's subsidiary, E & R Industrial Sales, Inc., in the fourth quarter of 2023.
(3)	Excludes the impact of year-over-year foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

 

Free cash flow (FCF) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 (in millions of dollars)  (unaudited)
	Q4 2024		FY 2024
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$                                428		$                             2,111
Capital expenditures	(258)		(541)
Free cash flow	$                                170		$                             1,570

 

Income statement adjustments for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 (in millions of dollars)  (unaudited)
	Q4 2024						Reported		Adjusted(4)		Reported		Adjusted
	Reported		Adjustment(1)		Adjusted		% of Net sales				Y/Y(2)
Earnings reconciliation:
SG&A	$      1,043		$               —		$     1,043		24.6 %		24.6 %		3.7 %		6.4 %
Operating earnings	633		—		633		15.0		15.0		13.6		8.6
Other expense — net	(11)		—		(11)		(0.3)		(0.3)		(31.3)		(31.3)
Earnings before income taxes	622		—		622		14.7		14.7		15.0		9.7
Income tax provision(3)	(125)		—		(125)		(3.0)		(3.0)		(3.1)		(6.0)
Net earnings	497		—		497		11.7		11.7		20.6		14.5
Noncontrolling interest(5)	(22)		—		(22)		(0.5)		(0.5)		(29.4)		29.4
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	$         475		$               —		$        475		11.2 %		11.2 %		20.3 %		13.9 %
Diluted earnings per share:	$        9.71		$               —		$       9.71						23.1 %		16.6 %

(1)	Reflects the adjustment for the loss on divestiture of Grainger's subsidiary, E&R Industrial Sales, Inc., reported in the Company's HTS-N.A. segment completed in the fourth quarter of 2023. There were no non-GAAP adjustments in the fourth quarter of 2024.
(2)	For prior year financial information regarding Grainger's non-GAAP measures, including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, refer to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 2, 2024.
(3)	Reported and adjusted effective tax rate was 20.1% for the fourth quarter of 2024.
(4)	Calculated on the basis of reported net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024.
(5)	The Company has a controlling ownership interest in MonotaRO, with the residual representing noncontrolling interest.

 

	FY 2024						Reported		Adjusted(4)		Reported		Adjusted
	Reported		Adjustment(1)		Adjusted		% of Net sales				Y/Y(2)
Earnings reconciliation:
SG&A	$      4,121		$             (16)		$     4,105		24.0 %		23.9 %		4.8 %		5.1 %
Operating earnings	2,637		16		2,653		15.4		15.5		2.8		2.4
Other expense — net	(53)		—		(53)		(0.3)		(0.3)		(18.5)		(18.5)
Earnings before income taxes	2,584		16		2,600		15.1		15.2		3.4		2.9
Income tax provision(3)	(595)		(4)		(599)		(3.5)		(3.5)		(0.3)		(0.3)
Net earnings	1,989		12		2,001		11.6		11.7		4.5		3.9
Noncontrolling interest(5)	(80)		—		(80)		(0.5)		(0.5)		(8.1)		8.1
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.	$      1,909		$              12		$     1,921		11.1 %		11.2 %		4.4 %		3.8 %
Diluted earnings per share:	$      38.71		$           0.25		$     38.96						6.8 %		6.2 %

(1)	Reflects restructuring costs incurred in the second quarter of 2024 of $15M and $1M in Grainger's HTS-N.A. segment and Other businesses, respectively.
(2)	For prior year financial information regarding Grainger's non-GAAP measures, including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, refer to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 2, 2024.
(3)	Reported and adjusted effective tax was 23.0% for the year ending December 31, 2024.
(4)	Calculated on the basis of reported net sales for the year ending December 31, 2024.
(5)	The Company has a controlling ownership interest in MonotaRO, with the residual representing noncontrolling interest.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grainger-reports-results-for-the-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-302364936.html

SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc.

FAQ

What were Grainger's (GWW) Q4 2024 earnings per share?

Grainger reported Q4 2024 diluted earnings per share of $9.71, up 23.1% on a reported basis compared to the previous year.

What is Grainger's (GWW) sales guidance for 2025?

Grainger expects 2025 net sales between $17.6-18.1 billion, representing a daily, constant currency sales growth of 4.0-6.5%.

How much cash did Grainger (GWW) return to shareholders in 2024?

Grainger returned $1.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2024.

What was Grainger's (GWW) operating margin in Q4 2024?

Grainger's Q4 2024 operating margin was 15.0%, up 110 basis points compared to the previous year.

What is Grainger's (GWW) projected EPS range for 2025?

Grainger projects diluted earnings per share between $39.00-$41.50 for 2025.