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GRAINGER REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER 2024

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Grainger (NYSE: GWW) reported Q2 2024 results with sales of $4.3 billion, up 3.1% (5.1% on a daily, organic constant currency basis). Adjusted diluted EPS reached $9.76, a 5.2% increase from Q2 2023. The company narrowed its 2024 guidance, projecting daily, organic constant currency sales growth of 4.0% to 6.0% and adjusted diluted EPS of $38.00 to $39.50.

Key highlights include:

  • Reported operating margin of 15.1%, down 70 basis points
  • Generated $411 million in operating cash flow
  • Returned $345 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

Grainger's performance remained resilient amid a slow but stable demand environment, with growth driven by increased volume across geographies and customer end markets.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW) ha riportato i risultati del Q2 2024 con vendite di 4,3 miliardi di dollari, in aumento del 3,1% (5,1% su base costante e organica nelle valute correnti). L'EPS diluito rettificato ha raggiunto 9,76 dollari, con un incremento del 5,2% rispetto al Q2 2023. L'azienda ha affinato la sua previsione per il 2024, prevedendo una crescita delle vendite organiche a valuta costante del 4,0% al 6,0% e un EPS diluito rettificato di 38,00-39,50 dollari.

I punti salienti includono:

  • Un margine operativo riportato del 15,1%, in calo di 70 punti base
  • Generato 411 milioni di dollari in flusso di cassa operativo
  • Restituiti 345 milioni di dollari agli azionisti tramite dividendi e riacquisti di azioni

Le prestazioni di Grainger si sono mantenute resilienti in un ambiente di domanda lento ma stabile, con una crescita guidata da un aumento del volume in diverse aree geografiche e mercati di clienti.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW) reportó los resultados del Q2 2024 con ventas de 4.3 mil millones de dólares, un aumento del 3.1% (5.1% en una base diaria y orgánica de moneda constante). El EPS diluido ajustado alcanzó 9.76 dólares, un incremento del 5.2% en comparación con el Q2 2023. La empresa precisó su guía para 2024, proyectando un crecimiento de ventas de 4.0% a 6.0% y un EPS diluido ajustado de 38.00 a 39.50 dólares.

Los aspectos clave incluyen:

  • Un margen operativo reportado del 15.1%, una disminución de 70 puntos base
  • Generó 411 millones de dólares en flujo de caja operativo
  • Devolvió 345 millones de dólares a los accionistas a través de dividendos y recompra de acciones

El desempeño de Grainger se mantuvo resistente en un entorno de demanda lento pero estable, con un crecimiento impulsado por un aumento en el volumen a través de geografías y mercados finales de clientes.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW)는 2024년 2분기 실적을 발표했으며, 43억 달러의 매출을 기록했습니다. 이는 3.1% 증가한 수치로, 일일 유기적 상수 통화 기준으로는 5.1% 증가한 것입니다. 조정된 희석 EPS9.76달러에 도달하여, 2023년 2분기 대비 5.2% 증가했습니다. 이 회사는 2024년 가이던스를 축소하였으며, 일일 유기적 상수 통화 기준으로 4.0%에서 6.0%의 매출 성장과 38.00달러에서 39.50달러의 조정된 희석 EPS를 예상하고 있습니다.

주요 내용은 다음과 같습니다:

  • 보고된 운영 마진 15.1%, 70베이시스 포인트 감소
  • 운영 현금 흐름 4억 1,100만 달러 생성
  • 배당금 및 자사주 매입을 통해 주주에게 3억 4,500만 달러 반환

Grainger의 성과는 느리지만 안정적인 수요 환경 속에서도 회복력을 유지하며, 지리와 고객 최종시장 전반에서 증가한 물량에 의해 성장했습니다.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW) a rapporté les résultats du T2 2024 avec des ventes de 4,3 milliards de dollars, en hausse de 3,1% (5,1% sur une base quotidienne de devises organiques constantes). Le BPA dilué ajusté a atteint 9,76 dollars, soit une augmentation de 5,2% par rapport au T2 2023. L'entreprise a affiné ses prévisions pour 2024, projetant une croissance des ventes organiques en monnaie constante de 4,0% à 6,0% et un BPA dilué ajusté de 38,00 à 39,50 dollars.

Les points clés comprennent :

  • Marge opérationnelle rapportée de 15,1%, en baisse de 70 points de base
  • A généré 411 millions de dollars de flux de trésorerie d'exploitation
  • A retourné 345 millions de dollars aux actionnaires par le biais de dividendes et de rachats d'actions

La performance de Grainger est restée résiliente dans un environnement de demande lent mais stable, avec une croissance alimentée par une augmentation des volumes à travers les géographies et les marchés finaux des clients.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW) hat die Q2 2024 Ergebnisse veröffentlicht, mit einem Umsatz von 4,3 Milliarden Dollar, was einem Anstieg von 3,1% entspricht (5,1% auf einer täglich organischen konstanten Währungsbasis). Der bereinigte verwässerte EPS erreichte 9,76 Dollar, ein Anstieg von 5,2% im Vergleich zum Q2 2023. Das Unternehmen hat seine Prognose für 2024 konkretisiert und rechnet mit einem täglichen organischen Umsatzwachstum von 4,0% bis 6,0% sowie einem bereinigten verwässerten EPS von 38,00 bis 39,50 Dollar.

Wichtige Highlights sind:

  • Berichtete operative Marge von 15,1%, um 70 Basispunkte gesenkt
  • Generierte 411 Millionen Dollar an operativem Cashflow
  • Gibt 345 Millionen Dollar an die Aktionäre zurück durch Dividenden und Aktienrückkäufe

Die Leistungen von Grainger blieben in einem langsamen, aber stabilen Nachfragemarkt widerstandsfähig, wobei das Wachstum durch ein erhöhtes Volumen in verschiedenen geografischen Regionen und Endmärkten angetrieben wurde.

Positive
  • Sales increased by 3.1% to $4.3 billion, with 5.1% growth on a daily, organic constant currency basis
  • Adjusted diluted EPS grew by 5.2% to $9.76
  • Generated $411 million in operating cash flow
  • Returned $345 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
  • Narrowed 2024 guidance, indicating confidence in future performance
  • Lower effective tax rate of 22.9% compared to 24.0% in Q2 2023
Negative
  • Reported operating margin decreased by 70 basis points to 15.1%
  • Adjusted operating margin declined by 40 basis points to 15.4%
  • Gross profit margin remained flat at 39.3%, showing no improvement
  • Endless Assortment segment experienced a 20 basis point decline in gross profit margin

Grainger's Q2 2024 results demonstrate resilience in a challenging economic environment. The company reported a 3.1% increase in sales to $4.3 billion, with a 5.1% growth on a daily, organic constant currency basis. This growth, while modest, is commendable given the current market conditions.

The adjusted diluted EPS of $9.76, up 5.2% year-over-year, shows the company's ability to maintain profitability. However, the 40 basis point decrease in adjusted operating margin to 15.4% warrants attention. This decline, attributed to investments in demand-generating activities and distribution center expansion, may pressure profitability in the short term but could drive future growth.

Grainger's narrowed 2024 guidance suggests cautious optimism. The company now expects daily, organic constant currency sales growth of 4.0% to 6.0% and adjusted diluted EPS of $38.00 to $39.50. This tightened range indicates increased confidence in their forecasts, but also reflects the ongoing economic uncertainties.

The company's strong cash flow generation and shareholder returns are positive signs. With $411 million in operating cash flow and $345 million returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, Grainger demonstrates financial strength and commitment to shareholder value.

Overall, while facing headwinds, Grainger's performance suggests a stable business model with potential for growth as economic conditions improve.

Grainger's Q2 results offer valuable insights into the industrial supply market. The 3.7% daily, organic constant currency growth in the High-Touch Solutions - N.A. segment indicates a broad-based recovery across most customer end markets. This suggests a gradual improvement in industrial activity, despite ongoing economic challenges.

The Endless Assortment segment's performance is particularly noteworthy. With 11.7% daily, constant currency growth, it outpaces the company's overall growth rate. The strong performance among core B2B customers at Zoro and Enterprise customers at MonotaRO highlights the increasing importance of e-commerce in the industrial supply chain. However, the decline in non-core customers at Zoro warrants monitoring, as it could indicate shifting market dynamics or increased competition in the space.

Grainger's stable gross profit margin of 39.3% amidst inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions is commendable. It suggests effective pricing strategies and strong supplier relationships. The company's continued investment in demand-generating activities and distribution center expansion, while impacting short-term margins, positions Grainger well for future market share gains.

The narrowed guidance range for 2024 reflects a cautious yet optimistic outlook. It suggests that while the industrial supply market is recovering, uncertainties remain. Companies in this sector will need to balance growth investments with operational efficiency to navigate the evolving landscape successfully.

Operational execution driving resilient performance;
Company narrows 2024 earnings outlook

Second Quarter Highlights

  • Delivered sales of $4.3 billion, up 3.1%, or 5.1% on a daily, organic constant currency basis
  • Achieved reported operating margin of 15.1%, down 70 basis points, or 15.4% on an adjusted basis, down 40 basis points
  • Generated diluted EPS of $9.51 on a reported basis, up 2.5%, or $9.76 on an adjusted basis, up 5.2%
  • Produced $411 million in operating cash flow and returned $345 million to Grainger shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
  • Narrowing most 2024 total Company guidance ranges, including daily, organic constant currency sales growth of 4.0% to 6.0% and adjusted diluted EPS of $38.00 to $39.50

CHICAGO, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW) today reported results for the second quarter of 2024 with sales of $4.3 billion, up 3.1%, or 5.1% on a daily, organic constant currency basis, and adjusted diluted EPS of $9.76, up 5.2% compared to the second quarter of 2023. 

"I'm proud of our team for providing a flawless experience and creating tangible value for our customers. Amidst the backdrop of a slow, but generally stable demand environment, we focused on what matters and produced another quarter of solid results," said D.G. Macpherson, Chairman and CEO. "As we look to the second half of the year, I'm confident in our ability to execute well and deliver results for all stakeholders." 

2024 Second Quarter Financial Summary

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Q2 2024

Q2 2023

Q2'24 vs. Q2'23

Fav. / (Unfav.)


Reported

Adjusted(1)

Reported

Adjusted

Reported

Adjusted

Net Sales

$4,312

$4,312

$4,182

$4,182

3.1 %

3.1 %

Gross Profit

$1,694

$1,694

$1,644

$1,644

3.0 %

3.0 %

Operating Earnings

$649

$665

$661

$661

(1.8) %

0.6 %

Net Earnings Attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.

$470

$482

$470

$470

— %

2.6 %

Diluted Earnings Per Share

$9.51

$9.76

$9.28

$9.28

2.5 %

5.2 %








Gross Profit Margin

39.3 %

39.3 %

39.3 %

39.3 %

0 bps

0 bps

Operating Margin

15.1 %

15.4 %

15.8 %

15.8 %

(70) bps

(40) bps

Effective Tax Rate

22.9 %

22.9 %

24.0 %

24.0 %

110 bps

110 bps

(1) Results exclude restructuring costs incurred in the second quarter of 2024. See the supplemental information of this release
    for a reconciliation of adjusted and non-GAAP financial measures.

Revenue
Sales in the quarter, on a reported and daily basis, increased 3.1% compared to the second quarter of 2023. Normalizing for the impact of foreign currency exchange and the Company's 2023 divestiture of its subsidiary, E & R Industrial Sales, Inc., sales on a daily, organic constant currency basis increased 5.1% compared to the second quarter of 2023.

In the High-Touch Solutions - N.A. segment, sales, on a reported and daily basis, were up 3.1%, or up 3.7% on a daily, organic constant currency basis, compared to the second quarter of 2023. Revenue growth for the segment was driven by increased volume in all geographies and included broad-based gains across most customer end markets. In the Endless Assortment segment, daily sales were up 3.3%, or 11.7% on a daily, constant currency basis, compared to the second quarter of 2023. Revenue growth for the segment was driven by core B2B customers at Zoro and strong performance across MonotaRO, most notably with Enterprise customers. This growth was partially offset by the continued decrease in non-core customers at Zoro.

Gross Profit Margin
Gross profit margin of 39.3% in the second quarter of 2024 was flat to the second quarter of 2023. 

In the High-Touch Solutions - N.A. segment,  2024 second quarter gross profit margin of 41.7% was flat over the prior year quarter as various factors offset in the period. In the Endless Assortment segment, gross profit margin declined by 20 basis points from the second quarter of 2023 driven primarily by product and customer mix headwinds. 

Earnings
For the second quarter of 2024, total company reported operating earnings were $649 million, down 1.8% compared to the second quarter of 2023. Reported operating margin in the quarter was 15.1%, a 70-basis point decrease from the second quarter of 2023. On an adjusted basis, which removes restructuring costs incurred in the period, operating earnings for the quarter were $665 million, up 0.6% over the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted operating margin was 15.4%, a 40 basis point decrease over the second quarter of 2023, driven by continued investment in demand-generating activities and distribution center network expansion.

Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2024 were $9.51 on a reported basis, up 2.5% compared to the second quarter of 2023. On an adjusted basis, diluted earnings per share were $9.76, up 5.2% versus the second quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by sales growth, fewer shares outstanding and a lower tax rate.

Tax Rate
The second quarter 2024 effective tax rate was 22.9%, compared to 24.0% in the second quarter of 2023. The lower effective tax rate was primarily due to an increase in tax credits over the prior year quarter.

Cash Flow
During the second quarter of 2024, the Company generated $411 million of cash flow from operating activities, as solid net earnings were partially offset by unfavorable working capital. The Company invested $76 million in capital expenditures, resulting in free cash flow of $335 million. During the quarter, the Company returned $345 million to Grainger shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Guidance
The Company is providing the following updated total company 2024 guidance, including a narrowed earnings outlook.  

Total Company(1)

Previous 2024 Guidance Range

(as of April 25, 2024)

Updated 2024 Guidance Range

(as of August 1, 2024)

Net Sales

$17.2 - $17.7 billion

$17.0 - $17.3 billion

   Sales Growth

4.3% - 7.3%

3.2% - 5.2%

   Daily, organic constant currency sales growth

4.0% - 7.0%

4.0% - 6.0%

Gross Profit Margin

39.1% - 39.4%

39.2% - 39.4%

Operating Margin

15.3% - 15.8%

15.3% - 15.7%

Diluted Earnings per Share

$38.00 - $40.50

$38.00 - $39.50

Operating Cash Flow

$1.9 - $2.1 billion

$1.95 - $2.15 billion

CapEx (cash basis)

$0.4 - $0.5 billion

$0.4 - $0.475 billion

Share Buyback

$0.9 - $1.1 billion

$1.0 - $1.2 billion

Effective Tax Rate

~24.0%

~24.0%




Segment Operating Margin



High-Touch Solutions - N.A.

17.4% - 17.9%

17.4% - 17.8%

Endless Assortment

7.3% - 7.8%

7.6% - 8.0%

(1) Guidance provided is on an adjusted basis. Daily, organic constant currency sales growth is adjusted for the impact of two
     additional selling days in 2024 as compared to 2023, the sale of the Company's divested E & R Industrial Sales, Inc.
     subsidiary completed in the fourth quarter of 2023, and changes in foreign 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 Thursday, August 1, 2024, to discuss the second quarter results. The webcast 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. 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 delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, the Company operates 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 13 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 22 million products. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

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

Safe Harbor Statement
All statements in this communication, other than those relating to historical facts, are "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by their use of terms such as "believe," "could," "future," "guidance," "may," "predict," "prospects," "will," or "would," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future strategic plans and future financial and operating results. 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; the impact of macroeconomic pressures and geopolitical trends, changes and events; 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; 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 tariffs and trade issues and policies; foreign 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; outbreaks of pandemic disease or viral contagions; 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 employees; loss of key members of management or key employees; loss of operational flexibility and potential for work stoppages or slowdowns if employees 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 that can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent periodic reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which are available on our Investor Relations website. Forward-looking statements are given only as of the date of this communication and we disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, 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 share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)











Three Months Ended
June 30,


Six Months Ended
June 30,


2024


2023


2024


2023

Net sales

$      4,312


$      4,182


$      8,547


$     8,273

Cost of goods sold

2,618


2,538


5,185


4,995

Gross profit

1,694


1,644


3,362


3,278

Selling, general and administrative expenses

1,045


983


2,044


1,937

Operating earnings

649


661


1,318


1,341

Other (income) expense:








Interest expense – net

20


24


41


48

Other – net

(7)


(8)


(14)


(14)

Total other expense – net

13


16


27


34

Earnings before income taxes

636


645


1,291


1,307

Income tax provision

146


155


304


309

Net earnings

490


490


987


998

Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

20


20


39


40

Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.

$        470


$        470


$        948


$       958









Earnings per share:








Basic

$       9.54


$       9.32


$      19.20


$     18.98

Diluted

$       9.51


$       9.28


$      19.13


$     18.89

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:








Basic

49.0


50.1


49.1


50.2

Diluted

49.2


50.3


49.3


50.4

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions of dollars)
(Unaudited)



As of


(Unaudited)



Assets

June 30, 2024


December 31, 2023

Current assets




Cash and cash equivalents

$                                 769


$                                 660

Accounts receivable (less allowances for credit
losses of $37 and $35, respectively)

2,344


2,192

Inventories – net

2,169


2,266

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

239


156

Total current assets

5,521


5,274

Property, buildings and equipment – net

1,667


1,658

Goodwill

360


370

Intangibles – net

237


234

Operating lease right-of-use

396


429

Other assets

171


182

Total assets

$                              8,352


$                              8,147





Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity




Current liabilities




Current maturities

$                                 505


$                                   34

Trade accounts payable

1,106


954

Accrued compensation and benefits

254


327

Operating lease liability

72


71

Accrued expenses

424


397

Income taxes payable

36


48

Total current liabilities

2,397


1,831

Long-term debt

1,783


2,266

Long-term operating lease liability

352


381

Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties

117


104

Other non-current liabilities

116


124

Shareholders' equity

3,587


3,441

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$                              8,352


$                              8,147

 

 W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions of dollars)
(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended
June 30,


Six Months Ended
June 30,


2024


2023(1)


2024


2023(1)

Cash flows from operating activities:








Net earnings

$         490


$         490


$         987


$         998

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:








Provision for credit losses

6


5


12


9

Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties

17


7


15


17

Depreciation and amortization

60


52


116


102

Non-cash lease expense

20


21


41


38

Stock-based compensation

23


19


34


31

Change in operating assets and liabilities:








Accounts receivable

(42)


(141)


(205)


(303)

Inventories

(5)


24


71


28

Prepaid expenses and other assets

43


19


(42)


93

Trade accounts payable

(18)


94


184


147

Operating lease liabilities

(24)


(21)


(47)


(42)

Accrued liabilities

17


24


(18)


(169)

Income taxes – net

(169)


(130)


(62)


(28)

Other non-current liabilities

(7)


(13)


(14)


(17)

Net cash provided by operating activities

411


450


1,072


904

Cash flows from investing activities:








Capital expenditures

(76)


(95)


(195)


(193)

Proceeds from sale of assets



1


2

Other – net

17



17


Net cash used in investing activities

(59)


(95)


(177)


(191)

Cash flows from financing activities:








Proceeds from debt

2



3


6

Payments of debt



(17)


(18)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

1


5


10


28

Payments for employee taxes withheld from stock awards

(30)


(26)


(40)


(29)

Purchases of treasury stock

(244)


(171)


(512)


(313)

Cash dividends paid

(101)


(107)


(206)


(194)

Other – net


2


(1)


(1)

Net cash used in financing activities

(372)


(297)


(763)


(521)

Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents

(15)


(4)


(23)


(2)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

(35)


54


109


190

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

804


461


660


325

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$         769


$         515


$         769


$         515



(1)

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation of Grainger's Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The reclassifications had no impact on previously reported results including net cash provided
by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

 

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 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 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 months ended June 30, 2024
(percent change compared to prior year period)
(unaudited)



Q2 2024


Total Company

High-Touch Solutions - N.A.

Endless Assortment

Reported sales

3.1 %

3.1 %

3.3 %

Day impact

— %

— %

— %

Daily sales(1)

3.1 %

3.1 %

3.3 %

Business divestiture(2)

0.5 %

0.6 %

— %

Foreign currency exchange(3)

1.5 %

— %

8.4 %

Daily, organic constant currency
sales

5.1 %

3.7 %

11.7 %



(1)

Based on U.S. selling days, there were 64 selling days in Q2 2024 and Q2 2023.

(2)

Reflects the divestiture of Grainger's subsidiary, E & R Industrial Sales, Inc., completed 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 months ended June 30, 2024
(in millions of dollars)
(unaudited)



Q2 2024

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

$                                                  411

Capital expenditures

(76)

Free cash flow

$                                                  335

 

Income statement adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
(in millions of dollars)
(unaudited)



Q2 2024


Reported


Adjusted(2) 


Reported


Adjusted


Reported


Adjustment(1)


Adjusted


% of Net sales


Y/Y

Earnings reconciliation:



























SG&A

$   (1,045)


$                 16


$   (1,029)


24.2 %


23.9 %


6.3 %


4.7 %

Operating earnings

649


16


665


15.1


15.4


(1.8)


0.6

Other expense — net

(13)



(13)


0.3


0.3


(18.8)


(18.8)

Income tax provision(3)

(146)


(4)


(150)


3.4


3.4


(5.8)


(3.2)

Net earnings

490


12


502


11.4


11.7



2.4

Noncontrolling
interest(4)

(20)



(20)


0.5


0.5



Net earnings attributable
to W.W. Grainger, Inc.

$       470


$                 12


$       482


10.9 %


11.2 %


— %


2.6 %















Diluted earnings per
share:

$      9.51


0.25


$      9.76






2.5 %


5.2 %

 


Q2 2023


Reported


Adjusted(2) 


Reported


Adjusted


Reported


Adjustment(1)


Adjusted


% of Net sales


Y/Y

Earnings reconciliation:



























SG&A

$      (983)


$                  —


$     (983)


23.5 %


23.5 %


8.4 %


8.4 %

Operating earnings

661



661


15.8


15.8


23.5


23.5

Other expense — net

(16)



(16)


0.4


0.4


(5.1)


(5.1)

Income tax provision(3)

(155)



(155)


3.7


3.7


20.1


20.1

Net earnings

490



490


11.7


11.7


25.9


25.9

Noncontrolling
interest(4)

(20)



(20)


0.5


0.5


12.1


12.1

Net earnings attributable
to W.W. Grainger, Inc.

$       470


$                  —


$       470


11.2 %


11.2 %


26.5 %


26.5 %















Diluted earnings per
share:

$      9.28



$      9.28






29.1 %


29.1 %



(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. There were no non-GAAP adjustments for the second quarter of 2023.

(2)

Calculated on the basis of reported net sales for the second quarter of 2024 and 2023.

(3)

Reflects a tax benefit related to the restructuring costs incurred in the second quarter of 2024. The Company's reported and adjusted effective tax rates
were 22.9% and 24.0% for the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

(4)

The Company has a controlling ownership interest in MonotaRO, with the residual representing noncontrolling interest.

 

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grainger-reports-results-for-the-second-quarter-2024-302211655.html

SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc.

FAQ

What were Grainger's (GWW) Q2 2024 sales and EPS results?

Grainger reported Q2 2024 sales of $4.3 billion, up 3.1%, and adjusted diluted EPS of $9.76, up 5.2% compared to Q2 2023.

How did Grainger's (GWW) operating margin perform in Q2 2024?

Grainger's reported operating margin was 15.1%, down 70 basis points, while adjusted operating margin was 15.4%, down 40 basis points compared to Q2 2023.

What is Grainger's (GWW) updated 2024 guidance for sales growth and EPS?

Grainger narrowed its 2024 guidance, projecting daily, organic constant currency sales growth of 4.0% to 6.0% and adjusted diluted EPS of $38.00 to $39.50.

How much cash did Grainger (GWW) return to shareholders in Q2 2024?

Grainger returned $345 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in Q2 2024.

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

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