W.W. Grainger, Inc. - GWW STOCK NEWS

Grainger reported Q1 2021 sales of $3.1 billion, reflecting a 2.8% increase year-over-year, with organic growth of 5.9%. Operating margins expanded by 630 basis points, while earnings per share rose to $4.48, a 40% increase compared to the previous year. The company generated $294 million in operating cash flow and returned $256 million to shareholders. For 2021, Grainger anticipates net sales between $12.7 and $13.0 billion, with earnings per share expected to range from $19.00 to $20.50.

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW) held its annual shareholder meeting virtually on April 28, 2021, due to COVID-19. Chairman and CEO DG Macpherson discussed a recent re-segmentation to align financial reporting with two business models and emphasized the company's corporate responsibility framework known as the Grainger Edge. Shareholders elected 13 directors and ratified Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditor for 2021. An advisory say on pay resolution for executive compensation was also approved. Grainger reported $11.8 billion in sales for 2020, establishing its position as North America's leading MRO supplier.

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) announced a 6% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $1.62 per share, marking the 50th consecutive year of dividend increases. The dividend will be paid on June 1, 2021, to shareholders recorded by May 10, 2021. Additionally, the company authorized a new share repurchase program for up to 5 million shares, with no expiration date, replacing the previous program. Since 1984, Grainger has reduced its shares outstanding by over 50%.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW) announced the appointment of Julie Myerholtz as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Myerholtz, with over 20 years of experience in information security and enterprise risk management, will lead Grainger's cybersecurity strategy and collaborate on information security matters company-wide. Her previous role was CISO at First Solar. Grainger, a leading supplier of MRO products, reported sales of $11.8 billion in 2020 and continues to invest in digital capabilities to enhance customer service.

W.W. Grainger has announced a slate of 13 nominees for its Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 term, including 12 current members and one new nominee, Katherine D. Jaspon. Ms. Jaspon has significant experience as the CFO of Dunkin' & Baskin Robbins at Inspire Brands, which generates about $12 billion in annual sales. Grainger reported $11.8 billion in sales for 2020 and is a leading supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products in North America, Japan, and Europe. Shareholders will vote on the nominees at the annual meeting scheduled for April 28, 2021.

Grainger reported a strong financial performance for 2020, achieving $11.8 billion in sales, up 2.7% year-over-year. Q4 sales reached $2.9 billion, also up 3.3%. Operating earnings for the year totaled $1.0 billion, with an adjusted figure of $1.3 billion. The reported operating margin improved to 9.4% in Q4, and cash flow stood at $1.1 billion. Despite challenges, Grainger gained market share in the U.S. and showed resilience through cost control. The company will not provide 2021 guidance amid pandemic uncertainty.

The board of directors of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) has declared a cash dividend of $1.53 per share, payable on March 1, 2021. Shareholders of record will be as of February 8, 2021. Grainger reported $11.5 billion in sales for 2019 and is recognized as North America's leading supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products, with operations in North America, Japan, and Europe.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW) has announced key executive appointments effective immediately. Deidra (Dee) Merriwether has been named Chief Financial Officer, previously serving as SVP and President of North American Sales and Services. Paige Robbins becomes SVP and President of the Grainger Business Unit, overseeing operations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The company aims to enhance customer solutions and drive profitable growth through a new organizational structure that integrates its sales and service functions. These changes emphasize Grainger's commitment to customer engagement and operational efficiency.

Grainger (NYSE: GWW) announced the appointment of Robert O'Keef as interim CFO, effective January 1, 2021. This change follows Tom Okray's resignation to pursue another opportunity. O'Keef, who joined Grainger in 2018, holds extensive financial experience, previously overseeing areas like Treasury and Financial Planning. CEO DG Macpherson expressed confidence in O'Keef's leadership during the transition and highlighted his contributions to maintaining liquidity during the pandemic. Grainger reported $11.5 billion in sales for 2019, emphasizing its strong market position in MRO products.