W.W. Grainger's Earnings Outlook
W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW) is gearing up to announce its quarterly earnings on Tuesday, 2026-02-03. Here's a quick overview of what investors should know before the release.
Analysts are estimating that W.W. Grainger will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $9.45.
Investors in W.W. Grainger are eagerly awaiting the company's announcement, hoping for news of surpassing estimates and positive guidance for the next quarter.
It's worth noting for new investors that stock prices can be heavily influenced by future projections rather than just past performance.
Earnings Track Record
Last quarter the company beat EPS by $0.27, which was followed by a 0.0% drop in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at W.W. Grainger's past performance and the resulting price change:
| Quarter | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Estimate | 9.94 | 10.04 | 9.49 | 9.74 |
| EPS Actual | 10.21 | 9.97 | 9.86 | 9.71 |
| Price Change % | 2.00 | -10.00 | 1.00 | -6.00 |
Tracking W.W. Grainger's Stock Performance
Shares of W.W. Grainger were trading at $1079.94 as of January 29. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 3.58%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders should be satisfied going into this earnings release.
Analyst Views on W.W. Grainger
Understanding market sentiments and expectations within the industry is crucial for investors. This analysis delves into the latest insights on W.W. Grainger.
A total of 5 analyst ratings have been received for W.W. Grainger, with the consensus rating being Neutral. The average one-year price target stands at $1080.0, suggesting a potential 0.2% downside.
Analyzing Ratings Among Peers
The following analysis focuses on the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Ferguson Enterprises, Fastenal and United Rentals, three prominent industry players, providing insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
- Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for Ferguson Enterprises, with an average 1-year price target of $266.62, suggesting a potential 75.36% downside.
- Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Fastenal, with an average 1-year price target of $44.0, suggesting a potential 95.93% downside.
- Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for United Rentals, with an average 1-year price target of $1020.78, suggesting a potential 5.68% downside.
Comprehensive Peer Analysis Summary
Within the peer analysis summary, vital metrics for Ferguson Enterprises, Fastenal and United Rentals are presented, shedding light on their respective standings within the industry and offering valuable insights into their market positions and comparative performance.
| Company | Consensus | Revenue Growth | Gross Profit | Return on Equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W.W. Grainger | Neutral | 6.13% | $1.80B | 8.13% |
| Ferguson Enterprises | Outperform | 5.11% | $2.51B | 9.59% |
| Fastenal | Neutral | -4.96% | $965.80M | 7.50% |
| United Rentals | Outperform | 2.76% | $1.59B | 7.27% |
Key Takeaway:
W.W. Grainger ranks in the middle for consensus rating. It is at the bottom for revenue growth. It is at the top for gross profit. It is in the middle for return on equity.
Discovering W.W. Grainger: A Closer Look
Founded in 1927, W.W. Grainger originally distributed various motors via a mail-order catalogue. Over the course of the 20th century, the firm expanded into new industrial product categories and launched its first digital catalogue in 1995. Today, the company organizes itself into two segments focused on different customer bases. Its larger segment, high-touch solutions, offers a vast array of maintenance, repair, and operations, or MRO, supplies and bespoke inventory management services to larger businesses. Its smaller segment, endless assortment, operates two online platforms, Zoro and MonotaRO, that offer comprehensive catalogues of MRO supplies to smaller businesses. Grainger has operations throughout the world but primarily generates sales within the US.
Understanding the Numbers: W.W. Grainger's Finances
Market Capitalization Analysis: With a profound presence, the company's market capitalization is above industry averages. This reflects substantial size and strong market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, W.W. Grainger showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 6.13% as of 30 September, 2025. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Industrials sector.
Net Margin: W.W. Grainger's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 6.31%, the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): W.W. Grainger's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 8.13% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): W.W. Grainger's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 3.31%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: W.W. Grainger's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.76, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
To track all earnings releases for W.W. Grainger visit their earnings calendar on our site.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.