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WW Grainger Inc (GWW)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/12/2025: GWW (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $1040.62
1 Year Target Price $1040.62
3 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
13 | Hold |
2 | Sell |
1 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 27.58% | Avg. Invested days 52 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 48.03B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 25.45 | 1Y Target Price 1040.62 |
Price to earnings Ratio 25.45 | 1Y Target Price 1040.62 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 20 | Beta 1.18 | 52 Weeks Range 889.92 - 1219.65 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 889.92 - 1219.65 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.83% | Basic EPS (TTM) 39.46 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 11% | Operating Margin (TTM) 14.89% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 19.55% | Return on Equity (TTM) 52.41% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 25.45 | Forward PE 22.88 | Enterprise Value 50158442910 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.75 |
Enterprise Value 50158442910 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.75 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.87 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 17.1 | Shares Outstanding 47832200 | Shares Floating 43814814 |
Shares Outstanding 47832200 | Shares Floating 43814814 | ||
Percent Insiders 6.16 | Percent Institutions 74.45 |
Upturn AI SWOT
WW Grainger Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
W.W. Grainger, Inc. was founded in 1927 by William Wallace Grainger. Initially focused on wholesale electric motor sales, it has evolved into a leading broad line distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products and services. The company has expanded through acquisitions and organic growth, becoming a major player in the industrial supply market.
Core Business Areas
- High-Touch Solutions N.A.: Offers a comprehensive MRO product portfolio and value-added services to large and mid-sized businesses in North America. Includes Grainger branches and sales teams.
- Endless Assortment: Provides a wide selection of products through online channels, targeting small to medium-sized businesses and individual customers. Operates under the Zoro and MonotaRO brands.
- High-Touch Solutions International: Distributes MRO products outside of North America, including Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Leadership and Structure
DG Macpherson serves as Chairman and CEO. The company has a hierarchical structure with various functional departments and business units reporting to senior management.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Market Share (%): 5.3
- Safety Supplies: Includes personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and safety glasses. Grainger has a significant market share in this segment. Competitors include Fastenal, MSC Industrial Direct and Amazon Business.
- Market Share (%): 3.1
- Material Handling Equipment: Offers products like carts, conveyors, and hoists. This is a substantial revenue generator for Grainger. Competitors include Fastenal, MSC Industrial Direct and Amazon Business.
- Market Share (%): 2.9
- Pumps: Offers a wide range of industrial pumps. Competitors include Fastenal, MSC Industrial Direct and Amazon Business.
- Hand Tools: Offers a wide range of Hand Tools. Competitors include Fastenal, MSC Industrial Direct and Amazon Business.
- Market Share (%): 2.8
- Market Share (%): 2.8
- Power Tools: Offers a wide range of Power Tools. Competitors include Fastenal, MSC Industrial Direct and Amazon Business.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The MRO industry is characterized by a fragmented market with numerous suppliers and distributors. Key trends include e-commerce growth, supply chain optimization, and increasing demand for value-added services.
Positioning
Grainger is a leading distributor in the MRO market, known for its extensive product selection, strong supply chain, and established customer relationships. Its competitive advantage lies in its scale, brand reputation, and distribution network.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The North American MRO market is estimated to be worth around $200 billion. Grainger is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this TAM through its various business segments.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Extensive product selection
- Strong distribution network
- Established brand reputation
- Robust e-commerce platform
- Strong financial position
Weaknesses
- Exposure to economic cycles
- Reliance on key suppliers
- Potential for inventory obsolescence
- High operating costs
Opportunities
- Expanding e-commerce presence
- Acquiring smaller competitors
- Increasing market share in high-growth segments
- Offering value-added services
- Penetrating new geographic markets
Threats
- Increased competition from online retailers
- Fluctuations in raw material prices
- Disruptions in the supply chain
- Economic downturns
- Changing customer preferences
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- FAST
- MSC
- AMZN
Competitive Landscape
Grainger competes with a mix of large distributors, smaller regional players, and online retailers. Grainger's advantages include its scale, brand recognition, and established customer relationships. Grainger is a large company and has brand name recognition. However, Amazon is disrupting with lower prices.
Major Acquisitions
E&R Industrial Supply
- Year: 2013
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 335
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded Grainger's presence in the metalworking and machining industries.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Grainger has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by organic growth and acquisitions.
Future Projections: Analysts expect Grainger to continue to grow at a moderate pace, driven by e-commerce expansion and market share gains.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include investments in e-commerce, supply chain optimization, and customer service improvements.
Summary
WW Grainger is a well-established leader in the MRO distribution market with a strong brand and extensive network. Its focus on e-commerce and strategic acquisitions has fueled growth, but it faces increasing competition from online retailers and needs to manage its operating costs. The company's financial performance is solid, and it has a history of rewarding shareholders. Grainger needs to proactively adapt to evolving customer preferences to maintain its competitive edge.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC Filings
- Industry Reports
- Analyst Estimates
- Company Website
- Market Share Reports
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual due diligence and consultation with a financial professional. Market share data and TAM estimates may vary depending on the source and methodology.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About WW Grainger Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Lake Forest, IL, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1984-12-17 | Chairman & CEO Mr. Donald G. Macpherson | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Industrial Distribution | Full time employees 23500 | Website https://www.grainger.com |
Full time employees 23500 | Website https://www.grainger.com |
W.W. Grainger, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. It operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions North America and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools. It also offers technical support and inventory management services. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools. It also offers technical support and inventory management services. The company serves smaller businesses to large corporations, government entities, and other institutions, as well as commercial, healthcare, and manufacturing industries through sales and service representatives, and electronic and ecommerce channels. W.W. Grainger, Inc. was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois.

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