W. W. Grainger (GWW)
NYSEIndustrialsIndustrial - DistributionSnapshot 2026-08-31
Reading GWW? Create a free portfolio, then add this holding for ongoing Reports and tracking. Track it in a free portfolio. No credit card.
Create your account →NYSEIndustrialsIndustrial - DistributionSnapshot 2026-08-31
Reading GWW? Create a free portfolio, then add this holding for ongoing Reports and tracking. Track it in a free portfolio. No credit card.
Create your account →Warn: Primary pillar under pressure — EPS near $45.25 in 2026: EPS guidance low $45.50 vs $44.25 target.
Grainger grows revenue about 8.6% a year, reaching nearly $19.5 billion in 2026. Profit margins stay strong near 16%, supported by operating margin guidance of 15.6% to 16.0%. EPS rises to about $45.25 in 2026, reflecting solid execution. Free cash flow remains healthy around $2.3 billion, enabling steady investment and returns.
Earnings pressure could reduce EPS growth below guidance. Revenue growth might slow below 8%, hurting profit margins. Rising costs or weaker demand could compress free cash flow and margins.
The market prices in about 9% revenue growth and expects EPS near $45.6 for 2026. Our view aligns with consensus growth but notes the stock trades about 31% above our valuation model, suggesting stretched expectations.
Breaks if: EPS falls below $44.25 in FY26
Breaks if: Free cash flow falls below $2.125 billion in FY26
Breaks if: Operating margin falls below 15.6% in FY26
This is not a price target or investment advice.
A long-form read on the 1–3 year hold thesis. It updates when the weekly evidence changes.
This investment represents a durable compounder with a focus on steady revenue and earnings growth. The current thesis state is stable, supported by consistent management execution and positive financial results.
The market appears to have priced in a neutral valuation, with expectations slightly above average compared to peers. There is a low expectations gap, indicating that the current performance is largely in line with what investors anticipate.
Fundamentals are likely to continue improving, as management has consistently raised revenue and earnings guidance. Recent financial performance has been strong, although there is a moderate risk of a miss, given the company's history.
The thesis hinges on the performance of sector bellwethers like FAST, FERG, and WCC. If these companies continue to perform well, it could support GWW's momentum, but any negative shifts could impact its outlook.
The most important moves since the prior daily snapshot.
Mixed, the news cuts both ways. The latest earnings beat and raised revenue guidance support the read. However, concerns about increasing EPS guidance pose a threat to the outlook.
as of 2026-08-31
Review the evidence to watch, what would become a concern, and what would make it less concerning.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Breaks if: Annual revenue falls below $19.2 billion in FY26
Overall, GWW's setup is solid, with management on track to meet its guidance. Not investment advice.