WW Grainger beats quarterly profit expectations on higher pricing, e-commerce sales

Oct 31 (Reuters) - WW Grainger GWW.N on Friday beat third-quarter profit estimates, helped by higher pricing for its industrial tools and equipment and strong sales from its online businesses.

The toolmaker's largest segment, High Touch Solutions, saw a 3.4% sales increase, driven by pricing gains as tariff-related costs were passed on to North American businesses. This segment provides pumps, plumbing equipment, metalworking and hand tools.

Grainger also benefitted from an 18.2% rise in its Endless Assortment segment, driven by its e-commerce platforms Zoro and MonotaRO, catering to small businesses in the U.S. and Japan, respectively.

The Lake Forest, Illinois-based company narrowed its 2025 earnings forecast while maintaining a midpoint of roughly $39.38 per share.

The annual gross profit margin outlook, however, was raised, with the new range set at 38.9% to 39.1%, compared to the earlier forecast of 38.6% to 38.9%.

Grainger posted quarterly adjusted profit of $10.21 per share, beating expectations of $9.95, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Total revenue for the quarter ended September 30 was $4.66 billion, up 6.1% from a year earlier.