BUZZ—WW Grainger stock rises as it raises its annual profit forecast and quarterly results beat market expectations

November 4 - ** WW Grainger (GWW.N) shares rose 2% in pre-market trading to $1,427.01 after announcing its third-quarter earnings report

** The tool manufacturer raised its adjusted earnings per share guidance for fiscal 2026 from $45.50–$47.25 to $47–$48; revenue guidance was increased from $19.4–$19.7 billion to $19.8–$20 billion

** According to data from London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), third-quarter adjusted earnings per share were $12.54, higher than the analysts’ average estimate of $11.67

** Third-quarter revenue was $5.18 billion, exceeding the $5.08 billion expectation

** “High-touch solutions” North America business sales jumped 13.8%; “Endless Assortment” sales increased 11.9%

** Adjusted operating profit margin was 16.1%, up 90 basis points year-on-year

** GWW returned $396 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

** As of the previous trading day’s close, the stock was up about 39% year-to-date

(To assist non-English speakers, Reuters automatically translates its report into several other languages. As automated translation may contain errors or fail to capture the required context, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of automated translations, which are provided solely for readers’ convenience. Reuters assumes no responsibility for any damage or losses resulting from the use of the automated translation function.)