Grainger posts strong Q3 2026 results and lifts full‑year earnings outlook

W.W. Grainger reported third‑quarter 2026 sales of $5.2 billion and adjusted diluted EPS of $12.54, both beating expectations. The company said operating margin rose to 16.0% on a reported basis and 16.1% on an adjusted basis. Management raised its full‑year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $47.00‑$48.00.

The earnings beat and higher outlook suggest stronger profitability and cash generation, which may support a higher share price. The raised EPS range gives investors a new benchmark for evaluating Grainger’s performance through year‑end.

  • 1Delivered sales of $5.2 billion, up 11.3% year‑over‑year on a reported basis.
  • 2Sales grew 14.9% on a daily, organic constant‑currency basis year‑over‑year.
  • 3Adjusted diluted EPS of $12.54, up 22.8% year‑over‑year.
  • 4Operating margin was 16.0% on a reported basis, up 500 basis points year‑over‑year.
  • 5Adjusted operating margin was 16.1%, up 90 basis points year‑over‑year.
  • 6Operating cash flow was $661 million.

Sources