GWW · Analysis updated Nov 4, 2026, 4:12 PM ET

Why is W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) stock moving?

Grainger's third-quarter sales rose 11.3% to $5.18 billion, or 14.9% after adjusting for its U.K. exit, currency and selling days, a sharp speed-up from earlier quarters. Adjusted earnings of $12.54 a share (+22.8%) beat the roughly $11.67 expected, and adjusted operating margin widened to 16.1%. The company raised its 2026 outlook to $47.00-48.00 of adjusted earnings per share (from $45.50-47.25) and $19.8-20.0 billion of sales (from $19.4-19.7 billion). Free cash flow was $546 million in the quarter. The stock touched a record $1,521.41 and closed up about 6.5% at $1,489.

News behind the analysis

GRAINGER REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER 2026
PR Newswire · Nov 3, 2026
Sales $5.18B (+11.3%; +14.9% organic daily constant currency); adjusted EPS $12.54; 2026 outlook raised.
W.W. Grainger's (NYSE:GWW) Q3 2026 sales top estimates, full-year outlook slightly exceeds expectations
StockStory · Nov 3, 2026
Sales and EPS above estimates; full-year outlook slightly above consensus.
Grainger Q3 2026 slides: robust growth drives raised outlook
Investing.com · Nov 3, 2026
Raised 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $47.00-48.00 and sales to $19.8-20.0B.
WW Grainger Shares Surge Following Recent Market Activity
Investing.com · Nov 3, 2026
Shares surged during the session after the report.

In the Daily Standout

November 4, 2026: on the shortlist +6.54%

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