W.W. Grainger, Inc.
W.W. Grainger, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions North America and Endless Assortment. It provides safet…
What to know about GWW
W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a large Industrials company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on health and size, but cash flow is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider GWW?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a large-cap Industrials company with a mixed overall financial profile — it is in the lower half of its Industrials peers (52 of 75).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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The stock trades at a premium — investors are paying more per dollar of earnings than most S&P 500 companies. That's fine if strong growth justifies it, but leaves little room for disappointment.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.01%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Volatility is close to the S&P 500 average — typical market swings, nothing unusual.
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Analyst sentiment is cautious and short interest is relatively elevated — meaning some professional investors are actively betting the price will fall. Worth understanding why.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Industrials sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how GWW compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 36.56 | Below avg |
| Forward P/E | 27.10 | Below avg |
| PEG Ratio | 2.07 | Average |
| Price to Sales | 3.51 | Average |
| Price to Book | 16.41 | Below avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 21.01 | Average |
| Earnings Yield | 2.74% | Below avg |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 39.15% | Average |
| Operating Margin | 16.72% | Average |
| Net Profit Margin | 9.70% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 46.13% | Top 25% |
| Return on Invested Capital | 19.51% | Top 25% |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 10.10% | Above avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 5.62% | Above avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 18.20% | Above avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | -15.22% | Below avg |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 2.69 | Top 25% |
| Debt to Equity | 0.64 | Above avg |
| Interest Coverage | 31.00 | Top 25% |
| Altman Z-Score | 13.76 | Top 25% |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | Below avg |
| Payout Ratio | 24.31% | Above avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -5.76% | Above avg |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 2.14% | Below avg |
| OCF to Sales | 11.47% | Below avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 1.05 | Average |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 23.90% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 3.18% | Above avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.78 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | -6.61% | Below avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 64.47B | Above avg |
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