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Mar 31, 2021

Grainger Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Reported strong revenue and earnings growth with full year guidance provided as economic trends improved.

Key Takeaways

Grainger reported a strong first quarter in 2021, with sales of $3.1 billion, up 2.8% from Q1 2020. The company's performance was driven by strong results in both the High-Touch Solutions North America and Endless Assortment segments. Given the strong performance in the first quarter, the company is now providing guidance for the full year.

Delivered sales of $3.1 billion, up 2.8%, and up 5.9% on an organic, daily, constant currency basis compared to the first quarter 2020.

Expanded reported and adjusted operating margins by 630 and 20 basis points, respectively.

Generated $294 million in operating cash flow and returned $256 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Provides full year guidance: Total company daily revenue growth of 8.5-11.0% and earnings per share of $19.00-20.50.

Total Revenue
$3.08B
Previous year: $3B
+2.8%
EPS
$4.48
Previous year: $4.24
+5.7%
Gross Profit
$1.09B
Previous year: $1.12B
-2.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$562M
Previous year: $1.49B
-62.3%
Free Cash Flow
$221M
Previous year: $244M
-9.4%
Total Assets
$6.33B
Previous year: $7.18B
-11.8%

Grainger

Grainger

Forward Guidance

Company provides full year guidance: Total company daily revenue growth of 8.5-11.0% and earnings per share of $19.00-20.50.

Positive Outlook

  • Net Sales: $12.7 - 13.0 billion
  • Daily growth: 8.5 - 11.0%
  • Organic, daily growth: 10.0 - 12.5%
  • Gross Profit Margin: 36.1 - 36.6%
  • Operating Margin: 11.8 - 12.4%

Challenges Ahead

  • Earnings per Share: $19.00 - 20.50
  • Operating Cash Flow: $1.0 - 1.2 billion
  • CapEx (cash basis): $225 - 275 million
  • Share Buyback: $600 - 700 million
  • Tax Rate: 25.0 - 26.0%