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Sep 30, 2023

Grainger Q3 2023 Earnings Report

Reported strong results driven by strategic initiatives and narrowed full-year 2023 guidance range.

Key Takeaways

Grainger reported a strong third quarter in 2023, with sales reaching $4.2 billion, a 6.7% increase, and diluted EPS of $9.43, up 14.1% compared to the third quarter of 2022. The company also narrowed its full-year guidance for daily sales growth to between 8.5% and 9.5% and diluted EPS to between $36.00 and $36.60.

Sales reached $4.2 billion, up 6.7% (8.7% on a daily, constant currency basis).

Operating earnings increased by 10.7% to $667 million, with an operating margin of 15.9%, a 60 basis point increase.

Diluted EPS increased by 14.1% to $9.43.

Operating cash flow was $523 million, with $287 million returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Total Revenue
$4.21B
Previous year: $3.94B
+6.7%
EPS
$9.43
Previous year: $8.27
+14.0%
Gross Profit Margin
39.3%
Previous year: 38.5%
+2.1%
Operating Margin
15.9%
Previous year: 15.3%
+3.9%
Gross Profit
$1.66B
Previous year: $1.52B
+9.0%
Cash and Equivalents
$601M
Previous year: $315M
+90.8%
Free Cash Flow
$398M
Previous year: $335M
+18.8%
Total Assets
$8.14B
Previous year: $7.2B
+13.0%

Grainger

Grainger

Forward Guidance

Grainger narrowed its full-year 2023 guidance, including an updated outlook for daily sales growth between 8.5% to 9.5% and diluted EPS of $36.00 to $36.60.

Positive Outlook

  • Net Sales: $16.4 - $16.6 billion
  • Sales Growth: 8.0% - 9.1%
  • Daily Sales Growth: 8.5% - 9.5%
  • Gross Profit Margin: 39.3% - 39.4%
  • Operating Margin: 15.6% - 15.7%

Challenges Ahead

  • Diluted Earnings per Share: $36.00 - $36.60
  • Operating Cash Flow: $1.8 - $1.9 billion
  • CapEx (cash basis): $450 - $525 million
  • Share Buyback: $800 - $875 million
  • Effective Tax Rate: ~24.0%