The market rewarded W.W. Grainger’s first quarter results with a 5.5% stock gain, driven by upside in sales growth, margin expansion, and a raised full-year outlook signaling stronger-than-expected demand and execution.

• Total company sales increased 10.1% reported, 12.2% on a daily organic constant currency basis, led by both High-Touch Solutions and Endless Assortment segments.
• Operating margin expanded 110 basis points year-over-year to 16.7%, benefiting from gross margin improvement and leverage across segments as well as the U.K. market exit.
• Diluted EPS rose 18.2% to $11.65, reflecting both top-line strength and margin gains.
• High-Touch Solutions posted 10.5% sales growth (10% daily constant currency), driven equally by price and volume, with broad end-market acceleration including manufacturing, government, and contractor sectors.
• Gross margin outperformed verbal guidance, supported by better price realization and favorable cost timing, though some LIFO inventory headwinds and cost pressures are expected in Q2.