WW Grainger raises profit forecast as maintenance demand remains strong

• The toolmaker expects 2026 adjusted profit between $45.50 and $47.25 per share, compared with its previous forecast range of $44.25 to $46.25 per share.
• Sales remained strong despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and core operating profitability was in line with expectations, the company said.
• The company posted a quarterly profit of $12.01 per share, up from $9.97 per share a year earlier and above analysts' average estimate of $11.31 per share.
• The high-touch solutions unit, WW Grainger's largest segment that serves large to mid-size companies with maintenance, repair and operations services, posted an 11.9% rise in sales in the second quarter from a year ago.
• Total revenue for the quarter ended June 30 was $5 billion, up from $4.55 billion a year earlier. Analysts, on average, had expected $4.95 billion.
• On Monday, the company said Chief Financial Officer Deidra Merriwether would step down effective September 4, and Laurie Thomson would take on the role on an interim basis.

Aug. 4 (Reuters) - WW Grainger GWW.N raised its 2026 earnings forecast on Tuesday after reporting better-than-expected quarterly profit, as steady demand for maintenance and repair services boosted the industrial tools supplier's performance.

Geopolitical uncertainty and tariff concerns have prompted companies to delay capital expenditures, choosing instead to repair and maintain existing equipment for longer use, which is lifting demand for suppliers such as WW Grainger.

However, shares of WW Grainger were down 5.4% in premarket trading.