W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a broad line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom (U.K.). The company utilizes a combination of high-touch solutions and endless assortment business models to serve its customers. Grainger's strategic framework, "The Grainger Edge," defines the company's purpose as "We Keep the World Working®."

• Employees: More than 26,000 worldwide (as of December 31, 2023), with approximately 23,200 full-time and 2,900 part-time or temporary.
• Geographic Footprint: Primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
• Headquarters: Lake Forest, Illinois
• Founded: 1928
• Number of locations/facilities: Approximately 30.4 million square feet of owned and leased facilities.
• Revenue: $16.478 billion (FY2023)
• Market Cap: $35,235,880,897 (as of June 30, 2023, aggregate market value of voting common equity held by non-affiliates)
• Key Subsidiaries/Brands: Zoro Tools, Inc. (Zoro) and MonotaRO Co., Ltd. (MonotaRO)

• CEO: D.G. Macpherson (Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer)
• CFO: Deidra C. Merriwether (Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
• Chief Legal Officer: Nancy L. Berardinelli-Krantz (Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer)
• Chief Human Resources Officer: Matt Fortin (Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer)

Key leaders' tenure and experience: D.G. Macpherson has been CEO since October 2016. Deidra C. Merriwether has been CFO since January 2021. Nancy L. Berardinelli-Krantz has been Chief Legal Officer since January 2023. Matt Fortin has been Chief Human Resources Officer since September 2023.

• Annual Revenue: $16.478 billion (FY2023)
• Net Income: $1.829 billion (FY2023) attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.
• Market Cap: $35.235 billion (as of June 30, 2023)
• Total Assets: $8.147 billion (as of December 31, 2023)
• Employees: More than 26,000 worldwide (as of December 31, 2023)
• Key Financial Highlights: Net sales increased by 8.2% compared to 2022. Gross profit margin increased by 100 basis points. Adjusted operating margin improved by 130 basis points. Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 24% compared to 2022.

Grainger offers a broad range of MRO products and services.

• Safety and Security: Includes items such as personal protective equipment and safety gear.
• Material Handling and Storage: Products for moving and storing materials.
• Pumps and Plumbing Equipment: Includes pumps, pipes, and related equipment.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Products for cleaning and maintaining facilities.
• Metalworking and Hand Tools: Includes a variety of tools for metalworking and general use.

The company also provides services such as technical support and inventory management.

Grainger operates through two reportable segments:

• High-Touch Solutions N.A.: Provides value-added MRO solutions with deep product knowledge and customer expertise. Primarily includes Grainger-branded businesses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
• Endless Assortment: Provides a streamlined online platform with one-stop shopping for millions of products. Includes Zoro and MonotaRO online channels.

Revenue breakdown by segment: High-Touch Solutions N.A. accounted for 81% of total company revenue, and Endless Assortment accounted for 18% of total company revenue in 2023.

Grainger's strategic priorities for 2024 include expanding its leadership position by being the go-to partner for people who build and run safe, sustainable, and productive operations. Key strategic initiatives include:

• High-Touch Solutions N.A.: Focus on advantaged MRO solutions, differentiated sales and services, and unparalleled customer service.
• Endless Assortment: Focus on product assortment expansion and innovative customer acquisition and retention capabilities.
• Operational Excellence: Continuously enhancing operational processes to improve service and cost through customer experience, technology, and supply chain infrastructure.

The company is focused on delivering long-term returns for shareholders.

Grainger operates in the highly competitive facilities maintenance industry.

• Market Position: Grainger is a broad line distributor of MRO products and services.
• Key Competitors: Competitors include manufacturers, wholesale distributors, retailers, and internet-based businesses.
• Industry Trends: The industry is characterized by technological advancements, innovations, and the increasing use of eCommerce solutions.

• Industry and Market Risks: Inflation, macroeconomic pressures, and geopolitical trends could negatively impact Grainger's ability to manage operating expenses and could result in lower gross margins and lower net earnings. Disruptions in the supply chain could also adversely impact results of operations.
• Operational Risks: Interruptions in the proper functioning of information systems, cybersecurity incidents, and breaches of information systems security could disrupt operations and cause unanticipated increases in costs or decreases in revenues.
• Financial Risks: Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have an effect on reported results of operations. Changes in Grainger's credit ratings and outlook may reduce access to capital and increase borrowing costs.
• Regulatory Risks: Grainger is subject to a complex array of laws, regulations, and standards globally. Failure to comply with these could result in civil, criminal, monetary and non-monetary fines, penalties, and damage to Grainger's reputation.