Topic: How To Invest

Q: May I get your comments/thoughts on W.W. Grainger (GWW on the NYSE)? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

A: W.W. Grainger Inc., $585.00, symbol GWW on New York (Shares outstanding: 50.5 million; Market cap: $29.6 billion; Manufacturing sector; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk www.grainger.com), is a leading distributor for a wide range of product lines. Its operations are primarily in North America, Japan and the U.K. Grainger serves more than 4.5 million customers worldwide, offering more than 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products through its High-Touch Solutions lines and more than 30 million products through its expanding Endless Assortment lines. Its products are diverse and include safety and security supplies, cleaning and maintenance equipment, material handling equipment, and lighting and electrical supplies. The company generates about 85% of revenues in North America and operates across multiple end markets, including heavy and light manufacturing, commercial, retail, government, and natural resources. High-Touch Solutions provides value-added MRO solutions that demonstrate deep product knowledge and industry needs. The high-touch solutions model serves customers with complex buying requirements. This segment includes Grainger-branded businesses in the U.S.,…