Grainger sales grew 5% in 2013

Jan. 24, 2014
For the full year 2013, company sales increased 5% to $9.4 billion. Earnings per share increased 17% to $11.13 and operating cash flow increased 21% to $986 million.

Grainger’s stock has had a tough time of it over the past few months (down 5.5% over the past 90 days).  First, some analysts' speculation on the impact of AmazonSupply on the company's online sales at www.grainger.com dinged the stock price, and then some investors were disappointed in some of the company's 3Q financials.

But Grainger announced some solid 2013 financials today. A transcript of the company’s earnings call with analyst posted today on www.seekingalpha.com said in part:

“For the full year 2013, company sales increased 5% to $9.4 billion. Net earnings increased 16% to $797 million and earnings per share increased 17% to $11.13. Operating cash flow increased 21% to $986 million. Despite a challenging economic environment, this was a solid year for Grainger as we continued to invest in infrastructure and growth designed to accelerate our share gains within the MRO market and increase our size and scale….We also updated our guidance. We now expect 2014 earnings per share of $12.10 to $12.85 and sales of 5% to 9% growth.”