Grainger (NYSE: GWW), Chicago, IL, reported 2018 sales of $11.2 billion, up 8 percent compared to 2017, and profit of $1.2 billion, up 12 percent compared with a year ago.
The distributor’s fourth-quarter sales rose 5 percent to $2.8 billion, and profit was $782 million.
Grainger cited solid growth in the United States, a profitable fourth quarter for its Canadian business, and double-digit revenue growth for its single channel businesses as some of the year’s key accomplishments.
"2018 was a year of focus and achievement for Grainger. Across the business, we executed on our long-term strategy and enhanced our relationships with customers …” Grainger’s Chairman and CEO DG Macpherson said in a statement announcing the results.
