W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) reported fourth quarter net income attributable to W.W. Grainger of $97.06 million or $1.27 per share, compared to $107.92 million or $1.37 per share last year.
On average, 14 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $1.24 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
Net sales grew to $1.63 billion from $1.6 billion in the prior year quarter.
Six analysts estimated revenues of $1.59 billion.
Further, the company said that stronger sales growth in December and January gives it greater confidence to raise 2010 sales growth guidance to a range of 6 to 10% and earnings per share guidance to the new range of $5.40 to $5.90. The company had previously issued 2010 guidance of 4 to 9% sales growth and earnings per share of $5.30 to $5.80.
Analysts expect the company to earn $5.87 per share.
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