GWW.2013.03.31.13.10Q


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013
OR
 
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______ to _______
 
Commission file number 1-5684

W.W. Grainger, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Illinois
 
36-1150280
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
100 Grainger Parkway, Lake Forest, Illinois
 
60045-5201
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(847) 535-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year; if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]  No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes [X]  No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer [X]  Accelerated filer [  ]   Non-accelerated filer [  ]   Smaller reporting company [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [  ]  No [X]
 
There were 69,544,054 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2013.

1



 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page No.
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings 
    for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012   
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
    Earnings for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 
EXHIBITS
 
 


2


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands of dollars, except for share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
$
2,280,435

 
$
2,193,445

Cost of merchandise sold
1,248,699

 
1,219,113

Gross profit
1,031,736

 
974,332

Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses
688,431

 
669,971

Operating earnings
343,305

 
304,361

Other income and (expense):
 

 
 

Interest income
898

 
595

Interest expense
(3,166
)
 
(3,057
)
Other non-operating income
1,982

 
712

Other non-operating expense
(1,095
)
 
(98
)
Total other income and (expense)
(1,381
)
 
(1,848
)
Earnings before income taxes
341,924

 
302,513

Income taxes
127,397

 
113,055

Net earnings
214,527

 
189,458

Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
2,689

 
1,942

Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.
$
211,838

 
$
187,516

Earnings per share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
2.99

 
$
2.63

Diluted
$
2.94

 
$
2.57

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
69,562,387

 
70,132,777

Diluted
70,774,614

 
71,655,759

Cash dividends paid per share
$
0.80

 
$
0.66

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3


W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(In thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Net earnings
$
214,527

 
$
189,458

Other comprehensive earnings (losses):
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1,529 and $(1,312), respectively
(31,111
)
 
16,266

Derivative instruments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1,132) and $600, respectively
2,378

 
(1,742
)
Other
248

 
586

Comprehensive earnings, net of tax
186,042

 
204,568

Comprehensive earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(4,078
)
 
(3,106
)
Comprehensive earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.
$
190,120

 
$
207,674

 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

4


W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars, except for share and per share amounts)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
Mar 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
485,516

 
$
452,063

Accounts receivable (less allowances for doubtful
 

 
 

accounts of $18,726 and $19,449, respectively)
1,031,920

 
940,020

Inventories – net
1,230,614

 
1,301,935

Prepaid expenses and other assets
117,418

 
110,414

Deferred income taxes
53,347

 
55,967

Prepaid income taxes
4,613

 
40,241

Total current assets
2,923,428

 
2,900,640

PROPERTY, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
2,778,606

 
2,760,434

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
1,645,200

 
1,615,861

Property, buildings and equipment – net
1,133,406

 
1,144,573

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
56,220

 
51,536

GOODWILL
521,579

 
543,670

OTHER ASSETS AND INTANGIBLES – NET
379,095

 
374,179

TOTAL ASSETS
$
5,013,728

 
$
5,014,598


5



W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except for share and per share amounts)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Mar 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$
73,602

 
$
79,071

Current maturities of long-term debt
21,757

 
18,525

Trade accounts payable
431,848

 
428,782

Accrued compensation and benefits
154,255

 
165,450

Accrued contributions to employees’ profit sharing plans
46,933

 
170,434

Accrued expenses
196,557

 
204,800

Income taxes payable
64,470

 
12,941

Total current liabilities
989,422

 
1,080,003

LONG-TERM DEBT (less current maturities)
454,527

 
467,048

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND TAX UNCERTAINTIES
118,995

 
119,280

EMPLOYMENT-RELATED AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
232,594

 
230,901

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 

 
 

Cumulative Preferred Stock – $5 par value – 12,000,000 shares authorized; none issued nor outstanding
—

 
—

Common Stock – $0.50 par value – 300,000,000 shares authorized;
issued 109,659,219 shares
54,830

 
54,830

Additional contributed capital
827,171

 
812,573

Retained earnings
5,433,869

 
5,278,577

Accumulated other comprehensive losses
31,860

 
53,578

Treasury stock, at cost – 40,115,165 and 40,180,724 shares, respectively
(3,218,846
)
 
(3,175,646
)
Total W.W. Grainger, Inc. shareholders’ equity
3,128,884

 
3,023,912

Noncontrolling interest
89,306

 
93,454

Total shareholders' equity
3,218,190

 
3,117,366

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
5,013,728

 
$
5,014,598

 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

6


W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
214,527

 
$
189,458

Provision for losses on accounts receivable
1,496

 
2,631

Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties
(1,000
)
 
(2,178
)
Depreciation and amortization
38,945

 
36,679

Stock-based compensation
11,547

 
11,443

Change in operating assets and liabilities – net of business 
  acquisitions:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
(101,803
)
 
(86,639
)
Inventories
60,122

 
36,845

Prepaid expenses and other assets
28,090

 
52,994

Trade accounts payable
8,672

 
(28,549
)
Other current liabilities
(137,186
)
 
(185,591
)
Current income taxes payable
52,085

 
58,325

Employment-related and other non-current liabilities
5,620

 
22,246

Other – net
(4,698
)
 
(1,426
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
176,417

 
106,238

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Additions to property, buildings and equipment
(42,962
)
 
(40,636
)
Proceeds from sales of property, buildings and equipment
1,573

 
602

Other – net
(89
)
 
666

Net cash used in investing activities
(41,478
)
 
(39,368
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Borrowings under lines of credit
36,167

 
35,005

Payments against lines of credit
(39,999
)
 
(33,354
)
Net (decrease) increase in long-term debt
(3,750
)
 
3,252

Proceeds from stock options exercised
23,461

 
30,241

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
12,650

 
18,185

Purchase of treasury stock
(69,797
)
 
(61,757
)
Cash dividends paid
(56,546
)
 
(47,017
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(97,814
)
 
(55,445
)
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents
(3,672
)
 
(8,161
)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
33,453

 
3,264

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
452,063

 
335,491

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
485,516

 
$
338,755

 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

7


W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.    BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating supplies, and other related products and services used by businesses and institutions.  W.W. Grainger, Inc.’s operations are primarily in the United States and Canada, with an expanding presence in Europe, Asia and Latin America.  In this report, the words “Company” or “Grainger” mean W.W. Grainger, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related notes are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
 
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.
 
The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments (primarily consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the statements contained herein.

2.    NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU 2013-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

3.    DIVIDEND
 
On April 24, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of 93 cents per share, payable June 1, 2013, to shareholders of record on May 13, 2013. This represents a 16% increase from the prior quarterly rate of 80 cents per share.
















8
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

4.    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
The fair value of significant derivative instruments included in Employment-related and other non-current liabilities was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
Derivatives Designated as Hedges
 
Mar 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
Interest rate swap
 
$
3,557

 
$
4,120

Foreign currency forwards
 
$
4,969

 
$
7,916

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The fair values of these instruments are determined by using quoted market forward rates (level 2 inputs) and reflect the present value of the amount that the Company would pay for contracts involving the same notional amounts and maturity dates. These instruments qualify for hedge accounting and the changes in fair value are reported as a component of other comprehensive earnings (losses) net of tax effects.

5.    EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - POSTRETIREMENT
 
The Company has a postretirement healthcare benefits plan that provides coverage for a majority of its United States employees and their dependents should they elect to maintain such coverage upon retirement. Covered employees become eligible for participation when they qualify for retirement while working for the Company. Participation in the plan is voluntary and requires participants to make contributions toward the cost of the plan, as determined by the Company.

The net periodic benefit costs charged to operating expenses, which are valued at the measurement date of January 1 and recognized evenly throughout the year, consisted of the following components (in thousands of dollars):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost
$
2,727

 
$
5,014

Interest cost
2,350

 
3,202

Expected return on assets
(1,769
)
 
(1,553
)
Amortization of transition asset
(35
)
 
(35
)
Amortization of unrecognized losses
1,116

 
1,207

Amortization of prior service credits
(1,853
)
 
(124
)
Net periodic benefit costs
$
2,536

 
$
7,711

 
The net periodic benefit costs decreased $5 million driven by plan design changes that went into effect on January 1, 2013. Active participants in the plan as of December 31, 2012, will remain eligible for retiree health benefits with the employee contribution structure modified for certain employees based on minimum age and service requirements. Employees hired after January 1, 2013, will not be eligible for retiree health benefits.

The Company has established a Group Benefit Trust to fund the plan and process benefit payments. The funding of the trust is an estimated amount which is intended to allow the maximum deductible contribution under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC), as amended.  There are no minimum funding requirements and the Company intends to follow its practice of funding the maximum deductible contribution under the IRC.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company contributed $0.9 million to the trust.


9
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

6.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company has two reportable segments: the United States and Canada. The United States operating segment reflects the results of the Company's U.S. business. The Canada operating segment reflects the results for Acklands – Grainger Inc., the Company’s Canadian business. Other businesses include operations in Europe, Asia, Latin America and other U.S. operations. These other businesses individually do not meet the definition of a reportable segment. Operating segments generate revenue almost exclusively through the distribution of maintenance, repair and operating supplies, as service revenues account for less than 1% of total revenues for each operating segment. Following is a summary of segment results (in thousands of dollars):

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
United States
 
Canada
 
Other Businesses
 
Total
Total net sales
$
1,774,538

 
$
283,140

 
$
247,874

 
$
2,305,552

Intersegment net sales
(24,889
)
 
(39
)
 
(189
)
 
(25,117
)
Net sales to external customers
$
1,749,649

 
$
283,101

 
$
247,685

 
$
2,280,435

Segment operating earnings
$
330,888

 
$
32,856

 
$
8,251

 
$
371,995

  
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
United States
 
Canada
 
Other Businesses
 
Total
Total net sales
$
1,700,709

 
$
272,883

 
$
238,956

 
$
2,212,548

Intersegment net sales
(18,924
)
 
(35
)
 
(144
)
 
(19,103
)
Net sales to external customers
$
1,681,785

 
$
272,848

 
$
238,812

 
$
2,193,445

Segment operating earnings
$
298,964

 
$
29,700

 
$
10,715

 
$
339,379


 
United States
 
Canada
 
Other Businesses
 
Total
Segment assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
$
1,920,946

 
$
378,707

 
$
347,304

 
$
2,646,957

December 31, 2012
$
1,884,102

 
$
387,915

 
$
347,905

 
$
2,619,922


Following are reconciliations of segment information with the consolidated totals per the financial statements (in thousands of dollars):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Operating earnings:
 
Total operating earnings for operating segments
$
371,995

 
$
339,379

Unallocated expenses and eliminations
(28,690
)
 
(35,018
)
Total consolidated operating earnings
$
343,305

 
$
304,361

 

10
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

 
Mar 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
Assets:
 
Total assets for operating segments
$
2,646,957

 
$
2,619,922

Other current and non-current assets
1,939,847

 
1,967,480

Unallocated assets
426,924

 
427,196

Total consolidated assets
$
5,013,728

 
$
5,014,598


Unallocated expenses and unallocated assets primarily relate to the Company headquarters' support services, which are not part of any business segment, as well as intercompany eliminations. Unallocated expenses include payroll and benefits, depreciation and other costs associated with headquarters-related support services. Unallocated assets include non-operating cash and cash equivalents, certain prepaid expenses and property, buildings and equipment-net.

Unallocated expenses decreased $6 million for the three months of 2013 compared to the three months of 2012, primarily due to a reduction in corporate support services spending.

Assets for reportable segments include net accounts receivable and first-in, first-out inventory which are reported to the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker.

7.    EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method (in thousands of dollars, except for share and per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc. as reported
$
211,838

 
$
187,516

Distributed earnings available to participating securities
(891
)
 
(710
)
Undistributed earnings available to participating securities
(2,750
)
 
(2,641
)
Numerator for basic earnings per share – Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders
208,197

 
184,165

Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
2,750

 
2,641

Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities
(2,704
)
 
(2,586
)
Numerator for diluted earnings per share – Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders
$
208,243

 
$
184,220

Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares
69,562,387

 
70,132,777

Effect of dilutive securities
1,212,227

 
1,522,982

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted average shares adjusted for dilutive securities
70,774,614

 
71,655,759

Earnings per share two-class method
 

 
 

Basic
$
2.99

 
$
2.63

Diluted
$
2.94

 
$
2.57



11
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)

8.    CONTIGENCIES AND LEGAL MATTERS

From time to time the Company is involved in various legal and administrative proceedings that are incidental to its business, including claims relating to product liability, premises liability, general negligence, environmental issues, employment, intellectual property and other matters. As a government contractor selling to federal, state and local governmental entities, the Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory inquiries or audits or other proceedings, including those related to pricing compliance. It is not expected that the ultimate resolution of any of these matters will have, either individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 2.

General
Grainger is a broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating supplies, and other related products and services used by businesses and institutions. Grainger’s operations are primarily in the United States and Canada, with an expanding presence in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Grainger uses a multichannel business model to provide customers with a range of options for finding and purchasing products utilizing sales representatives, catalogs and direct marketing materials and eCommerce. Grainger serves approximately 2 million customers worldwide through a network of highly integrated branches, distribution centers, multiple websites and export services.

Business Environment
Given Grainger's large number of customers and the diverse industries it serves, several economic factors and industry trends tend to shape Grainger’s business environment. The overall economy and leading economic indicators provide general insight into projecting Grainger's growth. Grainger’s sales tend to correlate with Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Industrial Production, Exports, Business Investment, Business Inventory for the United States and Oil prices for Canada. The table below provides these estimated indicators for 2013:

 
2013 Forecasted Growth
 
United States
 
Canada
GDP
2.0%
 
1.6%
Industrial Production
3.2%
 
(0.2)%
Exports
3.2%
 
5.0%
Business Investment
6.9%
 
4.9%
Business Inventory
2.8%
 
—
Oil prices
—
 
$95/barrel
Source: Global Insight (April 2013)
 
 
 

According to the Federal Reserve, overall industrial production increased 3.5% from March 2012 to March 2013. This improvement positively affected Grainger's sales growth for the three months of 2013.
 
The light and heavy manufacturing customer end-markets have historically correlated with manufacturing employment levels and manufacturing output. The United States Department of Labor reported an increase of 0.6% in manufacturing employment levels. According to the Federal Reserve, manufacturing output increased 2.5% from March 2012 to March 2013. Grainger’s heavy and light manufacturing customer end-markets outperformed these indicators as sales to these customer end-markets increased in the mid single digits and high single digits, respectively, for the first quarter of 2013.

Outlook
On April 16, 2013, Grainger raised the low end of the 2013 sales growth guidance from a range of 3 to 9 percent to a range of 5 to 9 percent and also raised the low end of the 2013 earnings per share guidance from a range of $10.85 to $12.00 to a range of $11.30 to $12.00. These new estimates reflect the strong performance in the first quarter and expected returns from Grainger's initiatives.

12
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Matters Affecting Comparability
There were 63 and 64 sales days in the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Results in the first quarter of 2013 included the impact of the Easter holiday, while results in the first quarter of 2012 did not, due to the timing of the holiday. Grainger completed two acquisitions in 2012, both of which were immaterial individually and in the aggregate. Grainger’s operating results have included the results of each business acquired since the respective acquisition dates.

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
The following table is included as an aid to understanding the changes in Grainger’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
As a Percent of Net Sales
 
Percent Increase
 
2013
 
2012
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
4.0
 %
Cost of merchandise sold
54.8

 
55.6

 
2.4

Gross profit
45.2

 
44.4

 
5.9

Operating expenses
30.1

 
30.5

 
2.8

Operating earnings
15.1

 
13.9

 
12.8

Other income (expense)
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(25.3
)
Income taxes
5.6

 
5.2

 
12.7

Noncontrolling interest
0.1

 
0.1

 
38.5

Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.
9.3
 %
 
8.5
 %
 
13.0
 %

Grainger’s net sales of $2,280 million for the first quarter of 2013 increased 4% compared with sales of $2,193 million for the comparable 2012 quarter. On a daily basis, sales increased 6%. The 6% daily increase for the year consisted of the following contributors:
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
Volume
3%
Price
2%
Business acquisitions
1%
Seasonal
1%
Foreign exchange
(1)%
Total
6%

Sales to most customer end-markets increased in the first quarter of 2013. The increase in net sales was led by growth in sales to light manufacturing and contractor customers, followed by diversified commercial services and heavy manufacturing customers. Refer to the Segment Analysis below for further details.

Gross profit of $1,032 million for the first quarter of 2013 increased 6%. The gross profit margin during the first quarter of 2013 increased 0.8 percentage point when compared to the same period in 2012, primarily driven by price increases exceeding product cost increases, partially offset by customer mix.

Operating expenses of $688 million for the first quarter of 2013 increased 3%, driven primarily by an incremental $22 million in spending to fund Grainger's growth programs and $9 million of incremental expense associated with two acquisitions completed in 2012, partially offset by savings resulting from restructuring actions taken in the Europe and Asia businesses in 2012.

Operating earnings for the first quarter of 2013 were $343 million, an increase of 13% compared to the first quarter of 2012. The increase in operating earnings was driven by higher sales, improved gross profit margins and positive operating expense leverage.

13
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Net earnings attributed to W.W. Grainger, Inc. for the first quarter of 2013 increased by 13% to $212 million from $188 million in the first quarter of 2012. Diluted earnings per share of $2.94 in the first quarter of 2013 were 14% higher than the $2.57 for the first quarter of 2012, due to higher earnings and lower shares outstanding.

Segment Analysis
Grainger’s two reportable segments are the United States and Canada. The United States segment reflects the results of Grainger’s U.S. operating segment. The Canada segment reflects the results for Acklands – Grainger Inc., Grainger’s Canadian operating segment. Other businesses include operations in Europe, Asia, Latin America and other U.S operations, which are not material individually.

The following comments at the segment and business unit level include external and intersegment net sales and operating earnings. See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

United States
Net sales were $1,775 million for the first quarter of 2013, an increase of $74 million, or 4%, when compared with net sales of $1,701 million for the same period in 2012. On a daily basis, sales increased 6%. The 6% daily increase for the year consisted of the following contributors:
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
Price
3%
Volume
2%
Business acquisition
1%
Total
6%

The increase in net sales was led by growth in heavy and light manufacturing customers, followed by natural resources, diversified commercial services and contractor markets.

The gross profit margin increased 0.8 percentage point in the first quarter of 2013 over the comparable quarter of 2012, primarily driven by price increases exceeding product cost increases and strong growth of private label products, partially offset by customer mix.

Operating expenses were up 3% in the first quarter of 2013 versus the first quarter of 2012, driven by $20 million of incremental spending on growth initiatives such as eCommerce and sales force expansion.

Operating earnings of $331 million for the first quarter of 2013 increased 11% from $299 million for the first quarter of 2012, driven by higher sales, higher gross profit margins and positive operating expense leverage.

Canada
Net sales were $283 million for the first quarter of 2013, an increase of $10 million, or 4%, when compared with $273 million for the same period in 2012. On a daily basis, sales increased 5% or 6% in local currency for the first quarter of 2013. The 5% daily increase for the year consisted of the following contributors:
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
Volume
8%
Timing of Easter holiday
(2)%
Foreign exchange
(1)%
Total
5%

The increase in net sales was driven by strong growth in construction, commercial services, forestry, oil and gas and light manufacturing end markets.
 
The gross profit margin in the first quarter of 2013 was flat versus the first quarter of 2012.


14
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Operating expenses were up 1% in the first quarter of 2013 versus the first quarter of 2012. In local currency, operating expenses increased 2%, primarily due to advertising and professional services, partially offset by lower bad debt expense driven by customer bankruptcies in 2012.

Operating earnings of $33 million for the first quarter of 2013 were up $3 million, or 11%, over the first quarter of 2012, in both U.S. dollars and local currency. The increase in earnings was due to strong sales growth and positive operating expense leverage.

Other Businesses
Net sales for other businesses, which include operations in Europe, Asia, Latin America and other U.S. operations, increased 4% for the first quarter of 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012. On a daily basis, sales increased 5%. The sales increase was due primarily to strong revenue growth in Japan and incremental sales from the business acquired in Brazil.
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
Volume/Price
6%
Acquisition
4%
Foreign exchange
(5)%
Total
5%

Operating earnings were $8 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared to $11 million in the first quarter of 2012. The decline in earnings performance for the quarter versus prior year was primarily driven by operating losses from the acquired business in Brazil, and lower earnings in some of the smaller businesses in Asia and Latin America. The earnings decline was partially offset by strong earnings growth in Japan and operating earnings growth in Europe related to lower expenses from restructuring actions taken in the 2012 fourth quarter.

Other Income and Expense
Other income and expense was a net expense of $1 million in the first quarter of 2013, compared to $2 million of expense in the first quarter of 2012.

Income Taxes
Grainger’s effective income tax rates were 37.3% and 37.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Grainger is currently projecting an effective tax rate of 37.3% to 37.7% for the full year.

Financial Condition

Cash Flow
Cash from operating activities continues to serve as Grainger’s primary source of liquidity. Net cash provided by operating activities was $176 million and $106 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The primary contribution to cash flows from operating activities was net earnings of $215 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $189 million in the three months of 2012. Partially offsetting these amounts were changes in operating assets and liabilities, which resulted in a net use of cash of $84 million in the three months of 2013 compared to $130 million in the first three months of 2012.

Net cash used in investing activities was $41 million and $39 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Cash expended for additions to property, buildings, equipment and capitalized software was $43 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $41 million in 2012.

Net cash used in financing activities was $98 million and $55 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The $42 million increase in cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was due primarily to higher treasury stock purchases and dividend payments.






15
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Working Capital
Working capital consists of current assets (less non-operating cash) and current liabilities (less short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt).

Working capital at March 31, 2013, was $1,660 million, an increase of $56 million when compared to $1,604 million at December 31, 2012. The working capital assets to working capital liabilities ratio increased to 2.9 at March 31, 2013, from 2.6 at December 31, 2012. The increase primarily related to lower compensation, employee benefits and profit sharing and bonus accruals due to the timing of annual payments.

Debt
Grainger maintains a debt ratio and liquidity position that provides flexibility in funding working capital needs and long-term cash requirements. In addition to internally generated funds, Grainger has various sources of financing available, including bank borrowings under lines of credit. Total debt as a percent of total capitalization was 14.6% at March 31, 2013, and 15.3% at December 31, 2012.

16
W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the financial statements. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions, which it believes are reasonable. If actual amounts are ultimately different from these estimates, the revisions are included in Grainger’s results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known.

Accounting policies are considered critical when they require management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimates are made and when there are different estimates that management reasonably could have made, which would have a material impact on the presentation of Grainger’s financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations. For a description of Grainger’s critical accounting policies see Grainger's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains statements that are not historical in nature but concern future results and business plans, strategies and objectives and other matters that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws. Grainger has generally identified such forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipated, believes, continues, could, earnings per share guidance, estimate, estimated, expected, expecting, guidance, had potentially, intended, intends, help in forming, historically correlated, may, not expected to have a material adverse effect, possible, projected, projections, proposed, provide insight, range, reasonably likely, sales growth guidance, scheduled, settlement in principle, should, subject to, tend, tended, tended to correlate, tend to shape, trends, unanticipated, uncertainties, will, will remain" or similar expressions.
 
Grainger cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized although Grainger does believe that its assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements are reasonable. Achievement of future results is subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause Grainger's results to differ materially from those which are presented.
 
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented or implied in a forward-looking statement include, without limitation: higher product costs or other expenses; a major loss of customers; loss or disruption of source of supply; increased competitive pricing pressures; failure to develop or implement new technologies or business strategies; the outcome of pending and future litigation or governmental or regulatory proceedings; investigations, inquiries, audits and changes in laws and regulations; disruption of information technology or data security systems; general industry or market conditions; general global economic conditions; currency exchange rate fluctuations; market volatility; commodity price volatility; labor shortages; facilities disruptions or shutdowns; higher fuel costs or disruptions in transportation services; natural and other catastrophes and unanticipated weather conditions.
 
Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on Grainger's forward-looking statements and Grainger undertakes no obligation to publicly update the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

17

W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries


Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see “Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Grainger's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Grainger carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Grainger’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that Grainger’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in Grainger’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Grainger’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Items 1A, 3, 4 and 5 not applicable.

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

Information on specific and significant legal proceedings is set forth in Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1.



18

W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries


Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities – First Quarter
 
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (A)
Average Price Paid per Share (B)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (C)
Maximum Number of
Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
Jan 1 – Jan 31
10,100
$218.01
10,100
5,330,569
shares
Feb 1 – Feb 28
117,200
$221.53
117,200
5,213,369
shares
Mar 1 – Mar 31
164,654
$226.72
164,654
5,048,715
shares
Total
291,954
$224.34
291,954
 
 
 
(A)
There were no shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock awards.
(B)
Average price paid per share includes any commissions paid and includes only those amounts related to purchases as part of publicly announced plans or programs.
(C)
Purchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase program approved by Grainger’s Board of Directors on July 28, 2010. The program has no specified expiration date. Activity is reported on a trade date basis.


Item 6.
Exhibits


(a)
 
Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K)
 
 
(31)
Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a) Certifications
 
 
 
(a)  Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
(b)  Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
(32)
Section 1350 Certifications
 
 
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

19


SIGNATURES


 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
 
 
 
(Registrant)
Date:
April 25, 2013
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ R. L. Jadin
 
 
 
R. L. Jadin, Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date:
April 25, 2013
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ G. S. Irving
 
 
 
G. S. Irving, Vice President
and Controller


20