W.W. Grainger beats analysts expectations

LAKE FOREST, IL — JanSan distributor W.W. Grainger Inc. today released its third-quarter results that topped analysts predictions, according to the Chicago Daily Herald.

Third-quarter net income climbed from $140 million in the year-ago quarter to $144.6 million, the story stated.

Quarterly sales fell by 14 percent and ended at $1.59 billion, the story noted.

According to the article, profit was $1.51 a share, beating the $1.34 average estimate of 15 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

In a move to keep existing customers and attract new prospects, W.W. Grainger will offer nearly 300,000 products in its 2010 catalog, up from the current 233,000, the story added.

According to the story, W.W. Grainger''s acquisition of Imperial Supplies LLC from American Capital Ltd. for an undisclosed price will boost earnings by 3 cents to 5 cents a share in 2010.

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