{"id":485155,"date":"2021-04-30T08:05:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T12:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/grainger-reports-results-for-the-first-quarter-2021\/"},"modified":"2021-04-30T08:05:00","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T12:05:00","slug":"grainger-reports-results-for-the-first-quarter-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/grainger-reports-results-for-the-first-quarter-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Grainger Reports Results For The First Quarter 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"xn-newslines\">\n<h2 class=\"xn-hedline\">Company delivers strong revenue and earnings growth and provides full year guidance as economic trends improve<\/h2>\n<p class=\"xn-distributor\">PR Newswire<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"xn-content\">\n<p>\n        <span class=\"xn-location\">CHICAGO<\/span>, <span class=\"xn-chron\">April 30, 2021<\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ &#8212;<\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>First Quarter Financial Highlights<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>\n          <i>Delivered sales of <span class=\"xn-money\">$3.1 billion<\/span>, up 2.8%, and up 5.9% on an organic, daily, constant currency basis compared to the first quarter 2020 (excluding divestitures and foreign exchange)<\/i>\n        <\/li>\n<li>\n          <i>Expanded reported and adjusted operating margins by 630 and 20 basis points, respectively<\/i>\n        <\/li>\n<li>\n          <i>Generated <span class=\"xn-money\">$294 million<\/span> in operating cash flow and returned <span class=\"xn-money\">$256 million<\/span> to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases<\/i>\n        <\/li>\n<li>\n          <i>Provides full year guidance: Total company daily revenue growth of 8.5-11.0% and earnings per share of <span class=\"xn-money\">$19.00<\/span>-20.50 (growth of 17.5% to 26.5%)<\/i>\n        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Grainger (NYSE: GWW) today reported results for the first quarter 2021 with sales of <span class=\"xn-money\">$3.1 billion<\/span>, up 2.8% and up 5.9% on an organic, daily, constant currency basis compared to the first quarter 2020 driven by strong performance in both the High-Touch Solutions North America (N.A.) and Endless Assortment segments. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The Grainger team served customers exceptionally well and delivered strong results in the first quarter as the economy continued to recover. In our High Touch Solutions (N.A.) segment, we are seeing sequential revenue improvement in nearly all end markets, recovery in non-pandemic product volume, and stabilizing gross profit margins after adjusting for non-core pandemic inventory. Our Endless Assortment segment continues to deliver over 20% top line growth and improved earnings as expected. Our strong performance in the first quarter gives us the confidence to now provide guidance for the full year,&#8221; said DG Macpherson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. <\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>2021 First Quarter Financial Summary <\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prnsbts prnrbrs prnvab prnsbb1 prnpl6 prnsbls prnpr6\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <i>($ in millions)<\/i><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen4\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b><br \/>\n                    <u>Q1 2021<\/u><br \/>\n                  <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen4\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b><br \/>\n                    <u>Q1 2020<\/u><br \/>\n                  <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen4\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b><br \/>\n                    <u>Q1<\/u><br \/>\n                  <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prnsbt1 prnrbrs prnvab prnsbb1 prntac prnpl6 prnsbl1 prnpr6\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b><br \/>\n                    <u>Fav. (Unfav.) vs. Prior<\/u><br \/>\n                  <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prnsbts prnsbr1 prnvab prnsbbs prntar prnpl6 prnsbls prnpr14\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen7\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Reported<\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Adjusted<sup>1<\/sup><\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen7\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Reported<\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Adjusted<sup>1<\/sup><\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prnsbts prnsbr1 prnvab prnsbbs prnpl6 prnsbls prnpr6\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Reported<\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prnsbts prnrbrs prnvab prnsbbs prnpl6 prnsbl1 prnpr6\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Adjusted<sup>1<\/sup><\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Net Sales<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$3,084<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$3,084<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$3,001<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$3,001<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Gross Profit<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$1,093<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$1,093<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$1,121<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$1,121<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen15\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(2)%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prnsbt1 prnrbrs prnvab prnsbbs prntac prnpl6 prnsbls prnpr4\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(2)%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Operating Earnings <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$358<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$358<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$159<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$343<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">126%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Net Earnings Attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$238<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$238<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$173<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$230<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">38%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Diluted Earnings Per Share<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$4.48<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$4.48<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$3.19<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen12\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$4.24<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">40%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen17\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen17\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen18\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen17\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen18\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen17\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prnsbt1 prnrbrs prnvab prnsbbs prntar prnpl6 prnsbl1 prnpr14\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Gross Margin<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">35.5%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">35.5%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">37.4%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">37.4%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(190) bps<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(190) bps<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Operating Margin<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">11.6%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">11.6%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">5.3%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">11.4%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">630 bps<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">20 bps<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Tax Rate<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">25.8%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">25.8%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen15\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(30.4)%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">25.6%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(5,620) bps<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(20) bps<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table id=\"convertedTablecfd5\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" class=\"prngen2\">\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prnsbtb0 prnrbrb0 prnvat prnsbtb0 prntar prnpl6 prnsblb0 prnpr6\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b><br \/>\n                    <sup>(1)<\/sup><br \/>\n                  <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Results exclude restructuring and income tax items as shown in the supplemental information of this release. Reconciliations of the adjusted measures reflected in this table to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are provided in the supplemental information of this release. During the first quarter of 2020, the company recorded a $177 million write-down of goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets from the Fabory business which was the largest contributor to the lower reported operating earnings.<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>Revenue<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>Sales for the quarter increased 2.8% as compared to the first quarter of 2020. Excluding revenues from the now divested Fabory and <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> businesses from the prior year results, and removing the impact from foreign currency translation, daily sales increased 5.9% as compared to the first quarter of 2020. Sales growth was fueled by both the High-Touch Solutions (N.A.) and Endless Assortment segments. In the High-Touch Solutions (N.A.) segment, despite challenging comparisons starting in mid-February with the accelerated pandemic sales of 2020, sales were up 1.8%, and 3.4% on a daily basis versus the prior year quarter. In the Endless Assortment segment, both Zoro U.S. and MonotaRO continued to drive strong customer acquisition throughout the quarter, resulting in a combined 27.4% daily sales growth compared to the first quarter of 2020.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>Foreign exchange contributed a 1.1% favorable impact during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. There were 63 sales days in the first quarter of 2021 versus 64 sales days in the first quarter of 2020.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>Gross Margin<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>Gross margin for the first quarter of 2021 was 35.5%, a 190 basis point decline over the prior year quarter. The unfavorable variance was driven almost entirely by a pandemic-related inventory adjustment in the U.S. business on certain non-core SKUs, which are selling below cost based on current market-relevant pricing. As noted on the fourth quarter 2020 earnings call, this inventory adjustment in the first quarter of 2021 was expected and by the end of the second quarter, the company expects to sell-through these non-core pandemic products and complete any potential remaining market-driven inventory adjustments. Absent this inventory adjustment, gross margin would have been nearly flat compared to the prior year. The Endless Assortment segment expanded gross profit margin 35 basis points in the first quarter and continues to deliver incremental gross profit dollars. The significant revenue growth in this lower-margin segment had an expected, dilutive impact to total company gross profit margin of approximately 30 basis points. <\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>Earnings<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>Reported operating earnings for the first quarter of 2021 of <span class=\"xn-money\">$358 million<\/span> were up 126% versus the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to charges taken in the first quarter of 2020 related to the now divested Fabory business. On an adjusted basis, operating earnings for the quarter of <span class=\"xn-money\">$358 million<\/span> were up 4% versus the first quarter of 2020. <\/p>\n<p>In the first quarter of 2021, operating margin of 11.6% increased 630 basis points on a reported basis, 20 basis points on an adjusted basis, versus the first quarter of 2020. The increase in adjusted operating margin was driven by 210 basis points of selling, general, and administrative (SG&amp;A) expense leverage achieved through prudent cost control in the High-Touch Solutions (N.A.) segment and strong expense leverage in Endless Assortment. <\/p>\n<p>Reported earnings per share of <span class=\"xn-money\">$4.48<\/span> in the first quarter of 2021 represented an increase of 40% versus the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted earnings per share in this quarter of <span class=\"xn-money\">$4.48<\/span> increased 6% versus the first quarter of 2020. The increase in earnings per share was due primarily to higher operating earnings and lower average shares outstanding in the current period. <\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>Tax Rate<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>The first quarter 2021 reported tax rate was 25.8% versus negative 30.4% in the first quarter of 2020. The difference was primarily driven by tax impacts in the first quarter of 2020 related to the now divested Fabory business. The adjusted tax rates were 25.8% and 25.6% for the three months ended March\u00a031, 2021 and March\u00a031, 2020, respectively. <\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>Cash Flow<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>Net cash provided by operating activities was <span class=\"xn-money\">$294 million<\/span> and <span class=\"xn-money\">$244 million<\/span> for the three months ended <span class=\"xn-chron\">March 31, 2021<\/span> and 2020, respectively. The increase in cash from operating activities is primarily the result of higher net earnings and favorable working capital, including strong accounts receivable collections, partially offset by the impacts from the now divested Fabory business. The company also returned <span class=\"xn-money\">$256 million<\/span> to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter. <\/p>\n<p>During the annual shareholders&#8217; meeting on <span class=\"xn-chron\">April 28, 2021<\/span>, Grainger announced a dividend increase of 6%, marking its 50th consecutive annual increase, as well as new authorization for a share repurchase program of up to 5 million shares replacing the company&#8217;s existing program.<\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>2021 Guidance<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>Given continued improvements in the economy and confidence in our performance, the company is now providing the following 2021 full year guidance:<\/p>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen7\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Total Company<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prnsbts prnrbrs prnvab prnsbbs prntac prnpl6 prnsbls prnpr6\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021 Guidance Range<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net Sales<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$12.7 &#8211; 13.0 billion<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Daily growth<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">8.5 &#8211; 11.0%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Organic, daily growth<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">10.0 &#8211; 12.5%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Gross Profit Margin<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">36.1 &#8211; 36.6%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Operating Margin<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">11.8 &#8211; 12.4%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Earnings per Share<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$19.00 &#8211; 20.50<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Operating Cash Flow<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$1.0 &#8211; 1.2 billion<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">CapEx (cash basis)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$225 &#8211; 275 million<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Share Buyback<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$600 &#8211; 700 million<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Tax Rate<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">25.0 &#8211; 26.0%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prnsbt1 prnrbrs prnvab prnsbbs prntac prnpl6 prnsbl1 prnpr6\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen13\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Segment Operating Margin<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">High-Touch Solutions (N.A.)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">13.2 &#8211; 13.7%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen11\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Endless Assortment<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen14\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">8.8 &#8211; 9.2%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>Webcast<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>Grainger will conduct a live conference call and webcast at <span class=\"xn-chron\">11:00 a.m. ET<\/span> on <span class=\"xn-chron\">April 30, 2021<\/span> to discuss the first quarter results. The webcast will be hosted by DG Macpherson, Chairman and CEO, and <span class=\"xn-person\">Deidra Merriwether<\/span>, Senior Vice President and CFO, and can be accessed at invest.grainger.com. For those unable to participate in the live event, a webcast replay will be available for 90 days at <u>invest.grainger.com<\/u>.<\/p>\n<p>\n        <b><br \/>\n          <u>About Grainger<\/u><br \/>\n        <\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>W.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2020 sales of <span class=\"xn-money\">$11.8 billion<\/span>, is <span class=\"xn-location\">North America&#8217;s<\/span> leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products, with operations primarily in <span class=\"xn-location\">North America<\/span> (N.A.), <span class=\"xn-location\">Japan<\/span> and the <span class=\"xn-location\">United Kingdom<\/span> (U.K.). <\/p>\n<p>\n        <b>Visit <u><u>invest.grainger.com<\/u><\/u> to view information about the company, including a supplement regarding 2021 first quarter results. Additional company information can be found on the <u><u>Grainger Investor Relations<\/u><\/u> website which includes our <u><u>Fact Book<\/u><\/u> and <u><u>Corporate Responsibility report<\/u><\/u>.<\/b>\n      <\/p>\n<p>\n        <u>Safe Harbor Statement<\/u>\n      <\/p>\n<p>All statements in this communication, other than those relating to historical facts, are &#8220;forward-looking statements.&#8221; Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by their use of terms such as &#8220;anticipate,&#8221; &#8220;estimate,&#8221; &#8220;believe,&#8221; &#8220;expect,&#8221; &#8220;could,&#8221; &#8220;forecast,&#8221; &#8220;may,&#8221; &#8220;intend,&#8221; &#8220;plan,&#8221; &#8220;predict,&#8221; &#8220;project&#8221; &#8220;will&#8221; or &#8220;would&#8221; and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future strategic plans and future financial and operating results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented or implied in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the unknown duration and health, economic, operational and financial impacts of the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as the duration, extent and impact of the actions taken or contemplated by governmental authorities or others in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company&#8217;s businesses, its employees, customers and suppliers, including disruption to the Company&#8217;s operations resulting from employee illnesses, the development and availability of effective treatment or vaccines, any mandated facility closures of non-essential businesses, stay in shelter health orders or other similar restrictions for customers and suppliers, changes in customers&#8217; product needs, suppliers&#8217; inability to meet unprecedented demand for COVID-19 related products, inventory shortages, the potential for government action to allocate or direct products to certain customers which may cause disruption in relationships with other customers, disruption caused by business responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including working remote arrangements, which may create increased vulnerability to cybersecurity incidents, including breaches of information systems security, adaptions to the Company&#8217;s controls and procedures required by working remote arrangements, including financial reporting processes, which could impact the design or operating effectiveness of such controls or procedures, and global or regional economic downturns or recessions, which could result in a decline in demand for the Company&#8217;s products or limit the Company&#8217;s ability to access capital markets on terms that are attractive or at all; higher product costs or other expenses; a major loss of customers; loss or disruption of sources of supply; changes in customer or product mix; increased competitive pricing pressures; failure to develop or implement new technology initiatives or business strategies; failure to adequately protect intellectual property or successfully defend against infringement claims; fluctuations or declines in the Company&#8217;s gross profit percentage; the Company&#8217;s responses to market pressures; the outcome of pending and future litigation or governmental or regulatory proceedings, including with respect to wage and hour, anti-bribery and corruption, environmental, advertising, consumer protection, pricing (including disaster or emergency declaration pricing statutes), product liability, general commercial disputes, safety or compliance, or privacy and cybersecurity matters; investigations, inquiries, audits and changes in laws and regulations; failure to comply with laws, regulations and standards; government contract matters; disruption of information technology or data security systems involving the Company or third parties on which the Company depends; general industry, economic, market or political conditions; general global economic conditions including tariffs and trade issues and policies; currency exchange rate fluctuations; market volatility, including price and trading volume volatility or price declines of the Company&#8217;s common stock; commodity price volatility; labor shortages; facilities disruptions or shutdowns; higher fuel costs or disruptions in transportation services; other pandemic diseases or viral contagions; natural or human induced disasters, extreme weather and other catastrophes or conditions; failure to attract, retain, train, motivate, develop and transition key employees; loss of key members of management or key employees; changes in effective tax rates; changes in credit ratings or outlook; the Company&#8217;s incurrence of indebtedness and other factors that can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent periodic reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which are available on our Investor Relations website. Forward-looking statements are given only as of the date of this communication and we disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. <\/p>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen24\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited)<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(In millions of dollars, except for share and per share amounts)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"7\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Three Months Ended <br \/>March 31,<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen27\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen28\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen29\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen30\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net sales<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3,084<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3,001<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml4\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cost\u00a0of\u00a0goods\u00a0sold<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,991<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,880<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Gross\u00a0profit<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,093<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,121<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Selling, general and administrative expenses<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">735<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">962<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Operating\u00a0earnings<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">358<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">159<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Other\u00a0(income)\u00a0expense:<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Interest\u00a0expense, net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">21<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">21<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Other, net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(6)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(4)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Total\u00a0other expense, net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">15<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">17<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Earnings\u00a0before\u00a0income\u00a0taxes<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">343<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">142<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Income tax provision (benefit)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">88<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(43)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net\u00a0earnings<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">255<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">185<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">17<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">12<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net\u00a0earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc.<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">238<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">173<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Earnings per share:<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Basic<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4.51<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3.20<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Diluted<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4.48<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3.19<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Weighted average number of shares outstanding:<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Basic<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">52.3<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">53.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Diluted<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">52.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">53.8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Diluted Earnings Per Share<\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net earnings as reported<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">238<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">173<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml4\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Earnings allocated to participating securities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(2)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(2)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net earnings available to common shareholders<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">236<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">171<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Weighted average shares adjusted for dilutive securities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">52.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">53.8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Diluted earnings per share<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen37\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4.48<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen37\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3.19<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen24\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(In millions of dollars)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen24\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>(Unaudited)<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Assets<\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>March 31, 2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen24\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>December 31, 2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cash and cash equivalents<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">562<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">585<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Accounts receivable \u2013 net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,576<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,474<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Inventories \u2013\u00a0 net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,675<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,733<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Prepaid expenses and other current assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">121<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">127<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Total current assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3,934<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3,919<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Property, buildings and equipment \u2013 net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,441<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,395<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Goodwill<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">388<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">391<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Intangibles \u2013\u00a0 net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">224<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">228<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Other assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">346<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">362<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Total assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6,333<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6,295<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <u>Liabilities and Shareholders&#8217; Equity<\/u><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Current maturities of long-term debt<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">7<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Trade accounts payable<sup>(1)<\/sup><\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">887<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">779<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Accrued compensation and benefits<sup>(2)<\/sup><\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">219<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">307<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Accrued expenses<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">330<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">305<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Income taxes payable<sup>(3)<\/sup><\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">88<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">42<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Total current liabilities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,531<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,441<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Long-term debt \u2013 less current maturities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">2,373<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">2,389<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">87<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">110<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Other non-current liabilities <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">262<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">262<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Shareholders&#8217; equity<sup>(4)<\/sup><\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">2,080<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">2,093<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Total liabilities and shareholders&#8217; equity<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6,333<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6,295<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table id=\"convertedTable6921\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" class=\"prngen2\">\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <sup>(1) <\/sup>Trade accounts payable increased $108\u00a0million primarily driven by inventory purchases related to return-to-work items. <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <sup>(2) <\/sup>Accrued compensation and benefits decreased $88\u00a0million primarily due to the timing of variable compensation and benefits paid under annual incentive plans.<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <sup>(3) <\/sup>Income taxes payable increased $46\u00a0million due to the lower tax rate effect in the prior year quarter primarily driven by tax benefits related to the now divested Fabory business (divested June 30, 2020).<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <sup>(4)<\/sup>\u00a0Common stock outstanding as of March\u00a031, 2021 was 52,110,145 compared with 52,524,391 shares at December\u00a031, 2020, primarily due to share repurchases. <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen24\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(In millions of dollars)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"7\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Three Months Ended <br \/>March 31,<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen27\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen28\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen29\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen30\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cash flows from operating activities:<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net earnings<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">255<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">185<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Provision for credit losses<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(11)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(7)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Depreciation and amortization<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">43<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">45<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Impairment of goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">177<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net (gains) losses from sale or redemption of assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(5)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Stock-based compensation<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">9<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml50\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Subtotal <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">39<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">233<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Change in operating assets and liabilities:<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Accounts receivable<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(121)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(217)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Inventories<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">52<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">19<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Prepaid expenses and other assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(5)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(26)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Trade accounts payable<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">85<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">155<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Accrued liabilities <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(61)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(36)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Income taxes, net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">55<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(62)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Other non-current liabilities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(5)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(7)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml50\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Subtotal<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(174)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml50\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net cash provided by operating activities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">294<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">244<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cash flows from investing activities:<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Additions to property, buildings, equipment and intangibles <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(73)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(50)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Proceeds from sale or redemption of assets<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">15<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Other &#8211; net<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(2)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml40\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net cash used in investing activities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen42\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(58)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen42\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(52)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cash flows from financing activities:<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net decrease in lines of credit<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(36)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net increase in long-term debt<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,155<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Proceeds from stock options exercised<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">19<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Payments for employee taxes withheld from stock awards<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(2)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(5)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Purchases of treasury stock<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(175)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(100)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml30\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cash dividends paid<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(81)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(78)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml40\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen42\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(250)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">955<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(9)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(15)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net change in cash and cash equivalents<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(23)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,132<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">585<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">360<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Cash and cash equivalents at end of period<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">562<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,492<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"prntac\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"prntac\">\n        <b>SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION &#8211; CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS <br \/><\/b><br \/>\n        <b>RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited) <br \/><\/b>(In millions of dollars, except for per share amounts)<\/p>\n<p>The company supplemented the reporting of financial information determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with certain non-GAAP financial measures, which the company refers to as &#8220;adjusted&#8221; measures, including sales on an organic daily basis, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating earnings, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net earnings, adjusted tax rate and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Adjusted measures exclude items that may not be indicative of core operating results. The company believes that these non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to assist shareholders in understanding financial results and assessing prospects for future performance. Management believes sales on an organic daily basis, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating earnings, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net earnings, adjusted tax rate and adjusted diluted earnings per share are important indicators of operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of our core operating results, and provide a better baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies&#8217; non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. These adjusted financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported results. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of operations that, when viewed with GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of the business. The company strongly encourages investors and shareholders to review company financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.<\/p>\n<p>This press release also includes certain non-GAAP forward-looking information. The company believes that a quantitative reconciliation of such forward-looking information to the most comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP cannot be made available without unreasonable efforts. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures would require the company to predict the timing and likelihood of future restructurings, asset impairments, and other charges.\u00a0 Neither of these forward-looking measures, nor their probable significance, can be quantified with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Accordingly, a reconciliation of the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measures is not provided. <\/p>\n<p>The reconciliations provided below reconcile GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures: sales on an organic daily basis, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted operating earnings, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net earnings, adjusted tax rate and adjusted diluted earnings per share:<\/p>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"5\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Three Months Ended <br \/>March 31,<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen27\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen28\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen29\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen30\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Reported sales<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">2.8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen44\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">7.2<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen44\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Day impact<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(1.7)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml4\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Daily sales<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4.4<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">5.5<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Business divestitures \u00b9<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">2.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Organic daily sales <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">7.0<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">5.5<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml8\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Foreign exchange<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(1.1)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">0.2<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Organic constant currency<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">5.9<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">5.7<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table id=\"convertedTable8712\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" class=\"prngen2\">\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u00b9 Represents the results of the Fabory business (divested on June 30, 2020) and the Grainger China business (divested on August 21, 2020). <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"12\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"12\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <i>In millions<\/i><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"11\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Three Months Ended March 31,<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Gross <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Margin<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen46\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Gross <br \/>Margin<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Gross profit reported<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,093<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">35.5<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,121<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">37.4<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Gross profit adjusted<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,093<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">35.5<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen47\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1,121<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">37.4<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen47\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"12\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"12\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <i>In millions<\/i><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"11\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Three Months Ended March 31,<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Operating <br \/>Margin<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen46\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Operating <br \/>Margin<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Operating earnings reported<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">358<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">11.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">159<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen39\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">5.3<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml8\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Restructuring, net and impairment charges<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">184<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6.1<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen34\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Operating earnings adjusted<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">358<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">11.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen48\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen41\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">343<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen40\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">11.4<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen48\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"12\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"10\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <i>In millions<\/i><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"7\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Three Months Ended <br \/>March 31,<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen28\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen29\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>%<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net earnings reported<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">238<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">173<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen32\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">38<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml8\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Restructuring, net and impairment charges<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">57<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Net earnings adjusted<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">238<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">230<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Diluted earnings per share reported<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4.48<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3.19<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">40<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Pretax restructuring, net and impairment charges<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">3.38<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u00a0 Tax effect \u00b9<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(2.33)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Total, net of tax <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">1.05<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen43\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Diluted earnings per share adjusted<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4.48<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">$<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen36\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">4.24<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen35\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td nowrap=\"nowrap\" class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table id=\"convertedTable9bb8\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" class=\"prngen2\">\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen21\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u00b9 The tax impact of adjustments is calculated based on the income tax rate in each applicable jurisdiction, subject to deductibility limitations and the company&#8217;s ability to realize the associated tax benefits. The lower tax rate effect in the prior year quarter was primarily driven by tax benefits related to the now divested Fabory business (divested June 30, 2020).<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div>\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"1\" class=\"prntblns\">\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"9\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"9\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"8\" class=\"prngen26\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Three Months Ended March 31,<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"prngen28\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2021<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen29\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"prngen30\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>2020<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen32\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"prngen8\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\"><br \/>\n                  <b>Bps <br \/>impact<\/b><br \/>\n                <\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Effective tax rate reported<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">25.8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen44\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(30.4)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen44\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">5,620<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Tax benefit related to the Fabory business<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">61.2<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnml10\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Tax impact of restructuring, net and impairment charges<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen33\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">\u2014<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen34\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">(5.2)<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"prngen33\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"prngen31\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">Effective tax rate adjusted<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">25.8<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen38\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">25.6<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen45\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">%<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"prngen25\">\n              \n            <\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\" class=\"prngen25\">\n<p class=\"prnews_p\">\n                <span class=\"prnews_span\">20<\/span>\n              <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"PURL\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Cision\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" alt=\"Cision\" src=\"https:\/\/c212.net\/c\/img\/favicon.png?sn=CG59424&amp;sd=2021-04-30\" \/> View original content:<a id=\"PRNURL\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/grainger-reports-results-for-the-first-quarter-2021-301280644.html\">http:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/grainger-reports-results-for-the-first-quarter-2021-301280644.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p>SOURCE  W.W. Grainger, Inc.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/rt.prnewswire.com\/rt.gif?NewsItemId=CG59424&amp;Transmission_Id=202104300800PR_NEWS_USPR_____CG59424&amp;DateId=20210430\" style=\"border:0px;width:1px;height:1px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Company delivers strong revenue and earnings growth and provides full year guidance as economic trends improve PR Newswire CHICAGO, April 30, 2021 \/PRNewswire\/ &#8212; First Quarter Financial Highlights Delivered sales of $3.1 billion, up 2.8%, and up 5.9% on an organic, daily, constant currency basis compared to the first quarter 2020 (excluding divestitures and foreign exchange) Expanded reported and adjusted operating margins by 630 and 20 basis points, respectively Generated $294 million in operating cash flow and returned $256 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases Provides full year guidance: Total company daily revenue growth of 8.5-11.0% and earnings per share of $19.00-20.50 (growth of 17.5% to 26.5%) Grainger (NYSE: GWW) today reported results for the first quarter 2021 &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/grainger-reports-results-for-the-first-quarter-2021\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Grainger Reports Results For The First Quarter 2021&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-485155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - 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