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● GRAINGER . III FOR THE ONES WHO GET IT DONE ● News Release GRAINGER REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER 2021 Second Quarter Highlights Delivered sales of $ 3.2 billion , up 13.1 % , compared to the second quarter of 2020 ; up 15.0 % on an organic , daily , constant currency basis Generated $ 269 million in operating cash flow and returned $ 203 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases Earned 2021 Great Place to Work® Certification ™ Strong revenue growth drives performance in line with company expectations ; Gross profit impacted by inventory adjustments , amplified by easing mask mandates CHICAGO , July 30 , 2021 - Grainger ( NYSE : GWW ) today reported results for the second quarter 2021 with sales of $ 3.2 billion , up 13.1 % and up 15.0 % on an organic , daily , constant currency basis compared to the second quarter 2020. Both the High - Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment segments produced strong top - line growth . " Grainger is uniquely positioned to navigate one of the most challenging supply chain environments in recent history , with labor shortages , material shortages and transportation challenges . I am proud of how the Grainger team has remained committed to our operating principles , served customers well during this period and delivered strong top - line growth , " said DG Macpherson , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer . " As more of the U.S. became vaccinated , and mask mandates were relaxed earlier than expected , demand for pandemic products stalled , resulting in further inventory adjustments and a negative impact to gross profit margin . Excluding these adjustments , our underlying gross profit margin has improved as customer demand has returned to a more normal mix . We remain confident in our ability to achieve full year financial results within our guidance range . " 1