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GRAINGER . FOR THE ONES WHO GET IT DONE ● News Release GRAINGER REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER 2021 Strong supply chain and operational performance drove third quarter results above Company expectations Third Quarter Highlights Delivered sales of $ 3.4 billion , up 11.7 % , compared to the third quarter of 2020 ; up 11.9 % on an organic , daily , constant currency basis Expanded gross margin by 145 bps compared to the third quarter of 2020 , expanded by 205 bps sequentially Operating earnings of $ 438 million , up 17.4 % , resulting in EPS of $ 5.65 , growth of 25 % versus the third quarter of 2020 Returned $ 327 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases CHICAGO , October 29 , 2021 - Grainger ( NYSE : GWW ) today reported results for the third quarter 2021 with sales of $ 3.4 billion , up 11.7 % and up 11.9 % on an organic , daily , constant currency basis compared to the third quarter 2020 , driven by strong performance in both the High - Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment segments . " During the third quarter , I spent significant time with customers . They consistently commended Grainger on our ability to fulfill orders and deliver products faster than others , and they valued our teams ' commitment to servicing their business needs , " said DG Macpherson , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer . " Demand for core products was very strong throughout the quarter , and Grainger gained share and expanded margins in both segments . Despite the current market and supply chain uncertainties , we are confident in our ability to deliver solid performance in the fourth quarter and into 2022. " 1