WW Grainger (NYSE:GWW) Downgraded to ‘Neutral’ by Robert W. Baird

Robert W. Baird downgraded the company’s shares WW Grainger (NYSE:GWW – Free Report) from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, MarketBeat reports. They currently have a price target on shares of the industrial products company of $975.00, down from their prior price target of $1,000.00.

Other equity research analysts have also recently published research reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on WW Grainger from $809.00 to $907.00 and gave the stock a sector rating in a report on Monday, February 5th. On Thursday, May 16, in a research report, StockNews.com increased its recommendation for WW Grainger shares from a hold rating to a buy rating. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of WW Grainger from $800.00 to $925.00 and gave the stock a Neutral rating in a report released on Tuesday, February 6th. Loop Capital lowered their target price on shares of WW Grainger from $1,000.00 to $975.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 29th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on WW Grainger from $740.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company a Neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, March 14th. One analyst rated the company with a sell rating, seven with a hold rating, and two with a buy rating. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company’s average rating is Hold and the target price is $959.44.

See our latest stock analysis on WW Grainger

WW Grainger shares fell 3.0%

Shares of WW Grainger opened Wednesday at $910.92. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 2.19 and a debt to equity ratio of 0.51. The company has a market capitalization of $44.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.15, a PEG ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 1.18. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $966.39 and its 200-day moving average price is $909.48. WW Grainger has a 52 week low of $641.95 and a 52 week high of $1,034.18.

WW Grainger (NYSE:GWW – Get Free Report) last announced earnings results on Thursday, April 25th. The industrial products company reported $9.62 earnings per share for the quarter, $0.05 above the consensus estimate of $9.57. The company had revenue of $4.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.26 billion. WW Grainger achieved a net margin of 10.94% and a return on equity of 54.31%. WW Grainger revenues increased by 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $9.61 per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect WW Grainger to post 39.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

WW Grainger increases dividend

Recently, the company also announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, June 1. On Monday, May 13, shareholders of record will receive a dividend of $2.05 per share. This translates into an annual dividend of $8.20 and a dividend yield of 0.90%. This is a positive change from WW Grainger’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.86. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 10. WW Grainger’s payout ratio is 22.64%.

WW Grainger’s Institutional Trading

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently increased or decreased their stakes in the company. Bfsg LLC acquired new shares of WW Grainger stock during the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC strengthened its position in WW Grainger by 170.0% during the first quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC acquired a new position in WW Grainger during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in WW Grainger during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Ultimately, Washington Trust Advisors Inc. increased its position in WW Grainger shares by 225.0% in the first quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 39 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds hold 80.70% of the company’s shares.

WW Grainger company profile

(Get the free report)

WW Grainger, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair and service products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates through two segments: High-Touch Solutions NA and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and hydraulic equipment, cleaning and maintenance, metalworking and hand tools.

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