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CHICAGO , Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW), the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions, held its annual analyst meeting in Lake Forest, Illinois , today. Chairman, Richard L. Keyser , and President and Chief Executive Officer, James T. Ryan , hosted the event along with Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ron Jadin . The event also included presentations from several other Grainger leaders.

As part of the meeting, Grainger reiterated its 2008 earnings per share guidance of $6.00 to $6.20. Given current economic conditions, the company is expecting 2008 fourth quarter sales to range from -2% to +2% and 2008 fourth quarter earnings per share to range from $1.35 to $1.55. The company also provided guidance for next year and expects 2009 revenues to range from -5% to +5% and forecasts 2009 earnings per share to be between $5.30 and $6.70.

Ryan discussed that the recent deterioration in several economic indicators makes it increasingly difficult to predict results. Despite a slowing economy, Grainger's strategy of having the best geographic reach, sales and service network and supply chain positions the company to gain market share. In a move designed to further capture share and improve operating performance, the company will combine its Lab Safety Supply and Grainger Industrial Supply businesses Ryan announced. This combination is expected to result in incremental sales and cost savings improvements.

Presentations and a live and archived audio web cast from the meeting are available on Grainger's Investor Relations Web site at http://www.grainger.com/investor.

W.W. Grainger , Inc. with 2007 sales of $6.4 billion is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States , Canada , Mexico , China and Panama . Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done.

This document contains forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements relate to the company's expected future financial results and business plans, strategies, and objectives and are not historical facts. They are generally identified by qualifiers such as "capture share", "EPS guidance", "earnings per share guidance", "expected", "expects", "expecting", "forecasts", "gain market share", "guidance", "improve", "outlook", "positions", "predict", "range" or similar expressions. There are risks and uncertainties the outcome of which could cause the company's results to differ materially from what is projected. The forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the company's most recent annual report, as well as the company's Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, containing a discussion of the company's business and of various factors that may affect it.

SOURCE W.W. Grainger , Inc.

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