Acklands Grainger posts Q1 loss

CHICAGO — W.W. Grainger reported that its Q1 sales amounted to $2.8 billion, a 9% increase from $2.5 billion posted a year ago. Net earnings for the quarter of $232 million were up 32% from $175 million in 2017. EPS of $4.07 increased 39% versus $2.93 in 2017. In Canada, Acklands Grainger saw sales decline 6% in local currency. The Canadian segment posted an operating loss of $20 million, compared to $17 million in the prior year, primarily driven by higher restructuring expenses.