Grainger posts year-end gains

CHICAGO —  Grainger reported results for the year end with sales of $10 billion increased 6% from $9.4 billion in 2013. Reported net earnings of $802 million increased 1% versus $797 million in 2013. Reported earnings per share of $11.45 represented a rise of 3% compared to $11.13 in 2013. In Canada, Q4 sales at Acklands-Grainger were up 11% in local currency, an increase consisting of 7 percentage points from the acquisition of WFS Enterprises, Inc. on September 2, 2014, and 4 percentage points increase from volume. The volume growth in Canada was led by higher sales to customers in the government and utilities end markets. Operating earnings in Canada declined 21% in the 2014 fourth quarter.