Aug 4 (Reuters) - WW Grainger ( GWW ) raised its 2026

earnings forecast on Tuesday after reporting

better-than-expected quarterly profit, as steady demand for

maintenance and repair services boosted the industrial tools

supplier's performance.

Geopolitical uncertainty and tariff concerns have prompted

companies to delay capital expenditures, choosing instead to

repair and maintain existing equipment for longer use, which is

lifting demand for suppliers such as WW Grainger ( GWW ).

However, shares of WW Grainger ( GWW ) were down 5.4% in premarket

trading.

Here are some details:

* The toolmaker expects 2026 adjusted profit between $45.50

and $47.25 per share, compared with its previous forecast range

of $44.25 to $46.25 per share.

* Sales remained strong despite ongoing geopolitical

uncertainty, and core operating profitability was in line with

expectations, the company said.

* The company posted a quarterly profit of $12.01 per share,

up from $9.97 per share a year earlier and above analysts'

average estimate of $11.31 per share.

* The high-touch solutions unit, WW Grainger's ( GWW ) largest

segment that serves large to mid-size companies with

maintenance, repair and operations services, posted an 11.9%

rise in sales in the second quarter from a year ago.

* Total revenue for the quarter ended June 30 was $5

billion, up from $4.55 billion a year earlier. Analysts, on

average, had expected $4.95 billion.

* On Monday, the company said Chief Financial Officer Deidra

Merriwether would step down effective September 4, and Laurie

Thomson would take on the role on an interim basis.