W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) Stock Investment Calculator & Historical Return Analysis
W.W. Grainger Inc. is a leading broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products and services. The company serves a diverse customer base, including businesses and institutions across various industries, providing a wide range of products such as safety supplies, power tools, hand tools, material handling equipment, and janitorial supplies. Grainger aims to help customers keep their operations running smoothly by providing a vast selection of products, fast delivery, and expert support. Investors often view W.W. Grainger Inc. as a key player in the market, analyzing its long-term potential through various revenue models, brand recognition, and consistent presence in its industry.
This W.W. Grainger Inc. stock investment calculator allows you to explore how a hypothetical investment in GWW might have performed over time. By adjusting the investment amount and time period, you can visualize potential growth, compare outcomes across different market cycles, and better understand the impact of long-term investing.
What if you invested $1000 in GWW on Jan 1, 2020?
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Understanding W.W. Grainger Inc.'s Historical Performance
W.W. Grainger Inc.'s stock performance has historically reflected both broader market trends and company-specific milestones. Like many growth-oriented stocks, GWW has experienced periods of growth driven by innovation and market demand.
When analyzing W.W. Grainger Inc.'s historical returns, it's important to consider:
- Market cycles: Strong bull markets often amplify returns, while recessions can temporarily suppress performance.
- Business model evolution: Changes in revenue strategies and product lines can significantly impact stability.
- Long-term trends: Over extended periods, compounding can play a larger role than short-term price fluctuations. Try our calculator to explore returns over 5 years or larger investments over 10 years.
This calculator helps you see how these factors might have affected an investment depending on when you entered the market.
Historical Annual Returns
Over the past 40 years, W.W. Grainger Inc. has delivered an average annual return of 16.1%. The stock peaked in 1991 with a massive +66.2% gain, while investors faced a downturn in 2000 (-19.1%). Overall, the stock finished in the green 31 times out of 40 years.
Avg Return
+16.1%
Win Rate
78%
31W - 9L
Best
+66.2%
1991
Worst
-19.1%
2000
Performance Consistency
W.W. Grainger Inc. Annual Returns by Year
| Year | Annual Return | Start Price | End Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | +18.42% | $5.00 | $5.92 |
| 1987 | +37.10% | $5.92 | $8.12 |
| 1988 | -8.22% | $8.22 | $7.55 |
| 1989 | +21.74% | $7.55 | $9.19 |
| 1990 | +2.79% | $9.37 | $9.63 |
| 1991 | +66.23% | $9.61 | $15.97 |
| 1992 | +12.00% | $15.97 | $17.89 |
| 1993 | -2.99% | $17.89 | $17.35 |
| 1994 | +2.84% | $17.16 | $17.65 |
| 1995 | +19.25% | $17.23 | $20.55 |
| 1996 | +22.82% | $20.55 | $25.24 |
| 1997 | +23.58% | $25.04 | $30.95 |
| 1998 | -13.67% | $31.09 | $26.84 |
| 1999 | +19.36% | $26.19 | $31.27 |
| 2000 | -19.14% | $30.04 | $24.29 |
| 2001 | +35.41% | $24.00 | $32.50 |
| 2002 | +9.35% | $32.37 | $35.40 |
| 2003 | -9.35% | $36.47 | $33.06 |
| 2004 | +42.79% | $33.04 | $47.17 |
| 2005 | +10.86% | $46.10 | $51.10 |
| 2006 | -1.04% | $51.61 | $51.07 |
| 2007 | +25.24% | $51.84 | $64.93 |
| 2008 | -6.04% | $63.44 | $59.60 |
| 2009 | +22.72% | $60.93 | $74.77 |
| 2010 | +44.69% | $75.09 | $108.64 |
| 2011 | +36.41% | $109.77 | $149.73 |
| 2012 | +10.70% | $148.45 | $164.34 |
| 2013 | +24.74% | $168.69 | $210.42 |
| 2014 | +2.47% | $208.48 | $213.63 |
| 2015 | -19.02% | $213.91 | $173.23 |
| 2016 | +17.54% | $172.83 | $203.15 |
| 2017 | +3.37% | $205.07 | $211.98 |
| 2018 | +21.96% | $211.49 | $257.95 |
| 2019 | +24.80% | $252.67 | $315.34 |
| 2020 | +20.64% | $321.10 | $387.39 |
| 2021 | +33.58% | $373.52 | $498.94 |
| 2022 | +10.46% | $491.20 | $542.59 |
| 2023 | +50.62% | $542.28 | $816.78 |
| 2024 | +30.64% | $801.56 | $1047.17 |
| 2025 | -2.50% | $1034.92 | $1009.05 |
Historical annual returns for W.W. Grainger Inc.. Data shows year-over-year percentage change in stock price.
Why Use a "What If" Stock Calculator?
Many investors wonder questions such as:
- What if I had invested 5 years ago?
- How does timing affect long-term returns?
- What role does compounding play in stock investments?
A what-if investment calculator answers these questions by turning historical data into practical insights. Rather than focusing on daily price movements, it encourages a long-term perspective, which is especially useful for retirement planning, portfolio comparisons, and financial education.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered the concept of broad-line MRO distribution, providing a 'one-stop shop' for industrial and commercial customers.
- ✓Invests heavily in digital platforms and supply chain optimization to enhance customer experience, streamline ordering, and ensure timely delivery of essential products.
Business Segments
- High-Touch Solutions N.A.Serves larger and more complex customers in North America through dedicated sales representatives, technical support, and customized solutions.
- Endless AssortmentCatches a broader range of customer needs with a vast online product offering and digital capabilities.
- Other BusinessesIncludes various smaller businesses and corporate functions.
How to Interpret the Results
The results shown are based on historical performance and are meant for educational and informational purposes only. They do not account for future market conditions, taxes, transaction fees, or individual investment strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results, but historical analysis can help investors understand risk, volatility, and growth potential.
For best use:
- Compare multiple time ranges to see how outcomes differ
- Use consistent assumptions across different stocks
- Combine this tool with fundamental research and diversification principles