SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION              57 pages
                          Washington, D.C. 20549                     Complete
                                 FORM 10-K
                               ANNUAL REPORT

                                 (Mark One)
X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES  EXCHANGE 
ACT OF 1934
                              [FEE REQUIRED]
                 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994
                                   OR
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                            [NO FEE REQUIRED]
                       Commission File Number 1-5684
                           W.W. Grainger, Inc.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
             Illinois                         36-1150280
       (State or other jurisdiction of      (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)       Identification No.)
             5500 W. Howard St., Skokie, Illinois 60077-2699
          (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number including area code  708/982-9000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

      Title of each class            Name of each exchange on which registered
  Common Stock $0.50 par value,
 and accompanying Preferred Stock              New York Stock Exchange
       Purchase Rights                         Chicago Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                  Yes    X                        No           
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the 
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy of information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to 
this Form 10-K. ( X )
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the 
registrant was $2,482,981,689 as of the close of trading reported on the 
Consolidated Transaction Reporting System on March 6, 1995.
                      APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes 
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock $0.50 par value 50,761,831 shares outstanding as of March 6, 1995
                        DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the proxy statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders 
of the registrant to be held on April 26, 1995 are incorporated by reference 
into Part III hereof.
The Exhibit Index appears on pages 13 and 14 in the sequential numbering 
system.
(The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of 
this report nor has it passed on the accuracy or adequacy hereof.)


                                      CONTENTS

                                                                          Page
                                       PART I
Item 1:  BUSINESS.........................................................3-5
          THE COMPANY.......................................................3
          GRAINGER........................................................3-4
          LAB SAFETY SUPPLY.................................................5
          PARTS COMPANY OF AMERICA..........................................5
          INDUSTRY SEGMENTS.................................................5
          COMPETITION.......................................................5
          EMPLOYEES.........................................................5
Item 2:  PROPERTIES.........................................................6
Item 3:  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................6
Item 4:  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS................7
Executive Officers Of The Company.........................................7-8
                                     PART II
Item 5:  MARKETS FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
          AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS...................................9
Item 6:  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA............................................9
Item 7:  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL 
          CONDITION AND THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.......................10-12
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.........................................10-11
          FINANCIAL CONDITION...........................................11-12
          INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES....................................12
Item 8:   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA......................12
Item 9:   DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.............12
                                     PART III
Item 10: DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT................12
Item 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION............................................12
Item 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT....12
Item 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS....................12
                                     PART IV
Item 14: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE,
          AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.......................................13-14
Signatures.................................................................15
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.......................16
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.............................17-36
  2

PART I

Item 1: Business

The Company

The registrant, W.W. Grainger, Inc., was incorporated in the State of Illinois 
in 1928. It is a leading nationwide distributor of maintenance, repair, and
operating (MRO) supplies and related information to commercial, industrial, 
contractor, and institutional customers and regards itself as a service 
business. As used herein, "Company" means W.W. Grainger, Inc. and/or its 
subsidiaries as the context may require.

During 1994, in conjunction with the integration of certain business units, 
the Company began a process of integrating its Corporate headquarters 
and core branch-based business support functions. These support 
functions provide coordination and guidance to all business units in the 
areas of Accounting, Administrative Services, Aviation, Communications, 
Compensation and Benefits, Data Systems and Data Processing, Finance, 
Government Regulations, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, 
Insurance and Risk Management, Internal Audit, Legal, Planning, Real 
Estate and Construction Services, Security and Safety, Taxes, Training and 
Development, and Treasury Services.

The Company utilizes a satellite communications network which substantially
reduces its reliance on phone lines by linking branches and other facilities
together via a network control center. This results in almost instantaneous 
transmittal of information, which expedites the completion of sales 
transactions and the initiation of stock replenishment.

During 1994, the Company began a program to upgrade branch computer 
systems. The new systems, upon final installation in 1995, will have the 
capacity to accept enhancements to the Company's order processing 
capabilities. This will result in greater efficiency and accuracy in handling 
orders from large customers which often require special information or 
handling. During 1994, an average of 88,700 sales transactions were completed
daily. The Company does not engage in basic or substantive product research
and development activity. New items are added regularly to its product line
on the basis of market research as well as recommendations of its employees,
customers, and suppliers. Before being added, a new item must satisfy many
evaluation tests and other rigid requirements.

Grainger

The Company's core branch-based business, Grainger, is a nationwide 
distributor of air compressors, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment 
and components, air tools and paint spraying equipment, blowers, 
computer supplies, electric motors, fans, gas engine driven power plants, 
gearmotors, heating equipment and controls, hydraulic equipment, janitorial 
supplies, lighting fixtures and components, liquid pumps, material handling 
and storage equipment, motor controls, office equipment, outdoor 
equipment, plant and office maintenance equipment, power and hand tools, 
power generating plants, power transmission components, safety products, 
and shop tools, as well as other items shown in its General Catalog.

Grainger is also an important resource for both product and procurement 
process information. The Company provides technical information on 
products as well as information on historic usage of products to customers. 
Grainger Consulting Services assists companies which are reengineering 
their MRO procurement process. The Company also provides feedback to 
suppliers concerning their products.

Grainger sells principally to contractors, service shops, industrial and 
commercial maintenance departments, manufacturers, hotels, and health 
care and educational facilities. Sales in 1994 represented approximately 
20,200,000 transactions averaging $129 each and were made to more than 
1,200,000 customers. Average 1994 purchases per customer 
approximated $2,100, although average 1994 purchases per National 
Accounts customer were significantly higher. Sales to the largest single 
customer, General Electric Company, were 0.7% of sales. Grainger 
estimates that approximately 29% of 1994 sales consisted of items bearing 
the Company's registered trademarks, including "Dayton r" (principally 
electric motors and ventilation equipment), "Demco r" (power transmission 
belts), "Dem-Kote r" (spray paints), "Speedaire r" (air compressors), and 
"Teel r" (liquid pumps), as well as other trademarks. The Company has 
taken steps to protect these trademarks against infringement and believes 
that they will remain available for future use in its business. Sales of 
remaining items consisted of other well recognized brands.

  3


Grainger purchases from more than 1,700 product suppliers most of which 
are manufacturers. The largest supplier in 1994, a diversified manufacturer 
through 25 of its divisions, accounted for 12.7% of purchases. No 
significant difficulty has been encountered with respect to sources of 
supply.

Grainger offers its line of products at competitive prices through a 
nationwide network of branches (337 at December 31, 1994). An average 
branch has 14 employees and handles about 200 transactions per day. 
Large, computer controlled stocks of over 61,000 items maintained at three 
Regional Distribution Centers, located in the Chicago area, Greenville 
County, South Carolina, and Kansas City, Missouri, provide the branches 
and customers with protection against variable demand and delayed factory 
deliveries. Each branch tailors its inventory to local customer preferences 
and actual product demand. In 1994, Grainger invested more than 
$59,000,000 in the continuation of its branch optimization program, which 
consists of new branches, relocated branches, and additions to branches. 
During 1995, Grainger plans to transform the Chicago area RDC into a 
National Distribution Center (NDC). The NDC will be a centralized storage 
and shipment facility for slower moving inventory items, creating additional 
space to achieve increased product service levels at the other two RDCs.

In 1994, Grainger opened two additional Zone Distribution Centers (ZDCs). 
The ZDC logistics strategy provides a break-bulk function for faster branch 
stock replenishment. In addition, ZDCs handle shipped orders for their zone 
and also offer a logistical solution for integrated supply customers by 
coordinating complex orders and multiple receipts, and combining them into 
a single shipment. By eliminating order and receipt complexity from the 
branch, greater scale within the distribution system is created.

The Grainger National Accounts Program focuses on meeting the needs of 
large multi-site companies by focusing on simplifying customers' MRO 
purchasing activities and providing consistent service and pricing to each 
customer location. Sales to National Accounts customers increased 25% in 
1994 over the prior year, and National Account relationships have been 
established with over 350 of the nation's largest companies.

During 1994, Grainger began the integration of Allied Safety, Inc. into the 
core branch-based business in order to become a national full-line supplier 
of safety products. The integration, anticipated to be completed in 1995, is 
similar to the 1993 creation of Grainger Sanitary Supplies and Equipment, 
which combined elements of Jani-Serv and Ball Industries with Grainger's 
existing line of professional cleaning products. Similar integration efforts 
for Bossert Industrial Supply, Inc. (production consumable products) are 
planned to be completed in 1995.

Grainger employs sales representatives who call on existing and 
prospective customers. Sales representatives are paid a salary and 
commission. In addition, a sales force of market specialists and national 
account specialists has been developed to serve individualized markets 
and national accounts. These specialists are paid a salary only. Grainger 
employed 1,408 sales representatives, market specialists and national 
account specialists at December 31, 1994.

An important selling tool is the General Catalog, which has been published 
continuously since 1927 and has grown to 3,276 pages listing over 61,000 
items together with extensive technical and application data. For 1994, 
2,285,000 copies were published. The most current edition was issued in 
January 1995.

During 1994, Grainger continued its support of several large, multi-site 
customers by expanding product offerings. Grainger now handles an 
additional 33,000 "non-catalog" items, which includes full lines of products 
from key suppliers.

The Grainger Electronic Catalog brings directly to the customer's place of 
business a fast, easy way to select and order products. It is a state-of-the-
art system that uses PC-based software and CD-ROM technology. 
Through the Electronic Catalog, the customer can use a variety of ways to 
describe a needed product, and then review Grainger's offerings, complete 
with specifications, prices, and pictures. Other Electronic Catalog features 
include a cross-reference function that allows customers to retrieve product 
information using their own stock numbers. Enhancements for 1994 
included an improved Microsoft r Windows TM compatible version, and 
accommodations for network software. In addition, Grainger's PC-based 
tool crib management system, first introduced in 1993, can now be 
interfaced with the Grainger Electronic Catalog, allowing customers to 
benefit from the efficiencies achieved in combining these two applications. 
More than 26,000 copies of the Electronic Catalog are currently in use. The 
Electronic Catalog is also used at the branches as a training tool and a 
resource for identifying appropriate products for customers' applications.

  4


Lab Safety Supply, Inc. (Lab Safety) and Parts Company of America (PCA)

Lab Safety, acquired in 1992, serves the safety products markets with such 
items as respiratory systems, protective clothing, and other equipment 
used in the workplace and in environmental clean-up operations. Lab 
Safety is a leading national direct marketer of safety products, serving 
350,000 customers from its facilities in Janesville, Wisconsin. The current 
Lab Safety catalog, its primary selling tool, has over 900 pages, listing 
approximately 27,000 items. During 1994, an average of 3,800 sales 
transactions were completed daily.

Parts distribution continues to expand under the PCA name. PCA 
distributes approximately 181,000 spare and replacement parts, takes 
orders 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, and ships stocked items within 
24 hours of an order, most on the same business day. PCA gives value to 
customers by being a single source for many different spare and 
replacement parts and by offering valuable technical assistance. During 
1994, an average of 2,200 sales transactions were completed daily.

Industry Segments

The Company has concluded that its business is within a single industry 
segment. For information as to the Company's consolidated revenue and 
operating earnings see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and the Results of Operations", and Item 8, "Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data". 

The total assets of the Company for the last five years were: 1994, 
$1,534,751,000; 1993, $1,376,664,000; 1992, $1,310,538,000; 1991, 
$1,216,554,000; and 1990, $1,162,437,000.

Competition

The Company faces competition in all markets which it serves, from 
manufacturers (including some of the Company's own suppliers) that sell 
directly to certain segments of the market, from wholesale distributors, and 
from certain retail enterprises.

The principal means by which the Company competes with manufacturers 
and other distributors is by providing local stocks, efficient service, sales 
representatives, competitive prices, its several catalogs, which include 
product descriptions and in certain cases, extensive technical and 
application data, and procurement process consulting services. The 
Company believes that it can effectively compete on a price basis with its 
manufacturing competitors on small orders, but that such manufacturers 
may enjoy a cost advantage in filling large orders.

The Company serves a number of diverse markets, and is able in some 
markets to reasonably estimate the Company's competitive position within 
that market. However, taken as a whole, the Company is unable to 
determine its market shares relative to others engaged in whole or in part in 
similar activities.

Employees

As of December 31, 1994, the Company had 11,343 employees, of whom 
9,104 were full-time and 2,239 were part-time or temporary. The Company 
has never had a major work stoppage and believes that its employee 
relations are good.
5


Item 2: Properties

As of December 31, 1994, Grainger branch locations totaled 7,239,000 
square feet, an increase of approximately 2.5% over 1993. Most branches 
are located in or near major metropolitan areas, many in industrial parks. 
Branches range in size from 5,800 to 58,000 square feet and average 
approximately 21,000 square feet. A typical owned branch is on one floor, 
is of masonry construction, consists primarily of warehouse space, contains 
an air conditioned office and sales area, and has off the street parking for 
customers and employees. The Company considers that its properties are 
generally in good condition and well maintained, and are suitable and 
adequate to carry on the Company's business.

The significant facilities of the Company are briefly described below:

                                                                    Size in
Location                  Facility and Use                        Square Feet 
--------                  ----------------                        -----------
Chicago Area (1)           General Offices                            513,000
Niles, IL (1)              General Office & Regional Dist. Center     938,000
Kansas City, MO (1)        Regional Distribution Center             1,435,000
Greenville County, SC (1)  Regional Distribution Center             1,090,000
Nationwide (1)             3 Zone Distribution Centers                596,000
Nationwide (2)             337 Grainger branch locations            7,239,000
Nationwide (3)             Other Facilities                         1,751,000
                                                                   ----------
Total square feet                                                  13,562,000
                                                                   ==========
(1) These facilities are either owned or leased with leases expiring between 
1995 and 1999. The owned facilities are not subject to any mortgages.
(2) Grainger branches consist of 256 owned and 81 leased properties. The 
owned facilities are not subject to any mortgages.
(3) Other facilities represent leased and owned general offices, distribution 
centers, and branches. The owned facilities are not subject to any 
mortgages.

Item 3: Legal Proceedings

There are pending various legal and administrative proceedings involving 
the Company that are incidental to the business. It is not expected that the 
outcome of any such proceeding will have a material adverse effect upon 
the Company's consolidated financial position or its results of operations.

  6


Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth 
quarter of 1994.

Executive Officers of the Company

Following is information about the Executive Officers of the Company. 
Executive Officers of the Company generally serve until the next annual 
election of officers, or until earlier resignation or removal.

                                      Positions and Offices Held and Principal
                                       Occupations and Employment During the 
Name and Age                                       Past Five Years 
----------------           ---------------------------------------------------
James M. Baisley (62)      Senior Vice President (a position assumed in 1995 
                           after serving as Vice President), General Counsel, 
                           and Secretary. Mr. Baisley assumed the position of 
                           Secretary in 1991.
Donald E. Bielinski (45)   Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, a 
                           position assumed in 1995 after serving as Senior 
                           Vice President, Organization and Planning. Mr. 
                           Bielinski has also served as Vice President and 
                           Chief Financial Officer.
Wesley M. Clark (42)       Vice President, Field Operations and Quality, a 
                           position assumed in 1995 after serving as President 
                           of the Sanitary Supply and Equipment businesses. 
                           Before joining the Company in 1992, Mr. Clark 
                           served as an executive with Granite Rock Company.
Jere D. Fluno (53)         Vice Chairman. Mr. Fluno is a member of the 
                           Office of the Chairman.
Robert J. Gariano (45)     Group Vice President, a position assumed in 1993 
                           after serving as Vice President, Specialty 
                           Distribution. Before joining the Company in 1988, 
                           Mr. Gariano served as General Manager of the Lexan 
                           Division of General Electric Company.
David W. Grainger (67)     Chairman of the Board, and, from 1992 to 1994, 
                           President. Mr. Grainger is a member of the 
                           Office of the Chairman.
Richard H. Hantke (56)     Vice President, Distribution Operations. Prior to 
                           assuming this position in 1995, Mr. Hantke served 
                           the Grainger Division in a similar capacity.
Richard L. Keyser (52)     President, a position assumed in 1994, and Chief 
                           Executive Officer, a position assumed in 1995. 
                           Other positions in which he served during the past 
                           years are Chief Operating Officer of the Company, 
                           Executive Vice President of the Company, President 
                           of the Grainger Division, and Executive Vice 
                           President and General Manager of the Grainger 
                           Division. Mr. Keyser is a member of the Office of 
                           the Chairman.
Michael R. Kight (46)      Vice President and General Manager, Integrated 
                           Supply, positions assumed in 1995 after serving the 
                           Grainger Division as Vice President, National 
                           Accounts. Prior to assuming the last-mentioned 
                           position in 1992, Mr. Kight served as Director, 
                           National Accounts of the Grainger Division.
  7


                                     Positions and Offices Held and Principal
                                      Occupations and Employment During the  
Name and Age                                      Past Five Years 
----------------           ---------------------------------------------------
P. Ogden Loux (52)         Vice President, Finance, a position assumed in 1994 
                           after serving the Grainger Division as Vice 
                           President, Business Support. Prior to assuming the 
                           last-mentioned position in 1992, Mr. Loux served as 
                           Vice President and Controller of the Grainger 
                           Division.
Robert D. Pappano (52)     Vice President, Financial Reporting and Investor 
                           Relations, a position assumed in 1995 after serving 
                           as Vice President and Treasurer.
John J. Rozwat (56)        Vice President and General Manager, Direct Sales,  
                           positions assumed in 1995 after serving the 
                           Grainger Division as Vice President, Sales. Prior 
                           to assuming the last-mentioned position in 1991, 
                           Mr. Rozwat served as Vice President, Field Sales 
                           and Operations of the Grainger Division.
James T. Ryan (36)         Vice President, Information Services, a position 
                           assumed in 1994 after serving as President of Parts 
                           Company of America. Prior to assuming the last-
                           mentioned position in 1993, Mr. Ryan served as 
                           Director, Product Management of the Grainger 
                           Division.
John A. Schweig (37)       Vice President and General Manager, Direct 
                           Marketing, positions assumed in 1995 after 
                           serving the Grainger Division as Vice President, 
                           Marketing. Before joining the Company in 1990, Mr. 
                           Schweig served as a Vice President of Bain & 
                           Company.
John W. Slayton, Jr. (49)  Senior Vice President, Product Management, a 
                           position assumed in 1995 after serving as Vice 
                           President, Product Management of the Grainger 
                           Division.
Paul J. Wallace (48)       Vice President, Financial Services, a position 
                           assumed in 1995 after serving as Vice President and 
                           Controller.

  8

PART II

Item 5: Markets for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder 
Matters

The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange 
and the Chicago Stock Exchange, with the ticker symbol GWW. The high 
and low sales prices for the common stock, and the dividends declared and 
paid for each calendar quarter during 1994 and 1993, are shown below.
                               Prices
                         ----------------------
        Quarters         High              Low                    Dividends
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994    First            $68              $561/2                    $0.18
        Second            691/8            587/8                     0.20
        Third             67               57                        0.20
        Fourth            593/8            511/2                     0.20
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Year             $691/8           $511/2                    $0.78
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993    First            $611/8           $545/8                    $0.165
        Second            663/4            583/4                     0.18
        Third             621/2            52                        0.18
        Fourth            591/4            515/8                     0.18
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Year             $663/4           $515/8                    $0.705
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The approximate number of shareholders of record of the Company's common stock 
as of March 1, 1995 was 2,200.


Item 6: Selected Financial Data
                                Years Ended December 31,
                   ----------------------------------------------------------
                    (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts)
                      1994         1993       1992        1991        1990
                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net sales          $3,023,076  $2,628,398  $2,364,421  $2,077,235  $1,935,209

Net earnings
before cumulative 
effect of accounting
 changes              127,874     149,267     137,242     127,737     126,775

Cumulative effect
of accounting 
changes                   --         (820)        --          --           --

Net earning           127,874     148,447     137,242     127,737     126,775

Net earnings per common 
and common equivalent
share before cumulative
effect of accounting
changes                  2.50        2.88        2.58        2.37        2.31

Cumulative effect of 
accounting changes         --       (0.02)         --          --          --

Net earnings per common
 and common equivalent
 share                   2.50        2.86        2.58        2.37       2.31

Total assets        1,534,751   1,376,664   1,310,538   1,216,554  1,162,437

Long-term debt          1,023       6,214       6,936      11,327     14,471

Cash dividends paid
 per share              $0.78       $0.705      $0.65       $0.61      $0.565

NOTE: 1994 and 1993 net earnings include restructuring charges of $49,779 
($0.97 on a per share basis) and $482 ($0.01 on a per share basis),
 respectively.
  9


Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the 
Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table, which is included as an aid to understanding changes in 
the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings, presents various items in 
the earnings statements expressed as a percentage of net sales for the years 
ended December 31, 1994, 1993, 1992, and 1991, and the percentage of increase 
(decrease) in such items in 1994, 1993, and 1992 from the prior year.
                              Years Ended December 31, 
                ------------------------------------------------------------ 
                Items in Consolidated Statements       Percent of Increase
                of Earnings as a Percentage of          (Decrease) from
                         Net Sales                         Prior Year 
                 -------------------------------     ------------------------
                   1994    1993    1992    1991       1994     1993     1992
                  ------  ------  ------  ------     ------    -----   ------
Net sales         100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%      15.0%    11.2%    13.8%
Cost of merchandise
sold               64.5    62.9    63.6    64.9       18.0      9.9     11.6
Operating expenses 27.9    27.6    26.7    25.2       16.3     14.5     20.4
Other (income) or
deductions, net     0.1    0.1      0.1    (0.2)      30.5     76.3   (123.5)
Income taxes        3.3    3.8      3.8     3.9        0.1     12.0     10.2
Net earnings        4.2%   5.6%     5.8%    6.2%     (13.9)%    8.2%     7.4%

Note: Net earnings, excluding restructuring charges, as a percentage of net 
sales were 5.9% and 5.7% for 1994 and 1993, respectively. The percent of 
increase from the prior year for net earnings, excluding restructuring 
charges, was 19.3% and 8.5% for 1994 and 1993, respectively.

Net sales

The 1994 Company net sales increase of 15.0% was primarily volume related; the 
Grainger core branch-based business actually experienced selling price 
deflation of 0.6%. This increase was affected by 1994 having one more sales 
day than 1993 (on a daily basis, sales increased 14.6%). All geographic areas 
contributed to the sales growth, with the percent increases for regions east 
of the Mississippi being higher than for regions in the west. The volume 
increase primarily represented the continuing effects of Company 
market initiatives and the accelerated growth of the national economy. The 
Company's market initiatives included new product additions, pricing actions, 
the continuing effect of expanding branch and adding Zone Distribution 
facilities, and the continuing growth of the National Accounts Program. Daily 
sales to Grainger National Accounts increased 25% over 1993 levels.

The 1993 net sales increase was comprised of a 9.3% increase at Grainger and a 
22.5% increase at Allied, Bossert, Lab Safety, and PCA (Other Business Units). 
The 1993 Grainger net sales increase was comprised of a 7.4% volume increase 
and a 1.8% price increase. All geographic regions contributed to the sales 
growth, with the percent increases for regions east of the Mississippi being 
higher than for regions in the west. The volume increase was attributable to a 
combination of the Company's market initiatives, including new product 
additions, the continuing effect of expanding branch facilities, the growth of 
the National Accounts Program, and the accelerated growth in the national 
economy. The increase in sales at the Other Business Units of 22.5% was the 
result of $54,800,000 in incremental sales from an acquired business and a 
6.7% increase at existing businesses. All of the Other Business Units 
experienced sales increases except for Bossert, which had a slight sales 
decrease. Assuming the acquisition was included in both periods, the Other 
Business Units' pro forma sales would have increased by 7.9%.

Net earnings

Net earnings for 1994 were $127,874,000, net of the after tax effect of a 
restructuring charge of $49,779,000. Excluding the effect of the restructuring 
charge of $49,779,000 and the 1993 restructuring charge of $482,000, net 
earnings increased 19.3% year over year. This increase was greater than the 
sales increase primarily due to operating expenses increasing at a slower rate 
than sales, partially offset by lower gross margins. The lower than sales 
increase for operating expenses was primarily the result of leveraging payroll 
and related benefit costs, lower amortization of goodwill and other 
acquisition related costs, and lower advertising expenses, partially offset by 
increased data processing expenses related to the ongoing significant upgrade 
of the Grainger branch computer systems. Excluding restructuring charges, 
operating expenses increased 9.0% on a year over year basis. The Company's 
1994 gross margin was negatively affected by a restructuring charge of 
$16,308,000 associated with inventory write-downs.
  10

Excluding the effect of the restructuring charge, the Company's gross margins 
decreased by 1.1 percentage points in 1994 compared with 1993. The gross 
margin decrease primarily resulted from a change in the selling price category 
mix and the level of cost increases exceeding the level of selling price 
increases. The change in the selling price category mix was primarily the 
result of increased sales to Grainger National Accounts, and by a strategic 
repricing applicable to the contractor customer segment.

The 1993 percentage increase of 8.2% was less than the increase in net sales 
primarily due to operating expenses increasing faster than sales and an 
increase in the effective income tax rate, partially offset by improved gross 
margins. The increase in operating expenses was primarily attributable to 
increased costs at the Other Business Units and increased expenses at the 
Grainger Division. The increased costs at the Other Business Units reflect 
increased amortization of goodwill and other acquisition related costs 
principally due to the Lab Safety acquisition, increased advertising costs, 
and the Company's continuing investment in these units. The increase in 
expense at the Grainger Division was caused primarily by handling costs 
increasing due to the elimination of a transaction handling charge to 
customers on certain shipped sales and higher data processing expenses 
primarily related to new system development, partially offset by lower bad 
debt expense. The increase in the effective income tax rate was due to the 
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, which increased the maximum 
corporate federal tax rate from 34% to 35% retroactive to January 1, 1993. The 
Company's gross margin increase was attributable to improvements at both the 
Grainger Division and at the Other Business Units. The improvement at the 
Grainger Division was due to a favorable selling price category mix and a 
favorable product mix partially offset by an unfavorable margin impact due to 
the level of cost increases exceeding the level of price increases. The 
improvement at the Other Business Units was primarily related to Lab Safety, 
which had a higher gross margin than the average for the rest of the Other 
Business Units and was included for all of 1993 versus eight months of 1992.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Working capital was $504,595,000 at December 31, 1994 compared to $442,525,000 
at December 31, 1993 and $478,784,000 at December 31, 1992. The ratio of 
current assets to current liabilities was 2.1, 2.2, and 2.5 at such dates.

Net cash flows from operations of $191,382,000 in 1994, $162,498,000 in 1993, 
and $196,368,000 in 1992 have continued to improve the Company's financial 
position and serve as the primary source of funding for capital requirements.

In each of the past three years, a portion of working capital has been used 
for additions to property, buildings, and equipment as summarized in the 
following table.

                                                1994       1993         1992
                                              -------    -------      -------
                                                      (In thousands)
Land, buildings, structures, and improvements  $73,342   $56,393      $31,632
Furniture, fixtures, and other equipment        47,015    42,012       18,288
                                              --------   -------      -------
Total                                         $120,357   $98,405      $49,920
                                              ========   =======      =======

The Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock during 1994. The 
Company did repurchase 1,777,000 shares in 1993, and 733,000 shares in 1992. 
Approximately 3,600,000 shares of common stock remain available for repurchase 
under the existing authorization. The Company may resume share repurchases at 
any time.

Dividends paid to shareholders were $39,570,000 in 1994, $36,272,000 in 1993, 
and $34,295,000 in 1992.

Long-term cash requirements, other than normal operating expenses, are 
anticipated for the branch optimization program, construction of Zone 
Distribution Centers, upgrading branch computer systems, and office space 
expansion. The Company's ongoing profitability continues to support these 
requirements. Internally generated funds are the primary source for working 
capital and expansion needs, supplemented by debt as the need arises. The 
Company had no material commitments outstanding at December 31, 1994.

The Company continues to maintain a low debt ratio and strong liquidity 
position, which provides flexibility in funding working capital needs and 
long-term cash requirements. Total debt as a percent of shareholders' equity 
was 4%, 7%, and 3%, at December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively. 
  11

In May 1992, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of Lab Safety 
for $161,343,000. The acquisition was funded by short-term borrowings of 
$72,727,000, including bank borrowings aggregating $36,727,000, internal funds 
of the Company, and the assumption of $8,227,000 of long-term debt. Also 
during 1992, the Company completed its acquisition of Rice Safety Equipment 
Company for $5,906,000.

INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

Inflation during the last three years has not been a significant factor to 
operations. The use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting for 
inventories and accelerated depreciation methods for financial reporting and 
income tax purposes result in a substantial recognition of the effects of 
inflation in the primary financial statements.

The major impact of inflation is on buildings and improvements, where the gap 
between historic cost and replacement cost continues to be significant for 
these long lived assets. The related depreciation expense associated with 
these assets increases significantly when adjusting for the cumulative effect 
of inflation.

The Company believes the most positive means to combat inflation and advance 
the interests of investors lies in continued application of basic business 
principles, which include improving productivity, increasing working capital 
turnover, and offering products and services which can command proper price 
levels in the marketplace.

Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements and supplementary data are included on pages 17 to 
36. See the Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on page 16.

Item 9: Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

PART III
With respect to Items 10 through 13, the Company will file with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission, within 120 days of the close of its fiscal year, a 
definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14-A.

Item 10: Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information regarding directors of the Company will be set forth in the 
Company's proxy statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be 
held April 26, 1995, and, to the extent required, is incorporated herein by 
reference. Information regarding executive officers of the Company is set 
forth under the caption "Executive Officers".

Item 11: Executive Compensation

Information regarding executive compensation will be set forth in the 
Company's proxy statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be 
held April 26, 1995, and, to the extent required, is incorporated herein by 
reference.

Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and 
management will be set forth in the Company's proxy statement relating to the 
annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 26, 1995, and, to the extent 
required, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions will be 
set forth in the Company's proxy statement relating to the annual meeting of 
shareholders to be held April 26, 1995, and, to the extent required, is 
incorporated herein by reference.
  12

PART IV                                                                Exhibit
                                                                        Index
Item 14: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on
         Form 8-K
(a)1.Financial Statements. See Index to Financial Statements 
     and Supplementary Data.
   2.Financial Statement Schedule. See Index to Financial 
     Statements and Supplementary Data.
   3.Exhibits:
    (3)(a)Restated Articles of Incorporation dated April 27, 1994.      39-43
       (b)By-laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the 
          Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
          June 30, 1988.
   (10)Material Contracts:
      (a)No instruments which define the rights of holders of the 
         Company's Industrial Development Revenue Bonds are filed 
         herewith, pursuant to the exemption contained in Regulation 
         S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii). The Company hereby agrees to furnish
         to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a
         copy of any such instrument.
      (b)Shareholders rights agreement dated April 26, 1989,
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(m) to the Company's
         Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989,
         and a related Certificate of Adjustment, incorporated by 
         reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on 
         Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1991.
      (c)Compensatory Plans or Arrangements
        (i)W.W. Grainger, Inc. 1990 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, 
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Company's 
           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
           June 30, 1990.
       (ii)W.W. Grainger, Inc. 1975 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan as 
           Amended and Restated March 3, 1988, incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 10(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
           for the year ended December 31, 1987.
  13


      (iii)Executive Death Benefit Plan dated December 30, 1983, 
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to the Company's 
           Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
           December 31, 1989.
       (iv)Executive Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 30, 1983,
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the Company's 
           Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
           1989.
        (v)1985 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 31,
           1984, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the 
           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
           December 31, 1990.
       (vi)Post-Service Benefits Plan for Non-Management Directors, 
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e)(vi) to the 
           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
           December 31, 1993.
      (vii)Summary Description of Corporate Management Incentive      44-47
           Program Based on Improved Economic Earnings.
     (viii)Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan as amended effective      48-55
           January 1, 1995.
       (ix)Plan for Payment of Directors' Fees as amended effective   56-57
           January 1, 1995.
   (11)Computations of Earnings Per Share. See Index to Financial 
       Statements and Supplementary Data.
   (21)Subsidiaries of the Company.                                      37
   (23)Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants. See 
       Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
   (27)Financial Data Schedule.                                          38
(b)Reports on Form 8-K.
  (i)On January 13, 1995 the Company filed a Report on Form 8-K
     announcing that the Company would take a fourth quarter pre-tax
     charge of $67,097,000, ($48,398,000 or 94 cents per share on an
     after tax basis) to recognize the expected costs associated with 
     integration efforts.
 (ii)On March 2, 1995, the Company filed a Report on Form 8-K 
     announcing that the Board of Directors of the Company elected 
     Richard L. Keyser President and Chief Executive Officer, effective
     March 1, 1995.


  14


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by 
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

DATE: March 24, 1995

W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
By:  D. W. Grainger                     By: J. D. Fluno
   -------------------------------         ---------------------------
     D. W. Grainger                         J. D. Fluno
  Chairman of the Board of Directors         Vice Chairman
 (a Principal Executive Officer and       (a Principal Executive Officer,
 a Director)                               Principal Financial Officer,
                                           and a Director

By:  R. L. Keyser                       By:  P. J. Wallace
   -------------------------------         ---------------------------
     R. L. Keyser                            P. J. Wallace
 President and Chief Executive Officer    Vice President,Financial 
 (a Principal Executive Officer              Services (Principal 
   and a Director)                           Accounting Officer)


     George R. Baker   March 24, 1995       James D. Slavik  March 24, 1995
----------------------                   --------------------
     George R. Baker                        James D. Slavik
          Director                               Director

     Robert E. Elberson March 24, 1995      Harold B. Smith  March 24, 1995
----------------------                   --------------------
     Robert E. Elberson                     Harold B. Smith
          Director                               Director

     Wilbur H. Gantz    March 24, 1995     Fred L. Turner    March 24, 1995
----------------------                   ---------------------
     Wilbur H. Gantz                       Fred L. Turner
          Director                               Director
     John W. McCarter, Jr. March 24, 1995
----------------------                   ----------------------
     John W. McCarter, Jr.
          Director	
  15


INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992

                                                                       Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS......................17

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

          ASSETS........................................................18

          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY..........................19

     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS................................20

     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY....................21

     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS...........................22-23

     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......................24-33

SCHEDULE

       II - ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS.............................34

EXHIBIT 11 - COMPUTATIONS OF EARNINGS PER SHARE.........................35

EXHIBIT 23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS........36

SCHEDULES OMITTED
Schedules not included above are omitted for the reason that they are not 
applicable or not required or the required information is contained in Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements.

  16

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Shareholders and
Board of Directors of
W.W. Grainger, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of W.W. Grainger, 
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, and the related 
consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for 
the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the 
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of 
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence 
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit 
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant 
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis 
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in 
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of W.W. Grainger, 
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, and the 
consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for 
the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting 
principles.

We have also audited schedule II of W. W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992. In our opinion, this 
schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required 
to be set forth therein.
                                              GRANT THORNTON LLP




Chicago, Illinois
February 10, 1995
  17



                      W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          (In thousands of dollars)

                                                        December 31,
                                            ----------------------------------
ASSETS                                       1994         1993          1992
                                          ---------    ----------   ----------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                 $  15,292     $   2,572    $  44,809
Accounts receivable, less allowances for
doubtful accounts of $15,333 for 1994,
$13,573 for 1993, and $13,810 for 1992      345,793       299,856      265,410
Inventories                                 519,966       466,214      432,233
Prepaid expenses                             14,233        10,832       11,856
Deferred income tax benefits                 68,362        44,408       39,958
                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Total current assets                        963,646       823,882      794,266
                                          ---------    ----------    ---------

PROPERTY, BUILDINGS, AND EQUIPMENT
Land                                        115,497       100,903       87,815
Buildings, structures, and improvements     431,184       381,716      339,943
Machinery and equipment                      11,705        11,567       11,557
Furniture, fixtures, and other equipment    251,831       222,569      187,416
                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
                                            810,217       716,755      626,731
Less accumulated depreciation
    and amortization                        341,075       307,372      274,038
Property, buildings, and
    equipment-net                           469,142       409,383      352,693


OTHER ASSETS                                101,963       143,399      163,579
                                         ----------    ----------   ----------

TOTAL ASSETS                             $1,534,751    $1,376,664   $1,310,538
                                         ==========    ==========   ==========

18


                      W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-CONTINUED
                           (In thousands of dollars)

                                                        December 31,
                                         -------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        1994          1993          1992
                                         ----------    ----------    ---------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term debt                          $   11,134   $   34,298    $     --  
Current maturities of long-term debt         26,449       21,662       24,954
Trade accounts payable                      226,459      178,114      151,898
Accrued contributions to employees'
  profit sharing and pension plans           50,020       44,587       39,450
Accrued expenses	                           122,339       83,923       89,539
Income taxes                                 22,650       18,773        9,641
                                         ----------    ---------    ---------
Total current liabilities                   459,051      381,357      315,482


LONG-TERM DEBT (less current maturities)      1,023        6,214        6,936

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                        15,177       23,017       41,008

ACCRUED EMPLOYMENT RELATED BENEFITS COSTS    26,695       24,171       15,903

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Cumulative Preferred Stock-1994, 1993,
  and 1992, $5 par value-authorized,
  6,000,000 shares, issued and
  outstanding, none                             --           --           --
  Common Stock-$0.50 par value-authorized,
  150,000,000 shares, 1994, 1993, and 1992;
  issued and outstanding, 50,749,681 shares,
  1994, 50,684,983 shares, 1993, and 
  52,375,812 shares, 1992                    25,375       25,342      26,188
Additional contributed capital               81,796       79,364      79,050
Unearned restricted stock compensation          (61)        (192)       (299)
Retained earnings                           925,695      837,391     826,270
                                         ----------   ----------  ----------
Total shareholders' equity                1,032,805      941,905     931,209
                                         ----------   ----------  ----------


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND 
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                   $1,534,751   $1,376,664  $1,310,538
                                         ==========   ==========  ==========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
  19


                       W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
              (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts)

                                                 Years Ended December 31,
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                        1994           1993          1992
                                     ----------     ----------     ----------
Net sales                            $3,023,076     $2,628,398     $2,364,421

Cost of merchandise sold              1,951,321      1,653,534      1,504,893
                                     ----------     ----------     ----------
Gross profit                          1,071,755        974,864        859,528

Warehousing, marketing, and
  administrative expenses               787,137        721,904        631,097

Restructuring charges                    53,082            800           --  
                                     ----------     ----------     ----------
Total operating expenses                840,219        722,704        631,097
                                     ----------       --------     ----------
Operating earnings                      231,536        252,160        228,431

Other income or (deductions)
  Interest income                            17            480         1,764
  Interest expense                       (1,870)        (1,727)       (2,266)
  Unclassified-net                         (928)          (884)         (707)
                                     ----------     ----------     ---------
                                         (2,781)        (2,131)       (1,209)

Earnings before income taxes            228,755        250,029       227,222
Income taxes                            100,881        100,762        89,980
                                     ----------     ----------     ---------
Net earnings before cumulative effect
  of accounting changes                 127,874        149,267       137,242
Cumulative effect of accounting changes   --              (820)          --  
                                      ---------     ----------     ---------
Net earnings                           $127,874       $148,447      $137,242
                                      =========     ==========     =========
Net earnings per common and common equivalent
  share before cumulative effect of
  accounting changes                      $2.50          $2.88         $2.58

Cumulative effect of accounting changes     --           (0.02)           --
                                      ---------     ----------     ---------
Net earnings per common and common
  equivalent share                        $2.50          $2.86         $2.58
                                      =========     ==========     =========
Average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding  51,226,476     51,910,906   53,256,629
                                      ==========     ==========   ==========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
  20


                     W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts)

                                        Additional     Restricted
                             Common    Contributed      Unearned     Retained
                              Stock      Capital      Compensation   Earnings
                             -------     -------      ------------  ---------
Balance at January 1, 1992   $26,457     $73,938         $(499)     $760,541

Exercise of stock options         98       6,138            --            --
Purchase of 733,000 shares of
  Common Stock                  (367)     (1,045)           --       (37,218)
Amortization of restricted
  Common Stock compensation       --          19           200            --
Net earnings                      --          --            --       137,242
Cash dividends paid 
($0.65 per share)                 --          --            --       (34,295)
                             -------     -------          ----      --------
Balance at December 31, 1992  26,188      79,050          (299)      826,270

Exercise of stock options         41       2,821            --            --
Purchase of 1,777,000 shares
  of Common Stock               (888)     (2,712)           --     (101,054)
Issuance of 2,700 shares of
  restricted Common Stock          1         154          (155)          --
Amortization of restricted
  Common Stock compensation       --          51           262           --
Net earnings                      --          --            --      148,447
Cash dividends paid 
  ($0.705 per share)              --          --            --      (36,272)
                             -------     -------          ----     --------
Balance at December 31, 1993  25,342      79,364          (192)     837,391

Exercise of stock options         33       2,420            --           --
Cancellation of 700 shares
  of restricted Common Stock      --         (35)           35           --
Amortization of restricted
  Common Stock compensation       --          47            96           --
Net earnings                      --          --            --      127,874
Cash dividends paid 
  ($0.78 per share)               --          --            --      (39,570)
                             -------     -------          ----     --------
Balance at December 31, 1994 $25,375     $81,796         $ (61)    $925,695
                             =======     =======         =====     ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
  21


                      W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (In thousands of dollars)

                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                              --------------------------------
                                                 1994       1993       1992
                                              --------    --------   ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings                                $127,874    $148,447    $137,242
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable    9,928       8,147      10,326
  Depreciation and amortization:
  Property, buildings, and equipment            49,795      40,576      35,217
  Intangibles and goodwill                      16,855      18,588      13,903
  Restructuring charges-non-cash                68,363          75          --
  Change in operating assets and liabilities, 
  net of effects of acquisitions of businesses 
  and restructuring charges:
  (Increase) in accounts receivable            (56,268)    (42,593)   (30,433)
  (Increase) decrease in inventories           (70,060)    (33,981)    23,692
  (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses       (3,401)      1,024       (736)
  Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable 48,345      26,216     (9,583)
  Increase (decrease) in other current liab.    25,393        (554)    24,698
  Increase in current income taxes payable       3,878       9,132      3,315
  Increase in accrued employment related
    benefits costs                               2,524       8,268        421
  (Decrease) in deferred income taxes          (31,794)    (22,441)   (12,398)
  Other-net                                        (50)      1,594        704
                                              --------    --------   --------
Net cash provided by operating activities      191,382     162,498    196,368

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Additions to property, buildings, and
   equipment                                  (120,357)    (98,405)   (49,920)
  Proceeds from sale of property, buildings,
   and equipment                                 2,573         533      1,072
  Expenditures for business acquisitions-
   net of cash balances assumed                     --          --   (167,249)
  Other-net                                       (240)        866     (2,678)
                                              --------    --------   --------
Net cash (used in) investing activities       (118,024)    (97,006)  (218,775)
  22


                         W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-CONTINUED
                             (In thousands of dollars)

                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                             -------------------------------
                                              1994         1993          1992
                                             --------     -------    --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net change in short-term debt              $(23,164)    $34,298     $    --
  Proceeds from long-term debt                    775       1,400       2,950
  Long-term debt payments                      (1,179)     (5,414)     (1,804)
  Retirement of long-term debt assumed in
   business acquisition                            --          --      (8,227)
  Stock options exercised                       1,155       1,178       3,211
  Tax benefit of stock incentive plan           1,345       1,735       3,044
  Purchase of Company Common Stock                 --    (104,654)    (38,630)
  Cash dividends paid                         (39,570)    (36,272)    (34,295)
                                             --------    --------    --------
Net cash (used in) financing activities       (60,638)   (107,729)    (73,751)
                                             --------    --------    --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
  AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                         12,720     (42,237)    (96,158)
                                             --------    --------    --------
Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning of year                             2,572      44,809     140,967
                                             --------    --------    --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year      $15,292      $2,572     $44,809
                                             ========    ========    ========
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
  Acquisition of businesses:
  Fair value of assets acquired               $    --      $   --    $186,747
  Liabilities assumed, net of long-term debt       --          --     (11,271)
  Long-term debt assumed in business acquisition   --          --      (8,227)
                                              -------      ------    --------
  Net assets acquired                         $    --      $   --    $167,249
                                              =======      ======    ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
  23


                          W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Industry Information
The Company is a nationwide distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating 
supplies and related information to commercial, industrial, contractor, and 
institutional customers. The Company operates within a single industry segment.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and 
its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated
from the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Changes
Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (see Note 
15) and SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other 
Than Pensions" (see Note 10). In the fourth quarter of 1993, retroactive to 
January 1, 1993, the Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for 
Postemployment Benefits" (see Note 10).

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by 
the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.

Property, Buildings, and Equipment
Property, buildings, and equipment are valued at cost.For financial statement 
purposes, depreciation and amortization are provided in amounts sufficient to 
relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated 
service lives, principally on the declining-balance and sum-of-the-years-
digits methods. For income tax purposes, the Company uses the maximum 
allowable accelerated methods.Improvements to leased property are being 
amortized over the initial terms of the respective leases or the estimated 
service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.The Company 
capitalized interest costs of $1,929,000, $1,258,000, and $1,110,000 in 1994, 
1993, and 1992, respectively.

Purchased Tax Benefits 
The Company has purchased tax benefits through leases as provided by the 
Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981. Realized tax benefits, net of repayments, 
are included in Deferred Income Taxes.

Income Taxes
The Company uses the maximum allowable accelerated depreciation methods.
Deferred income taxes are provided to recognize the temporary differences 
between financial and tax reporting.

Purchase of Company Common Stock
Through December 31, 1993, the Company was required by its state of 
incorporation to retire any Common Stock it purchased. The excess of cost over 
par value was charged proportionately to Additional contributed capital 
and Retained earnings. Effective January 1, 1994, the Company is no longer 
required by its state of incorporation to retire Common Stock repurchases.
  24

Earnings Per Common and Common Equivalent Share
Earnings per common and common equivalent share are computed based upon the 
weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year which includes 
outstanding options for Common Stock, when dilutive.

Note 2 - Restructuring Charges

In December 1993, the Company announced its decision to integrate its sanitary 
supply business with the core business. Based on the results of that program, 
the Company announced in July 1994 its intention to similarly integrate its 
Allied Safety (safety products) and Bossert Industrial Supply (production 
consumable products) units. In conjunction with the integration of these 
business units, the Company also began the process of consolidating financial, 
information services, and human resource functions. In the fourth quarter, the 
Company recorded a $67,097,000 pretax charge ($48,398,000 or 94 cents per 
share on an after tax basis) to recognize the expected costs associated with 
the above efforts. Total restructuring charges for 1994 and 1993 were:

                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                    ------------------------
                                                       1994            1993
                                                    ---------         ------
                                                    (In thousands of dollars
                                                 except for per share amounts)
Inventory writedowns-charged to cost of goods sold    $16,308        $    --
                                                      -------          -----
Operating expenses:
  Revaluation of goodwill and other intangibles        24,249             --
  Non-inventory asset write-downs                       9,350             --
  Severance and related benefits                       10,917             --
  Lease payments and other facility expenses            7,862            152
  Other                                                   704            648
                                                      -------          -----
  Charged to operating expenses                        53,082            800
     
Total                                                 $69,390           $800
                                                      =======          =====
Total, net of tax                                     $49,779           $482
                                                      =======          =====
Effect on earnings per common and common
   equivalent share                                     $0.97          $0.01
                                                      =======          =====

NOTE 3-BUSINESS ACQUISITION

Effective May 1, 1992, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets and 
business of Lab Safety Supply, Inc., a leading direct marketer and distributor 
of safety products. The acquisition included cash payments of $161,343,000 and 
the assumption of certain liabilities of Lab Safety Supply, Inc. including 
$8,227,000 of long-term debt. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. 
Included in the purchase price was $121,367,000 which was allocated to 
intangibles including customer list and goodwill, to be amortized over useful 
lives of five to forty years. The acquisition was funded from internal sources 
and the issuance of $72,727,000 of short-term debt.The following unaudited pro 
forma summary combines the consolidated results of operations of the Company 
and Lab Safety Supply, Inc. as if the acquisition had occurred at the 
beginning of 1992. The pro forma amounts give effect to certain adjustments, 
including the amortization of intangibles, the amortization of non-competition 
agreements, certain executive compensation, increased interest expense, lost 
interest income, and income tax effects. This pro forma summary does not 
necessarily reflect the results of operations as they would have been if the 
companies had constituted a single entity during such periods and is not 
necessarily indicative of results which may be obtained in the future.

                                               Year Ended December 31, 1992
                                               ----------------------------
                                                (In thousands of dollars
                                               except for per share amount)
Sales                                                   $2,411,758
Net earnings                                              $135,830
Earnings per common and common equivalent share             $2.55
  25

NOTE 4-CASH FLOWS

The Company considers investments in highly liquid debt instruments, purchased 
with an original maturity of ninety days or less, to be cash equivalents. For 
cash equivalents the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short 
maturity of those instruments. Cash paid during the year for:

                                                   1994      1993      1992
                                                 --------  --------  --------
                                                    (In thousands of dollars)
Interest (net of amount capitalized)               $1,836    $1,837    $2,235
                                                 ========  ========   =======
Income taxes                                     $127,039  $106,085   $95,691
                                                 ========  ========   =======

NOTE 5 CASH

Checks outstanding of $37,088,000, $16,521,000, and $23,713,000 are included 
in Trade accounts payable at December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively.

NOTE 6-CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company places temporary cash investments with institutions of high credit 
quality and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one 
institution.The Company has a broad customer base representing many diverse 
industries doing business in all regions of the United States. Consequently, 
in management's opinion, no significant concentration of credit risk exists 
for the Company.

NOTE 7-INVENTORIES

Inventories primarily consist of merchandise purchased for resale.Inventories 
would have been $184,364,000, $179,450,000, and $168,363,000 higher than 
reported at December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively, if the first-in, 
first-out (FIFO) method of inventory accounting had been used.

NOTE 8-OTHER ASSETS
Included in other assets are intangibles such as customer lists and goodwill. 
Customer lists are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of five to 
sixteen years. Goodwill represents the cost in excess of net assets of 
acquired companies and is amortized on a straight-line basis over forty years. 
The carrying value of intangible assets is periodically reviewed by the 
Company and impairments are recognized when the present value of projected 
future cash flows is less than their carrying value. Other assets at December 
31, 1994, 1993, and 1992 were:

                                                   1994      1993       1992
                                                --------   --------  --------
                                                   (In thousands of dollars)
Customer lists                                   $93,857   $102,015  $102,015
Goodwill                                          25,635     46,283    46,197
Other intangibles                                  3,875      6,472     6,472
                                                --------   --------  --------
                                                 123,367    154,770   154,684
Less accumulated amortization                     37,266     29,528    14,133
                                                  86,101    125,242   140,551
Sundry                                            15,862     18,157    23,028
                                                --------   --------  --------
Total                                           $101,963   $143,399  $163,579
                                                ========   ========  ========

Other assets decreased in 1994 primarily due to the revaluation of goodwill 
and other intangibles that occurred in conjunction with the fourth quarter 
restructuring charge as described in Note 2.
  26

NOTE 9-SHORT-TERM DEBT

During 1994 and 1993, the Company borrowed funds to finance working capital 
needs. In 1992, the Company borrowed funds to partially finance the 
acquisition of Lab Safety Supply, Inc. The following summarizes information 
concerning short-term debt:
                                                 1994       1993       1992
                                              -------     -------    -------
Bank Notes                                        (In thousands of dollars)
----------
Outstanding at December 31                    $ 3,739     $22,316     $   --
Maximum month-end balance during the year     $27,170     $27,725     $36,000
Average amount outstanding during the year    $ 9,973     $ 8,493     $ 5,035
Weighted average interest rates during the year   4.6%        3.4%        3.8%
Weighted average interest rates at December 31    8.0%        3.5%         --%

Commercial Paper
----------------
Outstanding at December 31                     $7,395     $11,982     $    --
Maximum month-end balance during the year     $49,985     $28,581     $36,727
Average amount outstanding during the year    $23,143     $ 7,935     $ 9,885
Weighted average interest rates during the year   4.4%        3.2%        3.9%
Weighted average interest rates at December 31    6.3%        3.3%         --%

The Company had available lines of credit of $54,000,000 at December 31, 1994, 
$28,500,000 at December 31, 1993, and $75,000,000 at December 31, 1992. Of the 
total available at December 31, 1994, $50,000,000 were in place to support 
commercial paper outstanding, and carried commitment fees of 1/8%. There were 
no borrowings under these credit lines. The remaining $4,000,000 credit line 
available at December 31, 1994 was used to support working capital needs. This 
line carried a commitment fee of 1/4% and an additional fee of 1/8% on the 
unused portion.

NOTE 10-EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

RETIREMENT PLANS. A majority of the Company's employees are covered by a 
noncontributory profit sharing plan. This plan provides for annual employer 
contributions based upon a formula related primarily to earnings before 
federal income taxes, limited to 15% of the total compensation paid to all 
eligible employees. The Company also sponsors additional profit sharing and 
defined contribution plans which cover most other employees. Provisions under 
all plans were $46,117,000, $42,056,000, and $37,289,000 for the years ended 
December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS. The Company has a health care benefits plan covering 
most of its retired employees and their dependents. A majority of the 
Company's employees become eligible for these benefits when they qualify 
for retirement while working for the Company. On January 1, 1993, the Company 
adopted SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other 
Than Pensions". The statement requires the Company to accrue the estimated 
cost of providing postretirement benefits during the working careers of those 
employees who could become eligible for such benefits when they retire. 
Because the Company had previously accrued postretirement benefits, the effect 
of adoption of SFAS No. 106 was not material.The amount charged to operating 
expense for postretirement benefits was $3,153,000, $2,600,000, and $2,000,000 
for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively. 
Components of the 1994 and 1993 expense were:

                                                 1994              1993
                                               -------           --------
                                               (In thousands of dollars)
Service cost                                    $1,887            $1,566
Interest cost                                    1,695             1,553
Actual return on assets                            (17)             (472)
Amortization of transition asset
   (22 year amortization)                         (143)             (143)
Deferred asset (loss) gain                        (339)               96
Unrecognized loss                                   29                --
Prior service cost                                  41                --
                                                ------            ------
                                                $3,153            $2,600
                                                ======            ======
  27


Participation in the plan is voluntary at retirement and requires participants 
to make contributions, as determined by the Company, toward the cost of the 
plan. The accounting for the health plan anticipates future cost-sharing 
changes to retiree contributions that will maintain the current cost-sharing 
ratio between the Company and the retirees. A Group Benefit Trust has been 
established as the vehicle to process benefit payments. The assets of the 
trust are invested in a Standard & Poors 500 index fund. The assumed weighted 
average long-term rate of return is 5.9%, which is net of a 42.3% tax rate.The 
funding of the trust includes an estimated amount which is intended to allow 
the maximum deductible contribution under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
as amended, and was $737,000, $211,000, and $1,579,000 for the years ended 
December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively.

A reconciliation of funded status as of December 31, 1994 and 1993 is as 
follows:
                                                        1994           1993
                                                      --------      --------
                                                    (In thousands of dollars)
Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (APBO):
  Retirees and their dependents                        $(3,715)     $(4,044)
  Fully eligible active plan participants               (1,331)        (879)
  Other active plan participants                       (17,299)     (17,165)
                                                      --------      -------
  Total APBO                                           (22,345)     (22,088)
Plan assets at fair value                                6,199        5,993
                                                      --------      -------
Funded status                                          (16,146)     (16,095)
Unrecognized transition asset                           (2,856)      (2,999)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss                            (3,443)         823
Unrecognized prior service cost                          1,758           --
                                                      --------     --------
Accrued postretirement benefits cost                  $(20,687)    $(18,271)
                                                      ========     ========

In determining the APBO as of December 31, 1994, the assumed weighted average 
discount rate used was 8.5%. To determine the APBO as of December 31, 1993, 
the assumed weighted average discount rate was 7.3%. The assumed health care 
cost trend rate for 1994 through 1998 was 10.0%. Beginning in 1999, the 
assumed health care cost trend rate declines on a straight-line basis until 
2008, when the ultimate trend rate of 5.6% will be achieved.If the assumed 
health care cost trend rate was increased by one percentage point for each 
year, the APBO as of December 31, 1994 would increase by $4,637,000. The 
aggregate of the service cost and interest cost components of the 1994 net 
periodic postretirement benefits expense would increase by $921,000.

POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. In the fourth quarter of 1993, retroactive to January 
1, 1993, the Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employer's Accounting for 
Postemployment Benefits". This statement requires the accrual of certain 
benefits provided to former or inactive employees, after employment but before 
retirement, if attributable to an employee's service already rendered.The 
Company benefits accrued under SFAS No. 112 included long-term disability 
health care benefits, short-term disability salary continuation benefits, and 
COBRA benefits in excess of participant contributions. The cumulative effect 
at January 1, 1993 of adopting SFAS No. 112 reduced Net earnings by $4,033,000 
or eight cents per share. The effect of this change on 1993 Net earnings 
before the cumulative effect of accounting changes was not material.

NOTE 11-LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:

                                                   1994       1993     1992
                                                 -------   -------  -------
                                                  (In thousands of dollars)
Industrial development revenue bonds             $26,150   $26,225  $25,600
Other                                              1,322     1,651    6,290
                                                 -------   -------  -------
                                                  27,472    27,876   31,890
Less current maturities                           26,449    21,662   24,954
                                                 -------   -------  -------
                                                  $1,023    $6,214   $6,936
                                                 =======   =======  =======
  28


The industrial development revenue bonds include various issues that bear 
interest at a variable rate up to 15%, or variable rates up to 78.2% of the 
prime rate, and come due in various amounts from 2001 through 2011. Interest 
rates on some of the issues are subject to change at certain dates in the 
future. The bondholders may require the Company to redeem certain bonds 
concurrent with a change in interest rates and certain other bonds annually. 
At December 31, 1994, all of the bonds were subject to these redemption 
options. In addition, $12,045,000 of these bonds had an unsecured liquidity 
facility available at December 31, 1994 for which the Company compensated a 
bank through a commitment fee of 1/8%. There were no borrowings related to 
these facilities at December 31, 1994. The Company classified $26,150,000, 
$21,255,000, and $20,555,000 of bonds currently subject to redemption 
options in current maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1994, 1993, 
and 1992, respectively.The aggregate amounts of long-term debt maturing in 
each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 1994 
are as follows:

                                                  Amounts           Amounts
                                              Payable Under       Subject to
                                                 Terms of         Redemption
                                                Agreements         Options
                                              -------------       ----------
                                                 (In thousands of dollars)
1995                                               $299            $26,150
1996                                                146                 --
1997                                                163                 --
1998                                                182                 --
1999                                                 75                 --

NOTE 12-LEASES

The Company leases various land, buildings, and equipment. The Company 
capitalizes all significant leases which qualify as capital leases.At December 
31, 1994, the approximate future minimum aggregate payments for all leases 
were as follows:

                                         Operating Leases
                                   -----------------------------
                                     Real     Personal                Capital
                                   Property   Property     Total      Leases 
                                   --------   --------   -------      -------
                                            (In thousands of dollars)
1995                               $14,636     $1,555    $16,191     $  240
1996                                12,178         40     12,218        240
1997                                 9,800         26      9,826        240
1998                                 7,798         15      7,813        240
1999                                 7,146          5      7,151        240
2000-2034                            7,391         --      7,391        338
                                   -------     ------    -------     -------
Total minimum payments required    $58,949     $1,641    $60,590      1,538
                                   =======     ======    =======
Less imputed interest                                                   450
                                                                     ------
Present value of minimum
  lease payments (included
  in long-term debt)                                                 $1,088
                                                                     ======

Total rent expense, including both items under lease and items rented on a 
month-to-month basis, was $20,935,000, $22,264,000, and $21,421,000 for 1994, 
1993, and 1992, respectively.
  29


NOTE 13-STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

The Company's Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan ("The Plan"), allows the Company 
to grant a variety of incentive awards to key employees of the Company. These 
awards involve the use of a maximum of 4,028,414 shares of common stock, in 
connection with awards of non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation 
rights, restricted stock, phantom stock rights, and other stock based 
awards.The Plan authorizes the granting of restricted stock which is held by 
the Company until certain terms and conditions as specified by the Company are 
satisfied. Except for the right of disposal, holders of restricted stock have 
full shareholders' rights during the period of restriction, including voting 
rights and the right to receive dividends. Compensation expense related to 
restricted stock awards is based upon market price at date of grant and is 
charged to earnings on a straight-line basis over the period of restriction.
The Plan authorizes the granting of options to purchase shares at a price of 
not less than 85% of the closing market price on the last trading day 
preceding the date of grant. The options expire within ten years after the 
date of grant. The Plan also permits the granting of stock appreciation 
rights, either alone or in tandem with options already granted and to be 
granted in the future. The stock appreciation rights permit the holder to 
receive stock, cash, or a combination thereof, equal to the amount by which 
the fair market value on the date of exercise exceeds the option price. 
Exercise of a stock option or a stock appreciation right automatically cancels 
any respective tandem stock appreciation right or stock option. Shares covered 
by terminated, surrendered or cancelled options or stock appreciation rights 
that are unexercised, by forfeited restricted stock, or by the forfeiture of 
other awards that do not result in shares being issued, are again available 
for awards under the Plan.

In 1994, 1993, and 1992, 4,615 shares of restricted stock were released each 
year. There were no shares of restricted stock issued in 1994 or 1992. There 
were 2,650 shares of restricted stock issued in 1993.

There was no activity relating to stock appreciation rights in 1994, 1993, or 
1992, and at December 31, 1994, there were no stock appreciation rights 
outstanding.
Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:

                                                 Option Price
                                Option Shares      Per Share       Exercisable
                                -------------    ------------      -----------
Outstanding at January 1, 1992    1,435,302      $9.75-$47.38      1,418,802
                                                                   =========
  Granted                           204,440        $51.50
  Exercised                        (266,288)     $9.75-$41.06
  Cancelled or expired              (14,380)    $40.06-$51.50
                                  ---------    
Outstanding at December 31, 1992  1,359,074     $12.84-$51.50      1,152,514
                                                                   =========
  Granted                           193,510        $58.75
  Exercised                        (132,914)    $12.84-$41.06
  Cancelled or expired               (4,400)    $43.00-$58.75
                                  ---------
Outstanding at December 31, 1993  1,415,270     $13.31-$58.75      1,019,600
                                                                   =========
  Granted                           202,360        $61.50
  Exercised                         (90,196)    $13.31-$51.50
  Cancelled or expired              (13,230)    $22.75-$61.50
                                  ---------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994  1,514,204     $15.31-$61.50      1,124,164
                                  =========                        =========

Options available for grant were 3,172,009, 3,361,139, and 3,552,899 at 
December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, respectively. All options were issued at 
market price on the date of grant.
  30

NOTE 14-ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS

The Company has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan, under which there is 
outstanding one preferred share purchase right (Right) for each outstanding 
share of the Company's Common Stock. Each Right, under certain circumstances, 
may be exercised to purchase one two-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior 
Participating Preferred Stock (intended to be the economic equivalent of one 
share of the Company's Common Stock) at a price of $125, subject to 
adjustment. The Rights become exercisable only after a person or a group, 
other than a person or group exempt under the plan, acquires or announces a 
tender offer for 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock.If a person or 
group, other than a person or group exempt under the plan, acquires 20% or 
more of the Company's Common Stock or if the Company is acquired in a merger 
or other business combination transaction, each Right generally entitles the 
holder, other than such person or group, to purchase, at the then-current 
exercise price, stock and/or other securities or assets of the Company or the 
acquiring company having a market value of twice the exercise price.The Rights 
expire on May 15, 1999 unless earlier redeemed. They generally are 
redeemable at $.01 per Right until thirty days following announcement that a 
person or group, other than a person or group exempt under the plan, has 
acquired 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock. They are also 
automatically redeemable, at the redemption price, upon consummation of 
certain transactions approved by shareholders in accordance with procedures 
provided in the plan.The Rights do not have voting or dividend rights and, 
until they become exercisable, have no dilutive effect on the earnings of the 
Company.

NOTE 15-INCOME TAXES

Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for 
Income Taxes". The cumulative effect of this accounting change increased net 
earnings by $3,213,000 or six cents per share in 1993. The adoption of SFAS 
No. 109 changed the Company's method of accounting for income taxes from the 
deferred method to an asset and liability approach. Previously the Company 
deferred the tax effects of timing differences between financial reporting 
income and taxable income. The asset and liability approach requires the 
recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax 
consequences of temporary differences between the financial bases and the tax 
bases of assets and liabilities.Income tax expense consisted of the following:

                                             1994         1993          1992
                                           --------    --------      --------
                                                (In thousands of dollars)
Current:
  Federal                                  $108,053     $95,558       $82,915
  State                                      24,622      21,766        19,463
                                           --------    --------       -------
   Total current                            132,675     117,324       102,378
Deferred                                    (31,794)    (11,795)      (12,398)
Net effect of the Omnibus Budget
  Reconciliation Act of 1993                     --      (4,767)           --
                                           --------    --------       -------
Total provision                            $100,881    $100,762       $89,980
                                           ========    ========       =======
  31


In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, the deferred income tax 
benefit for 1994 represents the effects of the changes in the amounts of 
temporary differences during 1994. The income tax effects of temporary 
differences that gave rise to the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 
1994 and 1993 were:

                                                       1994            1993
                                                      -------        --------
                                                     (In thousands of dollars)
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
  Inventory valuations                                $25,001         $21,263
  Administrative and general expenses
  deducted on a paid basis for tax purposes            25,117          21,651
  Restructuring costs                                  17,288             --
  Other                                                   956           1,494
                                                      -------         -------
   Total net current deferred tax asset                68,362          44,408
                                                      -------         -------

Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities):
  Purchased tax benefits                              (35,432)        (37,515)
  Temporary differences related to property,
  building, and equipment                              (2,424)         (3,368)
  Intangible amortization                              11,479           7,247
  Employment related benefits expense                  10,625           9,620
  Other                                                   575             999
                                                      -------         -------
   Total net noncurrent deferred tax liability        (15,177)        (23,017)
                                                      -------         -------
Net deferred tax asset                                $53,185         $21,391
                                                      =======         =======

The purchased tax benefits represent lease agreements acquired in prior years 
under the provisions of the Economic Recovery Act of 1981.

A reconciliation of income tax expense with federal income taxes at the
statutory rate follows:

                                               1994         1993         1992
                                             -------      -------      -------
                                                  (In thousands of dollars)
Federal income taxes at the statutory rate  $ 80,064     $ 87,510      $77,256
State income taxes, net of
  federal income tax benefits                 11,145       12,077       11,170
Nondeductible restructuring costs              8,189           --           --
Other-net                                      1,483        1,175        1,554
                                            --------     --------      -------
  Income tax expense                        $100,881     $100,762      $89,980
                                            ========     ========      =======
  Effective tax rate                           44.1%        40.3%        39.6%
                                            ========     ========      =======

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 increased the maximum corporate 
federal tax rate from 34% to 35% retroactive to January 1, 1993. The effect of 
this rate change on the Company's deferred tax balances was not material.
  32

NOTE 16-SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

A summary of selected quarterly information for 1994 and 1993 is as follows:

                                          1994 Quarter Ended
                       -------------------------------------------------------
                        (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts)
                        March 31  June 30  September 30  December 31    Total
                       --------- --------  ------------  ----------- ---------
Net sales              $706,369  $768,554   $779,300     $768,853   $3,023,076
Gross profit            255,626   268,792    273,536      273,801    1,071,755
Net earnings            $41,538   $42,324    $43,045         $967     $127,874
Net earnings per common
 and common equivalent
 share                    $0.81     $0.83      $0.84        $0.02        $2.50
                       ========  ========  =========     ========   ==========

                                          1993 Quarter Ended 
                       -------------------------------------------------------
                        (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts) 
                        March 31  June 30  September 30  December 31   Total
                       --------  --------  ------------  ---------- ---------
Net sales              $606,183  $660,407   $698,835     $662,973  $2,628,398
Gross profit            228,372   241,672    251,453      253,367     974,864
Net earnings before 
  cumulative effect of
  accounting changes     34,185    35,445     38,714       40,923     149,267
Cumulative effect of
  accounting changes       (820)       --         --          --         (820)
Net earnings            $33,365   $35,445    $38,714      $40,923    $148,447
Net earnings per common
  and common equivalent
  share before accounting
  changes                 $0.65     $0.68      $0.75        $0.80      $2.88
Cumulative effect of
  accounting changes      (0.02)       --        --           --       (0.02)
Net earnings per common
  and common equivalent
  share                   $0.63     $0.68      $0.75        $0.80      $2.86
                        =======  ========   ========     ========   ========

In 1993, the Company elected early adoption of SFAS No. 112, "Employers' 
Accounting for Postemployment Benefits", which resulted in an after tax charge 
of eight cents per share. The Company also adopted SFAS No. 109, "Accounting 
for Income Taxes", which resulted in after tax income of six cents per share. 
The cumulative effect of accounting changes was a net after tax expense of two 
cents per share.

In 1994, the Company recorded pretax restructuring charges of $69,390,000. 
Selected quarterly information excluding these charges is as follows:

                                      1994 Quarter Ended 
                      -------------------------------------------------------
                       (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts) 
                      March 31   June 30  September 30  December 31    Total
                      --------  --------  ------------  ----------- ---------
Net earnings          $41,741   $43,033      $43,514     $49,365     $177,653
                      =======   =======   ============  =========== =========
Net earnings per 
common and common
 equivalent share       $0.81     $0.85        $0.85       $0.96        $3.47
                      =======   =======   ===========   =========== =========

In the quarter ended December 31, 1993 the Company recorded pretax 
restructuring charges of $800,000 ($482,000 or one cent per share on an after 
tax basis).
  33



                       W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                  SCHEDULE II-ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993, AND 1992
                          (In thousands of dollars)

                        Balance at  Charged to                       Balance
                        beginning   costs and                         at end
Description             of period   expenses  Deductions(a) Other(b) of period
---------------------   ----------  --------- ------------- -------- ---------
Allowance for 
  doubtful accounts

1994                     $13,573     $10,331    $8,571       $--     $15,333

1993                      13,810       8,147     8,384       $--      13,573

1992                      12,826      10,326    10,042        700     13,810






(a) Accounts charged off as uncollectible, less recoveries.
(b) Businesses acquired.
  34