Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On August 4, 2026, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Chief Financial Officer — Deidra C. Merriwether: Ms. Merriwether resigned to pursue another opportunity.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On May 7, 2026, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On February 3, 2026, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On October 31, 2025, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On August 1, 2025, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders. The information set forth under

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On May 1, 2025, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On January 31, 2025, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On October 31, 2024, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Other Events. In connection with the sale of $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.450% Senior Notes due 2034 by W.W. Grainger, Inc. (the “Company”), the Company is filing herewith the following exhibits to its Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-271476): 1. Underwriting Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2024, by and among the Company and BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, acting as representatives of the several underwrite…

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer — Matthew E. Fortin: Matthew E. Fortin is no longer with the Company effective August 23, 2024.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On August 1, 2024, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On April 25, 2024, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On February 2, 2024, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Director — Christopher Klein: Christopher Klein was appointed as a director and to serve on the Board Affairs and Nominating Committee and the Audit Committee.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On October 26, 2023, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. The information set forth above under

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On October 11, 2023, W.W. Grainger, Inc. (the “ Company ”), as borrower, entered into a five-year syndicated revolving credit facility agreement (the “ Credit Facility ”) with the financial institutions and other lenders named therein, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“ JPMorgan ”), as administrative agent. Pursuant to the Credit Facility, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Borrowers ”) may obtain loans in various currenc…

Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement. The information set forth above under

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On July 27, 2023, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Director — George S. Davis: George S. Davis was appointed as a director and to serve on the Board Affairs and Nominating Committee and the Audit Committee.

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer — Kathleen S. Carroll: Ms. Kathleen S. Carroll was named Strategic Advisor due to her ongoing health issues.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On April 27, 2023, W.W. Grainger, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023. A copy is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Director — Michael J. Roberts: Michael J. Roberts will not stand for re-election as a director due to reaching the age limit of 72.