Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): 27.73%
Is the return on invested capital (ROIC) high or low?
The return on invested capital (ROIC) of 27.73% is in line with its 5-year average of 25.86%, near the high end of its 5-year range (16.52%–30.41%).
As of Thursday, June 25, 2026. 1.51% below its 12-month average of 28.16%.
GWW Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) Chart
Annual fiscal-year return on invested capital; no daily interpolation.
GWW Average Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) Chart
GWW Current vs Average Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) Chart
GWW Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) Metrics
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC)
27.73%
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) AVG TTM
28.16%
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) AVG 3Y
29.01%
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) AVG 5Y
25.86%
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) AVG 10Y
22.19%
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) AVG 15Y
21.00%
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) AVG 20Y
17.51%
CURRENT VS TTM AVG
-1.51%
CURRENT VS 3Y AVG
-4.40%
CURRENT VS 5Y AVG
+7.22%
CURRENT VS 10Y AVG
+24.99%
CURRENT VS 15Y AVG
+32.08%
CURRENT VS 20Y AVG
+58.36%
GWW Competitors' Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)
| NAME | MARKET CAP | RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) | TTM | 3Y | 5Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) | $64.91B | 27.73% | 28.16% | 29.01% | 25.86% |
| PACCAR Inc (PCAR)vs › | $61.59B | 6.39% | 8.44% | 10.51% | 8.23% |
| Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vs › | $68.24B | 7.47% | 7.37% | 7.63% | 7.86% |
| Carrier Global Corporation (CARR)vs › | $61.51B | 5.41% | 4.52% | 5.71% | 7.16% |
| Cintas Corporation (CTAS)vs › | $68.40B | 22.95% | 21.59% | 19.94% | 18.17% |
| Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL)vs › | $60.52B | 8.30% | 8.46% | 7.73% | 2.74% |
| Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX)vs › | $69.88B | 33.59% | 30.38% | 24.94% | 20.63% |
| TransDigm Group Incorporated (TDG)vs › | $74.27B | 15.22% | 14.50% | 12.67% | 11.39% |
| AMETEK, Inc. (AME)vs › | $55.23B | 10.99% | 11.06% | 10.83% | 10.33% |
| Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW)vs › | $75.86B | 24.49% | 25.84% | 24.99% | 22.94% |
Capital Efficiency
ROIC
27.7%
ROE
45.3%
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) Formula & Definition
ROIC = NOPAT / Invested Capital
Return on invested capital measures the after-tax return a company earns on all capital (debt and equity) invested in the business.
Expanded definitions: Investopedia, Wikipedia, Corporate Finance Institute
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) FAQ
- What is the return on invested capital (ROIC) for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)?
- The return on invested capital (ROIC) for GWW stock is 27.73%.
- Is W.W. Grainger, Inc.'s return on invested capital (ROIC) high or low?
- The return on invested capital (ROIC) of 27.73% is in line with its 5-year average of 25.86%, near the high end of its 5-year range (16.52%–30.41%).
- What is the TTM average return on invested capital (ROIC) for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)?
- The TTM average return on invested capital (ROIC) for GWW stock is 28.16%.
- What is the 3Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)?
- The 3Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for GWW stock is 29.01%.
- What is the 5Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)?
- The 5Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for GWW stock is 25.86%.
- What is the 10Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)?
- The 10Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for GWW stock is 22.19%.
- What is the 15Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)?
- The 15Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for GWW stock is 21.00%.
- What is the 20Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)?
- The 20Y average return on invested capital (ROIC) for GWW stock is 17.51%.
GWW Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) History
| DATE | RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-31 | 27.73% |
| 2024-12-31 | 28.58% |
| 2023-12-31 | 30.41% |
| 2022-12-31 | 29.31% |
| 2021-12-31 | 22.62% |
| 2020-12-31 | 16.52% |
| 2019-12-31 | 20.19% |
| 2018-12-31 | 19.58% |
| 2017-12-31 | 15.89% |
| 2016-12-31 | 15.55% |
| 2015-12-31 | 17.67% |
| 2014-12-31 | 19.99% |
| 2013-12-31 | 19.52% |
| 2012-12-31 | 17.54% |
| 2011-12-31 | 18.18% |
| 2010-12-31 | 16.65% |
| 2009-12-31 | 13.34% |
| 2008-12-31 | 17.22% |
| 2007-12-31 | 17.40% |
| 2006-12-31 | 15.68% |
| 2005-12-31 | 14.14% |
| 2004-12-31 | 13.14% |
| 2003-12-31 | 11.18% |
| 2002-12-31 | 12.51% |
| 2001-12-31 | 11.08% |
| 2000-12-31 | 10.21% |
| 1999-12-31 | 9.35% |
| 1998-12-31 | 15.66% |
| 1997-12-31 | 15.69% |
| 1996-12-31 | 12.42% |
Related Metrics
About W.W. Grainger, Inc.
W.W. Grainger, Inc. stands as a significant global supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies and related services. Its market presence spans several international regions, including the United States, Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The company structures its operations into two principal divisions: High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. Grainger's extensive product offerings cover essential categories such as safety and security provisions, equipment for material handling and storage, plumbing and pump components, cleaning and facility upkeep items, and both metalworking and general hand tools. Furthermore, it delivers vital support functions, including inventory management and expert technical assistance. The firm serves a wide array of organizational customers, from private businesses and large corporations to government bodies and other institutions, reaching them through both dedicated sales and service teams and its robust digital and e-commerce platforms. Established in 1927, W.W. Grainger, Inc. maintains its corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois.
- Sector
- Industrials
- Industry
- Industrial - Distribution
- CEO
- Donald G. Macpherson