Form 4: W.W. Grainger Director Susan Slavik Williams Reports Beneficial Ownership Changes

Director Susan Slavik Williams reports changes in her beneficial ownership of W.W. Grainger, Inc. stock, including acquisitions of deferred stock units and holdings through various trusts and LLCs.

Summary

• Susan Slavik Williams, a director of W.W. Grainger, Inc., filed a Form 4 detailing changes in her beneficial ownership of the company's stock.
• The report includes acquisitions of deferred stock units on April 30, 2025, with 178 units acquired at $0 and 114 units acquired at $1,012.71 per unit.
• These stock units were received in lieu of cash compensation for board service and will settle in shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis after her service as a director ends.
• Ms. Williams also reported beneficial ownership of common stock held directly (8,342 shares) and indirectly through various trusts and LLCs.
• She disclaims beneficial ownership of shares held in certain trusts where her husband serves as trustee or where she has no actual pecuniary interest.
• The total number of shares beneficially owned indirectly through trusts and LLCs is substantial, including 5,132 shares in one trust, 48,939 in another, 200,314 in another, 572 in another, 852,158 in another, 1,528,585 through one LLC, and 150,000 through another LLC.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document is a routine regulatory filing, indicating standard corporate governance practices. The acquisition of stock units is a positive sign of alignment between the director and the company's performance.

Positives

• The acquisition of deferred stock units aligns Ms. Williams' interests with the long-term performance of W.W. Grainger.
• The report provides transparency into the director's holdings and potential future ownership of common stock.

Future Outlook

The deferred stock units are expected to settle in shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis following the end of service as a director.

Industry Context

Form 4 filings are a routine part of corporate governance, providing transparency into the stock ownership of company insiders. This filing is typical for directors receiving stock-based compensation or managing holdings through trusts.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Form 4 filings are standard practice for publicly traded companies and their insiders, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations.
• The use of trusts and LLCs for managing personal investments is a common strategy among high-net-worth individuals, including corporate directors.
• The structure of deferred stock units is a typical form of executive compensation, aligning management's interests with shareholder value.

Stakeholder Impact

• The filing provides transparency to shareholders regarding the director's stake in the company.
• The acquisition of stock units can be viewed positively by shareholders as it aligns the director's interests with the company's long-term success.

Key Dates

Keywords

beneficial ownership, Form 4, W.W. Grainger, GWW, Susan Slavik Williams, deferred stock units, director, trusts, LLCs, securities