Company: GWW
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form Type: PRE 14A
Source: 0001104659-25-015730
Chunk: 112

Company: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form: PRE 14A
Chunk 112
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 compensation for such solicitation activities. We have retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of $10,000 plus reimbursement of certain disbursements and expenses. May I revoke my proxy? Yes. You may revoke your proxy at any time before the voting at the meeting. You can do so in one of the following ways: • Deliver timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to Grainger’s Office of the Corporate Secretary; • Provide to Grainger another proxy with a later date (which can be accomplished by telephone, by internet or by signing, dating and returning a proxy form); or • Vote at the virtual meeting. Voting Information Who is entitled to vote? Holders of shares of common stock outstanding on Grainger’s books at the close of business on March 3, 2025, the record date for the meeting, may vote. There were [•] shares of common stock outstanding on that date.

| ​ | CORPORATEGOVERNANCE | ​ | ​ | PROPOSAL 1:ELECTION OFDIRECTORS | ​ | ​ | PROPOSAL 2:RATIFY THEINDEPENDENTAUDITOR | ​ | ​ | EXECUTIVECOMPENSATION | ​ | ​ | PROPOSAL 3:SAY ON PAY | ​ | ​ | PROPOSAL 4: APPROVALAND ADOPTION | ​ | ​ | QUESTIONS ANDANSWERS | ​ | ​ | APPENDICES | ​ |

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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What is the difference between holding shares as “shareholder of record” and as “beneficial owner”? If your shares are registered directly in your name with Grainger’s transfer agent, Computershare, you are the shareholder of record with respect to those shares and you have the right to instruct us directly how to vote your shares or to vote during the virtual meeting. If your shares are held in street name by a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, you are the beneficial owner of the shares. Your nominee is required to vote your shares according to your direction. If you do not instruct your nominee how you want your shares voted, your shares cannot be voted for the election of Directors, on the advisory vote on the compensation of Grainger’s Named Executive Officers (NEOs), or on the amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation. Please contact your brokerage firm,