W.W. Grainger had first-quarter earnings of $58.5 million, up from $42.2 million one year ago. The industrial products marketer saw its sales fall from $1.22 billion to $1.13 billion during the same period.

Grainger generated $7.3 million from the sale of investment securities during the quarter. The quarter ended March 31.

During the quarter, Grainger

W.W. Grainger had first-quarter earnings of $58.5 million, up from $42.2 million one year ago. The industrial products marketer saw its sales fall from $1.22 billion to $1.13 billion during the same period.

Grainger generated $7.3 million from the sale of investment securities during the quarter. The quarter ended March 31.

During the quarter, Grainger