W.W. Grainger, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011. For the quarter, the company reported sales of $8.1 billion were up 12% versus $7.2 billion in 2010. Net earnings were $658 million increased 29% versus $511 million in 2010. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share of $2.04 increased 11% versus $1.83 in 2010. Diluted earnings per share as adjusted was $2.13 against $1.79 diluted per share a year ago. Operating earnings were $221 million for the 2011 fourth quarter increased 5%. This earnings growth was driven by the 14% increase in sales and higher gross profit margins, which increased 180 basis points, partially offset by operating expenses, which grew at a faster rate than sales. Operating cash flow was $164 million in the 2011 fourth quarter versus $104 million in the 2010 fourth quarter. The company used cash from operations to fund capital expenditures of $66 million in the quarter versus $56 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, and pay down debt. Net sales were $2,076.904 million against $1,826.696 million a year ago. Earnings before income taxes was $226.078 million against $210.148 million a year ago. Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc. was $148.484 million against $132.210 million a year ago. For the year, the company reported diluted earnings per share as reported was $9.07 against $6.93 diluted per share a year ago. Diluted earnings per share as adjusted was $9.04 against $6.80 diluted per share a year ago. For the 2011 fourth quarter, the company reported sales of $2.1 billion, an increase of 14% versus $1.8 billion in the 2010 quarter. Net earnings for the quarter of $148 million increased 12% versus $132 million in 2010. For the full year, the company generated $724 million in operating cash flow versus $596 million in 2010. Capital expenditures for the year were $197 million versus $128 million in 2010, driven primarily by investments to expand the distribution center network in the United States. Net sales were $8,078.185 million against $7,182.158 million a year ago. Operating earnings were $1,052.429 million against $860.475 million a year ago. Earnings before income taxes was $1,051.527 million against $853.778 million a year ago. Net earnings attributable to W.W. Grainger, Inc. was $658.423 million against $510.865 million a year ago. Additions to property, buildings and equipment -- net of dispositions was $189.664 million against $120.616 million a year ago.