MSC Industrial Direct (MSM)


Market Price (11/3/2026): $119.7 | Market Cap: $6.7 BilSector: Industrials | Industry: Trading Companies & Distributors

MSC Industrial Direct (MSM)


Market Price (11/3/2026): $119.7
Market Cap: $6.7 Bil
Sector: Industrials
Industry: Trading Companies & Distributors

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

0

Attractive yield
Total YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 6.2%, Dividend Yield is 2.9%

Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 31%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Automation & Robotics, and E-commerce & DTC Adoption. Themes include Factory Automation, Process / Warehouse Automation, Show more.

Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -39%

Weak revenue growth
Rev Chg 3Y AvgRevenue Change % averaged over trailing 3 years is 0.1%

Key risks
MSM key risks include [1] soft demand in its key manufacturing markets leading to declines in net sales and [2] operational inefficiencies and challenges executing strategic initiatives, Show more.

0 Attractive yield
Total YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 6.2%, Dividend Yield is 2.9%
1 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 31%
2 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Automation & Robotics, and E-commerce & DTC Adoption. Themes include Factory Automation, Process / Warehouse Automation, Show more.
3 Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -39%
4 Weak revenue growth
Rev Chg 3Y AvgRevenue Change % averaged over trailing 3 years is 0.1%
5 Key risks
MSM key risks include [1] soft demand in its key manufacturing markets leading to declines in net sales and [2] operational inefficiencies and challenges executing strategic initiatives, Show more.

MSM in ETFs

Weight = MSM's share of each fund

VTI0.01%
ITOT0.01%
IWB0.01%
IJH0.15%
SCHD0.13%
VYM0.02%
VB0.07%
DVY0.49%
+19 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 11/1/2026

MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) stock has lost about 5% since 7/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Discontinuation of Digital Core Program and Associated Impairment Charge. MSC Industrial Direct reported a significant non-cash impairment charge of approximately $42 million in its fiscal Q4 2026, which ended August 29, 2026, due to the abandonment of its "Digital Core technology program." This charge negatively impacted the company's reported GAAP diluted EPS for Q4 2026, reducing it to $0.85 from $1.01 in the prior year, and lowered the reported Q4 operating margin to 6.7% from 8.6%. Despite beating adjusted earnings and revenue estimates, investor reaction to this strategic reset and its financial implications led to a post-earnings stock decline.

2. Softer Fiscal Q1 2027 Operating Margin Outlook. Following the fiscal Q4 2026 earnings report on October 22, 2026, MSC Industrial Direct provided guidance for fiscal Q1 2027, projecting adjusted operating margins to be between 9.5% and 10.1%. Although the company anticipated average daily sales growth of 9.5% to 10.5% year-over-year for Q1 2027, this operating margin outlook signaled potential near-term pressure from inflation and pricing dynamics, contributing to investor concerns and a decline in share price.

Show more
Updated on 11/1/2026

MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) stock has lost about 5% since 7/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Discontinuation of Digital Core Program and Associated Impairment Charge. MSC Industrial Direct reported a significant non-cash impairment charge of approximately $42 million in its fiscal Q4 2026, which ended August 29, 2026, due to the abandonment of its "Digital Core technology program." This charge negatively impacted the company's reported GAAP diluted EPS for Q4 2026, reducing it to $0.85 from $1.01 in the prior year, and lowered the reported Q4 operating margin to 6.7% from 8.6%. Despite beating adjusted earnings and revenue estimates, investor reaction to this strategic reset and its financial implications led to a post-earnings stock decline.

2. Softer Fiscal Q1 2027 Operating Margin Outlook. Following the fiscal Q4 2026 earnings report on October 22, 2026, MSC Industrial Direct provided guidance for fiscal Q1 2027, projecting adjusted operating margins to be between 9.5% and 10.1%. Although the company anticipated average daily sales growth of 9.5% to 10.5% year-over-year for Q1 2027, this operating margin outlook signaled potential near-term pressure from inflation and pricing dynamics, contributing to investor concerns and a decline in share price.

3. Broader Industrial Sector Momentum Shift. The overall industrial sector experienced a shift in momentum during the period, with share prices declining from summer highs in fiscal Q3 2026 (calendar Q3 2026). The Dinan Industrials Index, a benchmark for the industry, declined 6.7% in Q3 2026. While some industrial market reports indicated strengthening demand and easing vacancy rates in Q3 2026, general macroeconomic headwinds such as interest rate volatility and the potential for an economic slowdown also contributed to a cautious sentiment across the sector, impacting stocks like MSC Industrial Direct.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The -3.1% change in MSM stock from 7/31/2026 to 11/2/2026 was primarily driven by a -6.1% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
(LTM values as of)731202611022026Change
Stock Price ($)123.40119.62-3.1%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)3,9094,0102.6%
Net Income Margin (%)5.9%5.6%-6.1%
P/E Multiple29.830.00.7%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)56560.0%
Cumulative Contribution-3.1%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

7/31/2026 to 11/2/2026
ReturnCorrelation
MSM-3.1% 
Market (SPY)0.7%34.1%
Sector (XLI)-5.6%39.8%

Fundamental Drivers

The 17.8% change in MSM stock from 4/30/2026 to 11/2/2026 was primarily driven by a 10.0% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)430202611022026Change
Stock Price ($)101.53119.6217.8%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)3,8334,0104.6%
Net Income Margin (%)5.4%5.6%2.5%
P/E Multiple27.330.010.0%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)5656-0.1%
Cumulative Contribution17.8%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

4/30/2026 to 11/2/2026
ReturnCorrelation
MSM17.8% 
Market (SPY)4.9%33.1%
Sector (XLI)-2.6%39.6%

Fundamental Drivers

The 46.2% change in MSM stock from 10/31/2025 to 11/2/2026 was primarily driven by a 31.2% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)1031202511022026Change
Stock Price ($)81.82119.6246.2%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)3,7704,0106.4%
Net Income Margin (%)5.3%5.6%5.0%
P/E Multiple22.930.031.2%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)5656-0.2%
Cumulative Contribution46.2%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

10/31/2025 to 11/2/2026
ReturnCorrelation
MSM46.2% 
Market (SPY)11.2%31.8%
Sector (XLI)10.4%45.3%

Fundamental Drivers

The 41.7% change in MSM stock from 10/31/2023 to 11/2/2026 was primarily driven by a 118.1% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)1031202311022026Change
Stock Price ($)84.43119.6241.7%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)4,0094,0100.0%
Net Income Margin (%)8.6%5.6%-35.2%
P/E Multiple13.830.0118.1%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)56560.2%
Cumulative Contribution41.7%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

10/31/2023 to 11/2/2026
ReturnCorrelation
MSM41.7% 
Market (SPY)86.0%44.6%
Sector (XLI)79.4%59.1%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
MSM Return3%1%29%-23%17%46%76%
Peers Return26%-5%44%38%15%40%286%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%10%101%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
MSM Win Rate58%42%67%33%58%64% 
Peers Win Rate62%43%60%63%53%69% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%36% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
MSM Max Drawdown-17%-17%-13%-27%-16%-15% 
Peers Max Drawdown-22%-28%-17%-24%-25%-16% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: GWW, FAST, AIT, DXPE, GIC. See MSM Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 11/2/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventMSMS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-15.2%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven17.9%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven42 days79 days
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-11.8%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven13.4%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven32 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-34.3%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven52.1%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven65 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-16.0%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven19.1%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven680 days105 days
2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare
  % Loss-22.7%-12.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven29.3%13.9%
  Time to Breakeven75 days62 days
2014-2016 Oil Price Collapse
  % Loss-34.9%-6.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven53.6%7.3%
  Time to Breakeven329 days15 days

Compare to GWW, FAST, AIT, DXPE, GIC

In The Past

MSC Industrial Direct's stock fell -15.2% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 17.9% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventMSMS&P 500
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-34.3%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven52.1%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven65 days140 days
2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare
  % Loss-22.7%-12.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven29.3%13.9%
  Time to Breakeven75 days62 days
2014-2016 Oil Price Collapse
  % Loss-34.9%-6.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven53.6%7.3%
  Time to Breakeven329 days15 days
2011 US Debt Ceiling Crisis & European Contagion
  % Loss-24.6%-17.9%
  % Gain to Breakeven32.6%21.8%
  Time to Breakeven74 days123 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-33.8%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven51.0%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven59 days1085 days

Compare to GWW, FAST, AIT, DXPE, GIC

In The Past

MSC Industrial Direct's stock fell -15.2% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 17.9% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About MSC Industrial Direct (MSM)

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) is a prominent distributor of industrial products and services, specializing in metalworking and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) supplies. The company serves as a vital supply chain partner for manufacturing and industrial businesses across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, providing essential items needed to keep operations running.

The company offers an extensive inventory of approximately 1.9 million stock-keeping units (SKUs). Its comprehensive product range includes cutting tools, measuring instruments, tooling components, various metalworking products, fasteners, abrasives, machinery, hand and power tools, safety and janitorial supplies, plumbing, electrical, and material handling products. MSC distributes these items through a multi-channel approach, leveraging its e-commerce website (mscdirect.com), catalogs, call centers, and a wide network of branch offices and customer fulfillment centers, often enhanced by inventory management solutions for clients.

MSC Industrial Direct's primary customer base is highly diverse, encompassing a broad spectrum of the manufacturing industry and government entities. It serves clients ranging from individual machine shops and small manufacturers to large Fortune 1000 manufacturing corporations and various government agencies, ensuring they have access to the critical supplies necessary for their day-to-day operations and specialized projects.

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Here are 1-3 brief analogies for MSC Industrial Direct:
  • Amazon for industrial parts and supplies.
  • The Home Depot for businesses and manufacturers.
  • Grainger for machine shops and maintenance teams.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Cutting Tools: Tools used for shaping or removing material from workpieces.
  • Measuring Instruments: Devices used to determine the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of something.
  • Tooling Components: Parts that make up tools or fixtures for manufacturing processes.
  • Metalworking Products: A broad category encompassing various items used in the process of working with metals.
  • Fasteners: Hardware devices that mechanically join or affix two or more objects together.
  • Flat Stock Products: Sheets or plates of raw materials.
  • Raw Materials: Unprocessed or minimally processed substances used in manufacturing.
  • Abrasives: Materials used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning surfaces.
  • Machinery Hand and Power Tools: Manual and electrically/pneumatically powered devices used for construction, repair, or fabrication.
  • Safety and Janitorial Supplies: Products essential for workplace safety and maintaining cleanliness.
  • Plumbing Supplies: Materials and components used in the installation and repair of water and drainage systems.
  • Materials Handling Products: Equipment and systems used for moving, storing, protecting, and controlling materials.
  • Power Transmission Components: Mechanical parts that transmit power from a prime mover to a driven machine.
  • Electrical Supplies: Components and equipment used in electrical systems and installations.
  • Inventory Management Solutions: Services designed to help customers efficiently manage their stock of MRO products.

AI Analysis | Feedback

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MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) primarily sells to other companies and government agencies. Based on the company description, its major customer categories include:

  • Individual machine shops: These are typically smaller, specialized businesses in the manufacturing sector.
  • Fortune 1000 manufacturing companies: Large, established manufacturing enterprises across various industries.
  • Government agencies: Various federal, state, and local government entities.
  • Manufacturers of various sizes: This broad category encompasses a wide range of manufacturing businesses, from small to large, including those not specifically identified as individual machine shops or Fortune 1000 companies.

The company serves a diverse and fragmented customer base, and specific named customer companies (with symbols) are not disclosed in the provided information.

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Martina McIsaac, President & Chief Executive Officer

Martina McIsaac assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. on January 1, 2026. Prior to her appointment at MSC, Ms. McIsaac served as the Region Head and Chief Executive Officer of Hilti, Inc.

Greg Clark, Interim Chief Financial Officer

Greg Clark serves as the Interim Chief Financial Officer for MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. He also holds the position of Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller. Mr. Clark is a long-standing veteran of the company, having been with MSC for 22 years, and previously served as interim CFO in 2020.

Erik Gershwind, Non-Executive Vice Chair of the Board

Erik Gershwind became the Non-Executive Vice Chair of the Board on January 1, 2026. He previously held the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer of MSC Industrial Supply Co. from 2013 until January 1, 2026. Mr. Gershwind is the grandson of MSC's founder, Sidney Jacobson, and has been with the company since 1996, progressing through various leadership roles including sales, product management, marketing, and eCommerce. He was instrumental in establishing MSC's internet business in 1999. Mr. Gershwind is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School.

John Reichelt, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

John Reichelt serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

Neal Dongre, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Neal Dongre holds the title of Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are the key risks to MSC Industrial Direct (MSM):

  1. Macroeconomic Softness and Demand Uncertainty: MSC Industrial Direct faces significant risk from the continuation or deepening of soft demand environments across key manufacturing end markets. Industrial production readings continue to contract, impacting the company's performance, particularly in sectors such as automotive, heavy truck, primary metals, fabricated metals, and machinery and equipment. Hesitancy among customers due to factors like tariff uncertainty, potential inflation, and high interest rates contributes to this demand volatility and uncertainty.
  2. Competitive Landscape and Pricing Pressure: The company operates in a highly competitive and fragmented industrial supply sector, facing competition from national, regional, local, and online distributors. This competitive environment can lead to pricing pressures, especially as larger companies may gain advantages through economies of scale.
  3. Tariff Uncertainty and Trade Policies: MSC Industrial Direct is exposed to risks associated with changes in trade policies and tariffs. New tariffs, particularly on components from countries like China, can increase product costs and affect market access, introducing cost volatility for the company.

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The clear emerging threat for MSC Industrial Direct is the aggressive expansion of large e-commerce platforms, particularly Amazon Business, into the B2B industrial supply and MRO distribution market. These platforms offer a vast array of products, competitive pricing, sophisticated logistics, and a highly convenient purchasing experience, directly challenging MSC's established distribution model, e-commerce channels, and inventory management solutions. As more businesses shift their procurement to these large online marketplaces, MSC faces significant pressure on its market share, pricing power, and customer relationships.

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MSC Industrial Direct (symbol: MSM) operates in the significant markets of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services across North America and the United Kingdom.

The addressable markets for MSC Industrial Direct's main products and services are as follows:

Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Products and Services

  • Global: The global MRO distribution market was estimated at approximately USD 691.90 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach around USD 887.11 billion by 2034.
  • North America: The North America MRO distribution market is anticipated to reach USD 188.48 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% from 2025 to 2030. Additionally, the North American MRO market is expected to grow by USD 29.6 billion with a CAGR of 2.2% between 2024 and 2029.
  • United States: The U.S. Maintenance, Repair, and Operations market was valued at USD 93.17 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow to USD 102.86 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 1.66% during the forecast period (2026-2031).
  • Canada: The Canada maintenance, repair & overhaul distribution market size reached USD 14.67 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 20.82 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.77% during 2026-2034.
  • Mexico: The Mexico maintenance, repair and operations market size reached USD 8.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 1.90% during 2025-2033.
  • United Kingdom: The UK Aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Market is projected to grow from USD 45.2 billion in 2025 to USD 78.6 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period.

Metalworking Products and Services

  • Global: The global metalworking market was valued at USD 12.02 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 15.43 billion by 2032. The global metalworking fluids market was valued at USD 13.6 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 25.7 billion by 2035.
  • United States: The U.S. metalworking machinery manufacturing industry had a market value of USD 33.8 billion in 2024. The U.S. metalworking machinery industry was valued at USD 14.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass USD 21.4 billion by 2032.
  • North America (Fabricated Metal Products): The North American metal fabrication market is estimated at USD 71.36 billion in 2026, growing from USD 68.22 billion in 2025, with projections showing USD 89.34 billion by 2031.
  • Canada (Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing): The market size of the Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing in Canada is $6.7 billion in 2026. The Canada Metal Fabrication Equipment Market is expected to grow from USD 1.09 billion in 2025 to USD 1.15 billion in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 1.47 billion by 2031 at a 5.06% CAGR over 2026-2031.
  • Mexico (Metalworking): The Mexico metal fabrication market size reached USD 1,102.50 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,558.37 million by 2033. The Mexico metal cutting machine tools market was valued at USD 1617.14 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2511.37 million by 2035. The Mexico metal cutting tools market size reached USD 78.8 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 125.1 million by 2034.
  • United Kingdom (Metal Fabrication): The UK Metal Fabrication Market was valued at USD 8.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.72 billion by 2031.

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MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years through several strategic initiatives and market factors:

  1. Strategic Price Increases: The company continues to implement price increases, particularly within its metalworking segment. For example, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, sales growth was notably influenced by a 4.2% price increase, contributing to a 4% year-over-year sales increase. MSC Industrial Direct anticipates continued benefits from price realization, supporting its target of approximately 20% adjusted incremental operating margins for the full fiscal year under a mid-single-digit growth scenario.
  2. Growth and Re-engagement with Core Customers: A key focus for MSC Industrial Direct is to reconnect and expand its relationships with core customers. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, core customer growth was up 6% year-over-year, surpassing the overall company sales growth for two consecutive quarters. This growth is being supported by enhanced e-commerce marketing and sales optimization efforts, and the company expects this segment to outperform others in the coming two to three years due to higher margins and lower support costs.
  3. Expansion of High-Touch Solutions (Vending and Implant Programs): MSC Industrial Direct is actively expanding its high-touch solutions, which include industrial vending and implant programs. In Q1 FY2026, the installed vending machine base increased by 9% year-over-year, and daily sales from implant program customers grew by 13%, both exceeding the company's total sales growth. These solutions, critical for inventory management and operational efficiency for customers, are expected to provide incremental growth.
  4. E-commerce Enhancements and Digital Transformation: The company is making significant investments in its e-commerce platform, mscdirect.com, which already accounts for over 60% of its revenue. Planned upgrades for fiscal year 2025 aim to improve the user experience and bolster marketing efforts. This ongoing digital transformation is a key element of MSC Industrial Direct's growth strategy.
  5. Strategic Acquisitions ("Bolt-on M&A"): MSC Industrial Direct is pursuing a "bolt-on M&A" strategy to strategically expand its geographic footprint and acquire specialized capabilities. For instance, in 2024, the company completed three acquisitions, including ApTex, Premier Tool Grinding, and KAR Industrial Inc., which specifically enhanced its metalworking presence in Canada. These targeted acquisitions are designed to access new customer segments and deepen expertise.
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Share Repurchases

  • MSC Industrial Direct authorized a share repurchase program on October 20, 2021. Since this authorization, the company completed repurchases of 3,686,577 shares, totaling US$332.57 million, which represented 6.6% of its shares.
  • In fiscal year 2025, MSC Industrial Direct returned approximately $229 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, including the repurchase of approximately 496,000 shares.
  • During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (ended November 30, 2025), the company repurchased 100,000 shares for US$8.59 million.

Share Issuance

  • While there are minor fluctuations, the number of shares outstanding has remained relatively stable, with a slight decline of 0.97% in 2025 from 2024, after small increases in 2024 and 2023.

Outbound Investments

  • MSC Industrial Direct has engaged in recent acquisitions which contributed to net sales and influenced gross margin and operating expenses in fiscal year 2025.

Capital Expenditures

  • For the full fiscal year 2025, MSC Industrial Direct anticipated capital expenditures (including cloud computing) to be in the range of $100 million to $110 million.
  • The company's capital expenditures in fiscal Q1 2025 were $20 million, and in fiscal Q2 2025, they were $30 million.
  • These investments are primarily focused on digital initiatives, advanced analytics, digital upgrades, and expanding its solutions footprint, such as vending and implant programs.

Better Bets vs. MSC Industrial Direct (MSM)

Peer Outperformance in Trading Companies & Distributors

MSM has outperformed 61% of its 18 Trading Companies & Distributors peers over 5Y. Trading Companies & Distributors ranks 5th of 23 industries in Industrials by median 5Y return.
Share of Trading Companies & Distributors constituents that MSM has outperformed, by holding period. Peers without a full price history over a given window are excluded from that window.
1Y
89%
of 19 industry peers · 46.2% return
3Y
44%
of 18 industry peers · 37.3% return
5Y
61%
of 18 industry peers · 70.7% return
No Trading Companies & Distributors peer with a comparable growth profile has beaten MSM by more than 20pp over 5Y.
Median price return by industry across the Industrials sector, ranked by 5Y. Trading Companies & Distributors is MSM's own industry. Use this to see which corners of the sector have carried the returns.
Industry Names 1Y med3Y med5Y med Top 3 by 5Y
Construction & Engineering 29 -8.2%92.7%152.3% STRL 1265% · FIX 1201% · AGX 751%
Marine Transportation 5 47.3%44.2%146.6% MATX 183% · KEX 151%
Construction Machinery & Heavy Transportation Equipment 13 16.0%61.2%102.0% ALSN 260% · WAB 224% · CAT 221%
Aerospace & Defense 52 -12.4%62.8%70.6% ATI 975% · FTAI 967% · HWM 604%
Trading Companies & Distributors ← 19 20.9%40.4%58.3% DXPE 413% · AIT 222% · URI 216%
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components 72 6.2%55.1%36.5% CRS 888% · MLI 337% · SYM 271%
Rail Transportation 7 33.9%56.1%34.2% CSX 55% · UNP 43% · NSC 34%
Diversified Support Services 32 21.0%43.3%33.6% CXW 240% · OPLN 169% · CACI 137%
Building Products 32 -6.2%13.0%24.0% GFF 368% · TT 141% · JCI 118%
Cargo Ground Transportation 16 33.6%10.8%9.9% R 273% · XPO 263% · ARCB 27%
Electrical Components & Equipment 37 -6.2%74.9%5.4% POWL 1808% · VRT 796% · BE 511%
Industrial Conglomerates 17 14.6%-0.6%-5.4% CSW 104% · CSL 81% · DD 67%
Office Services & Supplies 9 25.6%20.4%-11.2% PBI 174% · TILE 165% · HNI 55%
Data Processing & Outsourced Services 6 -16.4%0.3%-14.2% EXLS 64% · BR 13% · G -13%
Research & Consulting Services 13 4.9%-10.7%-19.3% HURN 270% · FCN 31% · BAH 11%
Agricultural & Farm Machinery 16 12.4%-5.6%-21.0% DE 101% · TTC 22% · AGCO 6%
Security & Alarm Services 9 -54.3%16.3%-27.6% BCO 67%
Environmental & Facilities Services 29 -33.0%23.7%-29.1% GEO 228% · CLH 153% · RSG 95%
Passenger Airlines 11 1.0%52.5%-29.7% LTM 2790% · UAL 128% · DAL 115%
Air Freight & Logistics 12 -24.7%-8.8%-39.0% FDX 86% · EXPD 74% · CHRW 53%
Human Resource & Employment Services 22 21.2%-9.1%-42.3% ADP 48% · FA 28% · PAYX 9%
Passenger Ground Transportation 3 -18.8%39.7%-63.3% UBER 56% · LYFT -63% · CAR -67%
Airport Services 4 -53.4%-61.7%-86.5% JOBY -51%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are limited to companies above $2B market cap.

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Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

MSMGWWFASTAITDXPEGICMedian
NameMSC Indu.W.W. Gra.Fastenal Applied .DXP Ente.Global I. 
Mkt Price119.701,377.8552.94298.66174.0344.03146.87
Mkt Cap6.765.060.711.02.71.78.8
Rev LTM4,01018,8459,0795,0582,1391,4364,534
Op Inc LTM3732,7451,864564188116468
FCF LTM2251,5101,17742211987324
FCF 3Y Avg2591,5591,0614288871344
CFO LTM3062,1751,43445113590379
CFO 3Y Avg3502,1451,29645611474403

Growth & Margins

MSMGWWFASTAITDXPEGICMedian
NameMSC Indu.W.W. Gra.Fastenal Applied .DXP Ente.Global I. 
Rev Chg LTM6.4%7.8%13.5%8.5%11.5%8.4%8.4%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg0.1%5.6%7.7%4.4%9.2%7.7%6.6%
Rev Chg Q10.3%10.3%15.5%7.6%15.6%7.7%10.3%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM2.6%2.5%3.8%1.8%3.8%2.0%2.6%
Op Inc Chg LTM19.3%2.8%15.4%9.7%13.9%31.0%14.6%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg-7.0%3.3%7.5%5.1%15.4%9.0%6.3%
Op Mgn LTM9.3%14.6%20.5%11.2%8.8%8.1%10.2%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg9.4%15.0%20.4%11.0%8.4%7.2%10.2%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM0.5%0.3%0.2%0.1%0.1%1.0%0.3%
CFO/Rev LTM7.6%11.5%15.8%8.9%6.3%6.3%8.3%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg9.1%12.2%15.9%9.7%6.0%5.4%9.4%
FCF/Rev LTM5.6%8.0%13.0%8.3%5.5%6.1%7.0%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg6.7%8.9%13.0%9.1%4.6%5.1%7.8%

Valuation

MSMGWWFASTAITDXPEGICMedian
NameMSC Indu.W.W. Gra.Fastenal Applied .DXP Ente.Global I. 
Mkt Cap6.765.060.711.02.71.78.8
P/S1.73.56.72.21.31.21.9
P/Op Inc17.923.732.619.414.314.518.7
P/EBIT21.323.532.519.014.114.520.2
P/E30.034.842.825.829.019.329.5
P/CFO21.829.942.424.320.018.623.1
Total Yield6.2%3.6%4.2%4.5%3.4%7.7%4.4%
Dividend Yield2.9%0.8%1.8%0.7%0.0%2.5%1.3%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg4.8%3.1%2.1%4.3%6.3%4.9%4.5%
D/E0.10.00.00.00.30.10.1
Net D/E0.10.00.00.00.20.00.0

Returns

MSMGWWFASTAITDXPEGICMedian
NameMSC Indu.W.W. Gra.Fastenal Applied .DXP Ente.Global I. 
1M Rtn-8.0%7.6%4.8%-13.0%-10.3%1.0%-3.5%
3M Rtn-4.2%0.7%10.6%-15.0%6.7%21.7%3.7%
6M Rtn19.1%21.1%19.2%-1.5%1.1%36.0%19.2%
12M Rtn46.3%41.9%31.4%17.0%45.4%60.5%43.7%
3Y Rtn37.4%84.0%90.1%93.8%410.2%40.4%87.0%
1M Excs Rtn-5.7%10.0%7.2%-10.7%-7.9%3.3%-1.2%
3M Excs Rtn-3.0%8.7%9.6%-13.7%4.3%21.1%6.5%
6M Excs Rtn14.4%16.4%14.4%-6.2%-3.6%31.3%14.4%
12M Excs Rtn35.5%34.7%19.5%6.9%33.3%51.1%34.0%
3Y Excs Rtn-38.9%19.6%15.7%14.2%360.2%-28.5%14.9%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Single segment3,7703,8214,0093,6923,243
Total3,7703,8214,0093,6923,243


Operating Income by Segment
$ Mil202520242023
Single segment302390484
Total302390484


Net Income by Segment
$ Mil202520242023
Single segment198256343
Total198256343


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$119.62 
Market Cap ($ Bil)6.7 
First Trading Date12/15/1995 
Distance from 52W High-9.9% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$123.19$108.91
DMA Trendindeterminateup
Distance from DMA-2.9%9.8%
 3M1YR
Volatility40.0%31.3%
Downside Capture117.4761.26
Upside Capture98.7199.27
Correlation (S&P 500)33.2%32.0%
MSM Betas & Captures as of 10/31/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta2.501.361.250.880.770.84
Up Beta-0.39-0.630.04-0.310.430.91
Down Beta3.622.922.601.440.910.78
Up Capture237%136%116%123%105%53%
Bmk +ve Days12182862130427
Stock +ve Days14263465131379
Down Capture220%104%130%89%73%95%
Bmk -ve Days10253664121325
Stock -ve Days8173060119371

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with MSM
MSM46.1%31.3%1.23-
Sector ETF (XLI)10.7%17.3%0.4245.3%
Equity (SPY)11.6%12.8%0.5731.7%
Gold (GLD)-2.3%28.6%-0.0918.3%
Commodities (DBC)43.1%20.9%1.60-10.0%
Real Estate (VNQ)11.0%13.7%0.5011.7%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-28.8%43.6%-0.661.7%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with MSM
MSM11.9%26.1%0.41-
Sector ETF (XLI)11.7%17.6%0.5063.5%
Equity (SPY)12.0%17.1%0.5250.6%
Gold (GLD)16.5%19.0%0.699.1%
Commodities (DBC)8.4%19.6%0.318.6%
Real Estate (VNQ)1.1%18.9%-0.0543.3%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)4.1%51.6%0.2615.0%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with MSM
MSM10.2%27.4%0.39-
Sector ETF (XLI)13.4%20.1%0.5863.5%
Equity (SPY)15.2%17.9%0.7252.4%
Gold (GLD)11.6%16.5%0.573.6%
Commodities (DBC)7.8%18.1%0.3417.6%
Real Estate (VNQ)5.4%20.7%0.2242.1%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)61.7%66.3%1.016.3%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date10152026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity2.4 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 9302026-3.4%
Average Daily Volume0.8 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest2.8 days
Basic Shares Quantity55.8 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares4.2%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 11/1/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
10/22/2026-15.4%-7.7% 
7/1/20263.7%0.8%2.9%
4/1/2026-0.8%4.6%11.9%
1/7/2026-4.5%-0.9%13.0%
10/23/20253.1%-3.3%-3.1%
7/1/20256.2%7.7%2.8%
4/3/2025-5.2%-4.0%-0.9%
1/8/20253.5%1.3%1.5%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive91318
# Negative15115
Median Positive3.1%1.5%4.7%
Median Negative-3.0%-3.0%-3.1%
Max Positive6.2%7.7%14.9%
Max Negative-15.4%-7.7%-5.5%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
10/22/2026-15.4%-7.7% 
7/1/20263.7%0.8%2.9%
4/1/2026-0.8%4.6%11.9%
1/7/2026-4.5%-0.9%13.0%
10/23/20253.1%-3.3%-3.1%
7/1/20256.2%7.7%2.8%
4/3/2025-5.2%-4.0%-0.9%
1/8/20253.5%1.3%1.5%
10/24/2024-3.8%1.5%5.1%
7/2/20242.3%-2.1%14.9%
3/28/2024-2.5%-4.0%-5.5%
1/9/2024-3.1%0.3%2.4%
10/25/2023-3.0%-0.7%4.3%
6/29/2023-1.7%-1.6%5.0%
4/4/2023-0.9%3.0%8.6%
1/5/2023-5.5%0.6%10.1%
10/20/2022-0.9%3.9%8.8%
6/29/20222.4%1.1%11.1%
3/30/20223.9%1.9%3.9%
12/22/2021-0.4%1.4%-0.7%
10/20/2021-2.4%-4.7%0.3%
7/7/20210.7%-0.9%-4.7%
4/7/2021-5.4%-3.0%2.0%
1/6/20211.2%3.8%3.5%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive91318
# Negative15115
Median Positive3.1%1.5%4.7%
Median Negative-3.0%-3.0%-3.1%
Max Positive6.2%7.7%14.9%
Max Negative-15.4%-7.7%-5.5%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
08/31/202610/22/202610-K
05/31/202607/01/202610-Q
02/28/202604/01/202610-Q
11/30/202501/07/202610-Q
08/31/202510/23/202510-K
05/31/202507/01/202510-Q
02/28/202504/03/202510-Q
11/30/202401/08/202510-Q
08/31/202410/24/202410-K
05/31/202407/02/202410-Q
02/29/202403/28/202410-Q
11/30/202301/09/202410-Q
08/31/202310/25/202310-K
05/31/202306/29/202310-Q
02/28/202304/04/202310-Q
11/30/202201/05/202310-Q
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
08/31/202610/22/202610-K
05/31/202607/01/202610-Q
02/28/202604/01/202610-Q
11/30/202501/07/202610-Q
08/31/202510/23/202510-K
05/31/202507/01/202510-Q
02/28/202504/03/202510-Q
11/30/202401/08/202510-Q
08/31/202410/24/202410-K
05/31/202407/02/202410-Q
02/29/202403/28/202410-Q
11/30/202301/09/202410-Q
08/31/202310/25/202310-K
05/31/202306/29/202310-Q
02/28/202304/04/202310-Q
11/30/202201/05/202310-Q
08/31/202210/20/202210-K
05/31/202206/29/202210-Q
02/28/202203/30/202210-Q
11/30/202112/22/202110-Q
08/31/202110/20/202110-K
05/31/202107/07/202110-Q
02/28/202104/07/202110-Q
11/30/202001/06/202110-Q
08/31/202010/27/202010-K
05/31/202007/08/202010-Q
02/29/202004/08/202010-Q
11/30/201901/08/202010-Q

Recent Forward Guidance

Updated 11/2/2026

Latest: Q4 2026 Earnings Reported 10/22/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q1 2027 ADS Growth (YoY)Reported9.5%10.0%10.5% 2.5%Higher NewGuidance: 7.5% for Q4 2026
Q1 2027 Adjusted Operating MarginReported9.5%9.8%10.1% -0.6%Lower NewGuidance: 10.4% for Q4 2026
2027 Depreciation and Amortization ExpenseReported100.00 Mil102.50 Mil105.00 Mil2.5% Higher NewGuidance: 100.00 Mil for 2026
2027 Interest and Other ExpenseReported40.00 Mil42.50 Mil45.00 Mil41.7% Higher NewGuidance: 30.00 Mil for 2026
2027 Effective Tax RateReported24.5%25.0%25.5% 0.0%Same NewGuidance: 25.0% for 2026
2027 Capital ExpendituresReported90.00 Mil95.00 Mil100.00 Mil5.6% Higher NewGuidance: 90.00 Mil for 2026
2027 Free Cash Flow ConversionReported0.80.850.9 -10.0%Lower NewGuidance: 0.95 for 2026


Prior: Q3 2026 Earnings Reported 7/1/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q4 2026 ADS GrowthReported6.5%7.5%8.5% 1.5%Higher NewGuidance: 6.0% for Q3 2026
Q4 2026 Adjusted Operating MarginReported10.0%10.4%10.8% 0.4%Higher NewGuidance: 10.0% for Q3 2026
2026 Depreciation and amortization expenseReported 100.00 Mil 2.6% RaisedGuidance: 97.50 Mil for 2026
2026 Interest and other expenseReported 30.00 Mil -14.3% LoweredGuidance: 35.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Tax rateReported24.5%25.0%25.5% 0AffirmedGuidance: 25.0% for 2026
2026 Capital expendituresReported 90.00 Mil -14.3% LoweredGuidance: 105.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Free cash flow conversionReported 0.95  5.0%RaisedGuidance: 0.9 for 2026

Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 4/1/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q3 2026 ADS GrowthReported5.0%6.0%7.0%   
Q3 2026 Adjusted Operating MarginReported9.7%10.0%10.3%   
2026 Depreciation and amortization expenseReported95.00 Mil97.50 Mil100.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 97.50 Mil for 2026
2026 Interest and other expenseReported 35.00 Mil 0 AffirmedGuidance: 35.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Tax rateReported24.5%25.0%25.5%00AffirmedGuidance: 25.0% for 2026
2026 Capital expendituresReported100.00 Mil105.00 Mil110.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 105.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Free cash flow conversionReported 0.9 0 AffirmedGuidance: 0.9 for 2026

Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 1/7/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricSourceLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
Q2 2026 ADS Growth (YoY)Reported3.5%4.5%5.5%   
Q2 2026 Adjusted Operating MarginReported7.3%7.6%7.9%   
2026 Depreciation and amortization expenseReported95.00 Mil97.50 Mil100.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 97.50 Mil for 2026
2026 Interest and other expenseReported 35.00 Mil 0 AffirmedGuidance: 35.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Tax rateReported24.5%25.0%25.5% 0AffirmedGuidance: 25.0% for 2026
2026 Capital expendituresReported100.00 Mil105.00 Mil110.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 105.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Free cash flow conversionReported 0.9  0AffirmedGuidance: 0.9 for 2026

Insider Activity

Updated 10/27/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Jacobson, MitchellDirectBuy10272026115.94250,00028,984,170298,907,018Form
2Slone, Reuben E DirectBuy10232026115.7743350,12950,129Form
3Seseri, Rudina DirectSell202202686.831,800156,294528,795Form
4Peller, Philip DirectBuy1117202590.146,666600,873859,665Form
5Jacobson, MitchellDirectBuy1103202584.4351,9544,386,290194,630,093Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Jacobson, MitchellDirectBuy10272026115.94250,00028,984,170298,907,018Form
2Slone, Reuben E DirectBuy10232026115.7743350,12950,129Form
3Seseri, Rudina DirectSell202202686.831,800156,294528,795Form
4Peller, Philip DirectBuy1117202590.146,666600,873859,665Form
5Jacobson, MitchellDirectBuy1103202584.4351,9544,386,290194,630,093Form
6Jacobson, MitchellDirectBuy1103202584.7634,0732,888,167191,004,710Form
7Jacobson, MitchellDirectBuy1103202584.9295,7798,133,974188,472,296Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Nov 3, 2026
13F holdings as of Mar 31, 2026 (Q1 2026)

Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.

Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Medina Value Partners, LLC$26.7 Mil5.6%30New13F
Lone Peak Global Investors LLC$15.8 Mil2.6%42ADD +3411.0%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Medina Value Partners, LLC$26.7 Mil5.6%30New13F
Lone Peak Global Investors LLC$15.8 Mil2.6%42ADD +3411.0%13F
Active Manager
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Medina Value Partners, LLC$26.7 Mil5.6%30New13F
Lone Peak Global Investors LLC$15.8 Mil2.6%42ADD +3411.0%13F
Core Cache Last Updated: 11/2/2026