MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) Stock Overview
Engages in the distribution of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and internationally. More details
| Snowflake Score | |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 0/6 |
| Future Growth | 2/6 |
| Past Performance | 1/6 |
| Financial Health | 6/6 |
| Dividends | 3/6 |
MSM Community Fair Values
Create NarrativeSee what 17 others think this stock is worth. Follow their fair value or set your own to get alerts.
Analyst Price Targets
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Competitors
Price History & Performance
| Historical stock prices | |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price | US$106.17 |
| 52 Week High | US$108.77 |
| 52 Week Low | US$77.78 |
| Beta | 0.81 |
| 1 Month Change | 9.31% |
| 3 Month Change | 13.10% |
| 1 Year Change | 34.38% |
| 3 Year Change | 17.15% |
| 5 Year Change | 12.34% |
| Change since IPO | 775.63% |
Recent News & Updates
Narrative Update • Apr 29
MSM: Future Returns Will Depend On Rich P E Multiple Holding Up
The updated analyst price target for MSC Industrial Direct moves from about $86 to roughly $94, as analysts factor in adjusted discount rates, slightly higher revenue growth and profit margin assumptions, as well as a higher future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on MSC Industrial Direct reflects a mix of optimism and caution, with analysts adjusting ratings and price targets as they reassess valuation, growth assumptions and execution risks.
New Narrative • Apr 18
Sales Reorganization And Pricing Dependence Will Pressure Margins And Earnings Quality
Catalysts About MSC Industrial Direct MSC Industrial Direct supplies metalworking and MRO products and services to industrial and public sector customers. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 29
MSM: Future Returns Will Depend On Rich P E Multiple Holding Up
The updated analyst price target for MSC Industrial Direct moves from about $86 to roughly $94, as analysts factor in adjusted discount rates, slightly higher revenue growth and profit margin assumptions, as well as a higher future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on MSC Industrial Direct reflects a mix of optimism and caution, with analysts adjusting ratings and price targets as they reassess valuation, growth assumptions and execution risks.New Narrative • Apr 18
Sales Reorganization And Pricing Dependence Will Pressure Margins And Earnings Quality
Catalysts About MSC Industrial Direct MSC Industrial Direct supplies metalworking and MRO products and services to industrial and public sector customers. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?
New Narrative • Apr 03
AI And Higher Value Solutions Will Drive Stronger Future Margins And Earnings Quality
Catalysts About MSC Industrial Direct MSC Industrial Direct supplies metalworking and MRO products and services to manufacturing, industrial and public sector customers across North America. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Seeking Alpha • Apr 01
MSC Industrial Direct's Dip After Earnings Isn't A Reason To Buy
Summary MSC Industrial Direct reported Q2 FY26 results below analyst expectations, yet continues to show solid year-over-year growth in revenue and profits. MSM's valuation is fair but not cheap, warranting a "Hold" rating as shares trade near the lower end of fair value on an absolute basis. Despite volume declines, price increases and operational improvements have driven financial gains, with management projecting modest growth in Q3 amid supply and geopolitical risks. Capital deployment remains shareholder-focused, with 47% to dividends and 23% to buybacks since 2022, though growth investments are preferred if viable. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Mar 27
MSM: Future Returns Will Reflect JPMorgan Downgrade And Completed Buyback Program
Analysts have inched up their fair value estimate for MSC Industrial Direct to $86.20 from about $85.83, reflecting updated assumptions on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E after recent price target revisions such as Baird's move to $94 following Q1 results and a downgrade highlighted by JPMorgan research. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the updated models after Q1 results as keeping the story intact, with the US$94 price target suggesting they still view the shares as reasonably aligned with current earnings power and P/E assumptions.Narrative Update • Mar 12
MSM: Future Returns Will Reflect Neutral Q1 Reset And Completed Buyback
Analysts have trimmed their average price target on MSC Industrial Direct by $4 to $94, citing updated models after Q1 results and recent rating changes. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts view the reset to a US$94 price target as a way to align expectations more closely with current Q1 results, which can reduce the risk of future estimate misses.Narrative Update • Feb 26
MSM: Future Returns Will Reflect Neutral Stance After Downgrade And Model Reset
Analysts have trimmed their average price target on MSC Industrial Direct by $4 to $94. They cited refreshed models after recent Q1 results and a downgrade that reflects slightly adjusted assumptions for growth, margins and future P/E multiples.Narrative Update • Feb 10
MSM: Future Returns Will Reflect Neutral Stance After Downgrade And Buyback Completion
Analysts have trimmed their price targets on MSC Industrial Direct by a small amount to US$94, reflecting refreshed models after Q1 results and a slightly lower fair value estimate of about US$85.83, along with modestly adjusted assumptions for discount rate, revenue, profit margin and future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates point to a more cautious stance on MSC Industrial Direct, with a focus on recalibrated valuation work after Q1 results rather than any single event.Narrative Update • Jan 26
MSM: Future Returns Will Reflect Neutral Outlook After Q1 Model Reset
Narrative Update: MSC Industrial Direct Analysts nudged their price target on MSC Industrial Direct down from $98 to $94. This reflects updated assumptions around fair value, discount rate, profit margins, and a slightly higher future P/E after revisiting their models following recent Q1 results.Narrative Update • Jan 12
MSM: Future Returns Will Balance Discounted Outlook With Leadership Transition
Narrative Update Overview Analysts have modestly reduced their price target on MSC Industrial Direct to $94 from $98, reflecting updated modeling after Q1 results. This incorporates a fair value estimate shift from $87.50 to $86.00, a slightly higher discount rate, marginally lower revenue growth assumptions, a somewhat higher profit margin outlook, and a future P/E assumption moving from 19.94x to 18.89x.Narrative Update • Dec 22
MSM: Future Returns Will Reflect Cautious Demand Outlook And Leadership Transition
Analysts have nudged their price target on MSC Industrial Direct slightly lower to approximately $87.50 from about $88.00, reflecting what they see as a more balanced risk and reward profile as they grow incrementally cautious on near-term U.S. short-cycle demand and trim out-year estimates. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates underscore a more neutral stance on MSC Industrial Direct, as cautious views on the near-term macro backdrop are balanced by confidence in the company’s longer-term positioning and disciplined capital allocation.Narrative Update • Dec 08
MSM: Future Returns Will Reflect Balanced View As Short-Cycle Demand Stays Soft
Analysts have modestly raised their price target on MSC Industrial Direct to $87.50 per share. This reflects a slightly higher assumed future valuation multiple and a marginally increased discount rate, as they balance steady long term fundamentals against a more cautious near term demand outlook.Narrative Update • Nov 24
MSM: Future Results Will Mirror Balanced Outlook as Near-Term Demand Softens
Narrative Update on MSC Industrial Direct: Analyst Price Target Change The analyst price target for MSC Industrial Direct remains unchanged at $87.50. Analysts point to a more balanced risk/reward outlook and reflect cautious sentiment on short-term U.S. industrial demand.Narrative Update • Nov 06
MSM: Future Performance Will Reflect Balanced Risk Amid Cautious Short Cycle Demand
Analysts have slightly reduced their price target for MSC Industrial Direct from $88.50 to $87.50. This change reflects a more balanced risk/reward outlook amid cautious expectations for near-term U.S. demand.Narrative Update • Oct 23
Analyst Commentary Highlights Balanced Outlook and Slight Valuation Uptick for MSC Industrial Direct
Analysts have slightly raised their fair value price target for MSC Industrial Direct from $87.83 to $88.50. They cite a balanced risk and reward outlook, along with cautious sentiment on near-term U.S. demand.Analysis Article • Oct 11
MSC Industrial Direct (NYSE:MSM) Has Announced That It Will Be Increasing Its Dividend To $0.87
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.'s ( NYSE:MSM ) periodic dividend will be increasing on the 26th of November to $0.87...Narrative Update • Oct 08
In-Plant Programs And US Marketing Will Improve Operations
Analysts have lowered their price target for MSC Industrial Direct from $90.29 to $87.83. They cite a more cautious stance on near-term U.S. industrial demand and a reassessment of the stock's risk and reward profile.Analysis Article • Aug 27
MSC Industrial Direct (NYSE:MSM) Hasn't Managed To Accelerate Its Returns
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? One common approach is...Analysis Article • Aug 14
Shareholders Should Be Pleased With MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.'s (NYSE:MSM) Price
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 24.9x MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MSM ) may be sending bearish...Analysis Article • Jul 14
Here's Why MSC Industrial Direct (NYSE:MSM) Can Manage Its Debt Responsibly
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...Analysis Article • May 29
Is Now The Time To Look At Buying MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE:MSM)?
While MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MSM ) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a double-digit...Seeking Alpha • Jan 03
MSC Industrial Hit Hard By Operating Deleverage During This Downturn
Summary Weak activity across a range of short-cycle manufacturing markets and MSC's leverage to generally smaller manufacturers has led to noticeable revenue weakness in recent quarters. Sales could decline for a couple more quarters, though the worst of customer destocking is likely over, and management continues to invest in initiatives like in-plant inventory management and vending. Operating deleverage remains a significant near-term risk as the company continues to invest in growth and efficiency programs like in-plant, vending, inventory planning, and distribution. Short-cycle markets should rebound in FY'25, but MSC Industrial shares look fairly valued given the risks to operating margins and a lackluster history of above-market growth. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Oct 27
High-Touch Solutions And E-Commerce Transformations Set The Stage For Future Growth
High-touch solutions and digital enhancements are growth drivers, potentially boosting revenue and net margins through improved customer experience and national account sales.Seeking Alpha • Oct 06
MSC Industrial: Adjusting To A New Market Reality
Summary MSC Industrial Direct has faced significant year-over-year sales declines and margin pressures, making it a mediocre performer in the MRO market. Despite a >4% dividend yield, I remain cautious due to the company's relative underperformance and uncertain outlook for 2025. Recent bolt-on acquisitions and modest leverage haven't offset the negative sales trajectory and reduced earnings guidance. With shares recovering slightly since June, I am not rushing to invest, given the availability of better MRO opportunities. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jul 16
Weakening Manufacturing Activity Is Hitting MSC Industrial Hard
Summary MSC Industrial saw a meaningful downturn in core manufacturing end-markets during fiscal Q3 results, driving a 7% decline in average daily sales. The company isn't alone here; Fastenal had a sluggish quarter with fastener sales down year over year and Lincoln Electric already revised its full-year results into the red for FY'24. MSC Industrial's model makes it difficult to uphold margins during downturns, but execution issues with web-based pricing added to the margin pressure. Without a reason to be more bullish on manufacturing end-markets, it's hard to be all that bullish on MSC shares today, though the business will see a cyclical recovery at some point. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaShareholder Returns
| MSM | US Trade Distributors | US Market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | -0.6% | -1.9% | -0.3% |
| 1Y | 34.4% | 19.9% | 26.7% |
Return vs Industry: MSM exceeded the US Trade Distributors industry which returned 15.4% over the past year.
Return vs Market: MSM exceeded the US Market which returned 23.3% over the past year.
Price Volatility
| MSM volatility | |
|---|---|
| MSM Average Weekly Movement | 4.1% |
| Trade Distributors Industry Average Movement | 7.2% |
| Market Average Movement | 7.2% |
| 10% most volatile stocks in US Market | 16.2% |
| 10% least volatile stocks in US Market | 3.2% |
Stable Share Price: MSM has not had significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.
Volatility Over Time: MSM's weekly volatility (4%) has been stable over the past year.
About the Company
| Founded | Employees | CEO | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 | 7,181 | Martina McIsaac | www.mscdirect.com |
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company’s metalworking and MRO products include cutting tools, abrasives, machining fluids, measuring instruments, metalworking products, machinery and accessories, tooling components, fasteners, flat stock products, raw materials, machinery hand and power tools, safety and janitorial supplies, plumbing supplies, materials handling products, power transmission components, and electrical supplies. It also offers stock-keeping units through its catalogs and brochures; e-commerce channels, including its website; inventory management solutions; and customer care centers, customer fulfillment centers, regional inventory centers and warehouses.
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Fundamentals Summary
| MSM fundamental statistics | |
|---|---|
| Market cap | US$5.80b |
| Earnings (TTM) | US$207.68m |
| Revenue (TTM) | US$3.83b |
28.5x
P/E Ratio1.5x
P/S RatioIs MSM overvalued?
See Fair Value and valuation analysisEarnings & Revenue
| MSM income statement (TTM) | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | US$3.83b |
| Cost of Revenue | US$2.27b |
| Gross Profit | US$1.56b |
| Other Expenses | US$1.36b |
| Earnings | US$207.68m |
Last Reported Earnings
Feb 28, 2026
Next Earnings Date
Jul 01, 2026
| Earnings per share (EPS) | 3.72 |
| Gross Margin | 40.78% |
| Net Profit Margin | 5.42% |
| Debt/Equity Ratio | 36.9% |
How did MSM perform over the long term?
See historical performance and comparisonDividends
3.3%
Current Dividend Yield93%
Payout RatioCompany Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/20 15:53 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/20 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/02/28 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/08/30 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is covered by 28 analysts. 8 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| David Manthey | Baird |
| Scott Davis | Barclays |
| Scott Graham | BMO Capital Markets Equity Research |