MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) trades at $119.61 with AI Score 78/100 (Grade A). MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. is a leading distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services. Market cap: $6.68B, Sector: Industrials.
Price live · AI analysis from May 10, 2026MSM stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $91.33 for MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., suggesting 23.6% downside from the current price of $119.61. The AI MoonshotScore is 78/100, indicating a strong bullish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
MSM: 1/1 perspectives are bullish.
How is this calculated? →MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) Industrial Operations Profile
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. distributes a comprehensive range of metalworking and MRO products, serving diverse industries through its extensive network of branches, fulfillment centers, and e-commerce channels. The company's focus on inventory management solutions and value-added services differentiates it within the industrial distribution sector.
What Is the Investment Thesis for MSM?
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. presents a compelling investment case based on its established market position and comprehensive MRO product offerings. With a current market capitalization of $6.68B and a P/E ratio of 31.2, the company demonstrates financial stability. A dividend yield of 3.32% offers investors an attractive income stream. Growth catalysts include expansion of e-commerce capabilities and strategic acquisitions to broaden product lines. Potential risks involve economic downturns affecting manufacturing and increased competition from online retailers. Investors should monitor MSC's ability to maintain its gross margin of 40.8% and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
MSM Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $6.68B reflects MSC's significant presence in the industrial distribution sector.
- P/E Ratio of 31.2 indicates investor expectations for future earnings growth.
- Gross Margin of 40.8% demonstrates effective cost management and pricing strategies.
- Dividend Yield of 3.32% provides an attractive income stream for investors.
- Beta of 0.78 suggests lower volatility compared to the overall market, indicating relative stability.
Who Are MSM's Competitors?
MSM is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWL Powell Industries, Inc. | $246.33 | -7.00% | $8.97B | 95 |
| ENS EnerSys | $213.95 | +3.52% | $7.81B | 86 |
| ECG Everus Construction Group, Inc. | $143.13 | +3.52% | $7.31B | 84 |
| OMAB Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. | $114.57 | +2.54% | $5.53B | 53 |
| RAL Ralliant Corp. | $69.24 | +1.29% | $7.75B | — |
| QXO QXO, Inc. | $15.85 | -2.25% | $11.49B | 64 |
| HGRVF Hargreaves Services Plc | $6.27 | -14.46% | $192.52M | 54 |
| HDIUF ADENTRA Inc. | $27.25 | +0.00% | $660.69M | 54 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are MSM's Key Strengths?
- Extensive product range and distribution network
- Strong relationships with suppliers and customers
- Value-added services such as inventory management solutions
- Established presence in North America and the United Kingdom
What Are MSM's Weaknesses?
- Dependence on manufacturing activity
- Exposure to economic cycles
- Competition from online retailers
- Potential for supply chain disruptions
What Could Drive MSM Stock Higher?
- Expansion of e-commerce platform to drive online sales growth.
- Strategic acquisitions to broaden product lines and geographic reach.
- Development and marketing of new value-added services.
- Potential for increased manufacturing activity driving demand for MRO products.
- Government infrastructure projects boosting demand for industrial supplies.
What Are the Key Risks for MSM?
- Economic downturns affecting manufacturing activity and demand for MRO products.
- Increased competition from online retailers and other distributors.
- Fluctuations in raw material prices impacting profitability.
- Supply chain disruptions affecting product availability.
- Changes in government regulations impacting operations and compliance costs.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for MSM?
- Expansion of E-commerce Platform: MSC can further capitalize on the growing trend of online purchasing in the industrial sector by enhancing its e-commerce platform, mscdirect.com. This includes improving user experience, expanding product offerings, and implementing advanced search and recommendation algorithms. The global e-commerce market is projected to reach trillions of dollars by 2028, presenting a significant opportunity for MSC to increase its market share and drive revenue growth.
- Strategic Acquisitions: MSC can pursue strategic acquisitions to expand its product lines, geographic reach, and customer base. By acquiring complementary businesses, MSC can enhance its competitive position and create synergies. The industrial distribution market is fragmented, offering numerous acquisition opportunities for MSC to consolidate its position and drive long-term growth. This includes acquiring companies with specialized product offerings or strong regional presence.
- Enhanced Inventory Management Solutions: MSC can further develop and market its inventory management solutions to help customers optimize their operations and reduce costs. By providing value-added services, MSC can strengthen customer relationships and increase customer loyalty. The market for inventory management solutions is growing, driven by the need for efficient supply chain management and cost control. MSC's expertise in MRO products positions it well to capitalize on this trend.
- Penetration of New Markets: MSC can expand its geographic presence by entering new markets, both domestically and internationally. This includes targeting regions with strong manufacturing activity and growing demand for MRO products. By diversifying its geographic footprint, MSC can reduce its reliance on any single market and mitigate risk. Market research and strategic partnerships can facilitate successful market entry and expansion.
- Focus on Value-Added Services: MSC can differentiate itself from competitors by offering a range of value-added services, such as technical support, training, and consulting. By providing comprehensive solutions, MSC can become a trusted partner for its customers and increase customer retention. The demand for value-added services is growing, as customers seek to optimize their operations and improve productivity. MSC's expertise in MRO products and services positions it well to capitalize on this trend.
What Opportunities Does MSM Have?
- Expansion of e-commerce platform
- Strategic acquisitions to expand product lines and geographic reach
- Penetration of new markets
- Development of new value-added services
What Threats Does MSM Face?
- Economic downturns affecting manufacturing
- Increased competition from online retailers
- Fluctuations in raw material prices
- Changes in government regulations
What Are MSM's Competitive Advantages?
- Extensive product range with approximately 1.9 million stock-keeping units
- Established distribution network with branches and fulfillment centers
- Strong relationships with suppliers and customers
- Value-added services such as inventory management solutions
What Does MSM Do?
Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Melville, New York, MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. has evolved into a premier distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services. The company operates across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, offering approximately 1.9 million stock-keeping units (SKUs). MSC’s product range includes cutting tools, measuring instruments, tooling components, fasteners, abrasives, machinery hand and power tools, safety and janitorial supplies, and electrical supplies. MSC serves a diverse customer base, including individual machine shops, Fortune 1000 manufacturing companies, and government agencies. The company’s distribution network comprises 28 branch offices, 11 customer fulfillment centers, and seven regional inventory centers, complemented by a robust e-commerce platform at mscdirect.com. MSC also provides inventory management solutions and operates call centers to enhance customer service and streamline operations, solidifying its position in the industrial distribution market.
What Products and Services Does MSM Offer?
- Distributes metalworking products
- Distributes maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products
- Offers cutting tools and measuring instruments
- Provides tooling components and metalworking products
- Supplies fasteners, flat stock products, and raw materials
- Offers abrasives, machinery hand and power tools
- Provides safety and janitorial supplies
- Offers plumbing supplies and materials handling products
How Does MSM Make Money?
- Sells MRO products through catalogs, brochures, and e-commerce channels
- Operates a distribution network of branch offices and fulfillment centers
- Provides inventory management solutions to customers
- Utilizes call-centers and branches for customer service and sales
What Industry Does MSM Operate In?
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. operates within the industrial distribution sector, a market characterized by increasing demand for MRO products and services. The industry is influenced by factors such as manufacturing output, infrastructure development, and technological advancements. Competition includes both large national distributors and smaller regional players, as well as the increasing presence of e-commerce giants. MSC differentiates itself through its extensive product range, value-added services, and established distribution network. The sector is expected to see continued growth, driven by the need for efficient supply chain solutions and inventory management.
Who Are MSM's Key Customers?
- Individual machine shops
- Fortune 1000 manufacturing companies
- Government agencies
- Manufacturers of various sizes
ROE 20%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. stands at 20.3%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 11.3%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. MSM trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 31.24, roughly in line with the Industrials sector average of ~30x. Its free cash flow yield is 3.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.55 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 4.0%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
How MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Is Valued
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. carries a market capitalization of $6.68B, placing it in the mid-cap category. Relative to its peer group, MSM's quantitative score of 78/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 80/100.
F-Score 7/9Financial Health
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 6.30 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. revenue of about $4.00B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $4.59. The estimate reflects 8 contributing analysts.
Net sellingInsider Activity
Over the past six months, MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. insiders filed 29 SEC Form 4 transactions — 11 sales and 18 purchases. On net that is roughly 50K shares disposed (about $156K), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
MSM Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Insider buying activity has increased, signaling confidence from management in the company's future prospects.
- Recent community sentiment has turned positive, with traders discussing potential growth in the industrial sector.
- The company has been expanding its product offerings, which could attract new customers and drive sales.
- Positive reviews on service quality and customer support have bolstered the company's reputation among users.
Bear Case
- Concerns about supply chain disruptions have been prevalent, which could impact product availability and delivery times.
- Bearish sentiment has emerged in discussions about potential economic slowdowns affecting industrial spending.
- Recent earnings reports have shown mixed results, leading to skepticism about the company's growth trajectory.
- Increased competition in the industrial supply space has raised doubts about maintaining market share.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · April 2026
MSM Latest News
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Nasdaq Jumps 1.5%, Records Sharp Quarterly Gains: Investor Sentiment Improves, Greed Index in ‘Fear’ Zone
benzinga · Jul 1, 2026
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General Mills, Nike and 3 Stocks to Watch Heading Into Wednesday
benzinga · Jul 1, 2026
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Is MSC (MSM) Outperforming Other Industrial Products Stocks This Year?
zacks.com · Jun 18, 2026
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Metalsource Mining Expands Silver Hill Exploration Footprint with Multiple Open IP Targets Across 2.4 Kilometres of Strike
newsfilecorp.com · Jun 17, 2026
MSM Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for MSM.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $91.33
MSM MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates MSM's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Latest News
Nasdaq Jumps 1.5%, Records Sharp Quarterly Gains: Investor Sentiment Improves, Greed Index in ‘Fear’ Zone
General Mills, Nike and 3 Stocks to Watch Heading Into Wednesday
Is MSC (MSM) Outperforming Other Industrial Products Stocks This Year?
Metalsource Mining Expands Silver Hill Exploration Footprint with Multiple Open IP Targets Across 2.4 Kilometres of Strike
Latest MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Analysis
Leadership: Martina McIsaac
President and Chief Executive Officer
Martina McIsaac is the President and Chief Executive Officer of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. She has extensive experience in the industrial distribution sector, with a proven track record of driving growth and improving operational efficiency. Prior to joining MSC, McIsaac held leadership positions at various industrial companies, where she focused on sales, marketing, and supply chain management. Her expertise in strategic planning and execution has been instrumental in MSC's success.
Track Record: Since becoming CEO, Martina McIsaac has focused on expanding MSC's e-commerce capabilities, enhancing its value-added services, and strengthening its relationships with key customers and suppliers. Under her leadership, MSC has achieved significant milestones in revenue growth and profitability. She has also prioritized investments in technology and innovation to drive long-term sustainable growth.
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Industrials Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. do?
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is a leading distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, including cutting tools, measuring instruments, tooling components, fasteners, abrasives, and safety supplies. MSC serves a diverse customer base, including individual machine shops, Fortune 1000 manufacturing companies, and government agencies. The company operates through a distribution network of branch offices, fulfillment centers, and e-commerce channels, providing customers with convenient access to its products and services.
What do analysts say about MSM stock?
Analyst consensus on MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) reflects a generally positive outlook, citing the company's strong market position and growth potential. Key valuation metrics include a P/E ratio of 31.2 and a dividend yield of 3.32%. Analysts are closely monitoring MSC's ability to maintain its gross margin of 40.8% and capitalize on growth opportunities in the industrial distribution sector. Considerations include economic conditions and competitive pressures, but the overall sentiment suggests confidence in MSC's long-term prospects.
What are the main risks for MSM?
The main risks for MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. include economic downturns affecting manufacturing activity, increased competition from online retailers, fluctuations in raw material prices, and potential supply chain disruptions. A decline in manufacturing output could reduce demand for MSC's MRO products and services. Increased competition from online retailers could put pressure on pricing and margins. Fluctuations in raw material prices could impact profitability. Supply chain disruptions could affect product availability and customer satisfaction. These risks could impact MSC's financial performance and growth prospects.
How does MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. compare to competitors in its industry?
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. differentiates itself through its extensive product range, value-added services, and established distribution network. While competitors like Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL) and EnerSys (ENS) focus on specific segments such as electrical distribution and energy solutions, MSC offers a broader range of MRO products. MSC's focus on inventory management solutions and customer service also sets it apart from competitors. The company's established presence in North America and the United Kingdom provides a competitive advantage in these markets.
What are the key financial metrics investors watch for MSM?
Investors closely monitor several key financial metrics for MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM). Revenue growth indicates the company's ability to expand its market share and increase sales. Gross margin reflects the efficiency of its cost management and pricing strategies. The P/E ratio provides insights into investor expectations for future earnings growth. Dividend yield offers an attractive income stream for investors. Finally, return on invested capital (ROIC) measures the company's ability to generate profits from its investments.
What are the key factors to evaluate for MSM?
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) holds an AI score of 78/100 (high). P/E: 31.2x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $91.33 (-24%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does MSM data refresh on this page?
MSM prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven MSM's recent stock price performance?
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Extensive product range and distribution network. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Financial metrics are as of the latest reporting period.
- Analyst opinions may vary.