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MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc (MSM)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/15/2025: MSM (1-star) is a SELL. SELL since 3 days. Simulated Profits (6.34%). Updated daily EoD!
1 Year Target Price $88.5
1 Year Target Price $88.5
1 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
9 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -27.7% | Avg. Invested days 33 | Today’s Advisory SELL |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 4.84B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 24.58 | 1Y Target Price 88.5 |
Price to earnings Ratio 24.58 | 1Y Target Price 88.5 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 11 | Beta 0.89 | 52 Weeks Range 66.64 - 94.31 | Updated Date 10/15/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 66.64 - 94.31 | Updated Date 10/15/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 3.91% | Basic EPS (TTM) 3.47 |
Earnings Date
Report Date 2025-10-23 | When - | Estimate 1.01 | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 5.3% | Operating Margin (TTM) 8.92% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 8.08% | Return on Equity (TTM) 14.03% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 24.58 | Forward PE 21.51 | Enterprise Value 5624775302 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.29 |
Enterprise Value 5624775302 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.29 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.5 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 14.86 | Shares Outstanding 55675778 | Shares Floating 45499916 |
Shares Outstanding 55675778 | Shares Floating 45499916 | ||
Percent Insiders 18.69 | Percent Institutions 88.75 |
Upturn AI SWOT
MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. was founded in 1941 as Manhattan Supply Company. Initially focused on selling metalworking tools, it has evolved into a leading distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services across North America.
Core Business Areas
- Metalworking: Provides a wide range of metal cutting tools, abrasives, and related products used in manufacturing processes.
- MRO Supplies: Offers maintenance, repair, and operations supplies, including fasteners, hand tools, power tools, safety equipment, and janitorial supplies.
- Inventory Management Solutions: Provides vendor managed inventory programs and other solutions to help customers optimize their inventory and reduce costs.
- e-Commerce Platform: They have an e-commerce platform where business can buy all of their products and supplies for the machines they operate.
Leadership and Structure
Erik Gershwind serves as the Chief Executive Officer. The company operates with a functional organizational structure, with departments focused on sales, marketing, operations, finance, and technology.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Cutting Tools: Includes drills, end mills, taps, and inserts used for metal removal. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint exactly for cutting tools alone, but MSC competes with companies such as Kennametal (KMT) and Sandvik in this area. Revenue contribution not publicly specified.
- Abrasives: Encompasses grinding wheels, sanding discs, and other abrasive products used for surface finishing. Competitors include 3M and Saint-Gobain. Revenue contribution not publicly specified.
- Fasteners: Variety of screws, bolts, nuts, and washers used for joining materials. Fastenal (FAST) is a major competitor in this product category. Revenue contribution not publicly specified.
- Safety Supplies: Gloves, glasses, hearing protection, and other personal protective equipment. Competitors include Grainger (GWW) and Amazon Business. Revenue contribution not publicly specified.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The industrial distribution market is highly fragmented and competitive. Trends include the growth of e-commerce, increasing demand for value-added services, and consolidation among distributors.
Positioning
MSC is positioned as a full-service distributor offering a broad product range, technical expertise, and supply chain solutions. Its competitive advantages include its extensive product catalog, strong customer relationships, and efficient distribution network.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The North American MRO market is estimated to be over $200 billion. MSC has the opportunity to expand their market share within this TAM.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Extensive product catalog
- Strong customer relationships
- Efficient distribution network
- Experienced sales force
- Value-added services (e.g., inventory management)
Weaknesses
- Dependence on the manufacturing sector
- Exposure to economic cycles
- Highly competitive market
- Digital transformation challenges
- Potential for supply chain disruptions
Opportunities
- Expand e-commerce platform
- Acquire smaller distributors
- Increase penetration in key end markets
- Offer new value-added services
- Leverage data analytics to improve operations
Threats
- Economic downturn
- Increased competition from online retailers
- Commodity price fluctuations
- Changes in customer preferences
- Global supply chain issues
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- GWW
- FAST
- WCC
Competitive Landscape
MSC competes with a mix of large national distributors, regional players, and online retailers. Its advantages include its broad product range, technical expertise, and strong customer relationships. However, it faces challenges from competitors with lower prices and greater scale.
Major Acquisitions
AIS Industrial & Construction Supply
- Year: 2018
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 84
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded MSC's presence in the construction and industrial supply markets.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: MSC's growth has been driven by organic sales growth and acquisitions. The pace of growth has varied depending on economic conditions and industry trends.
Future Projections: Analyst estimates project continued growth for MSC, driven by the recovery in the manufacturing sector and the company's strategic initiatives.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include expanding its e-commerce platform, investing in technology, and acquiring complementary businesses.
Summary
MSC Industrial Direct is a well-established distributor of MRO products with a strong market presence and customer relationships. Its broad product catalog and value-added services provide a competitive advantage. However, the company faces challenges from economic cycles, online retailers, and intense competition. Continuous adaptation to digital trends and focus on efficiency is crucial for sustaining growth.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Analyst reports
- Industry publications
- Company website
Disclaimers:
The data and analysis provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market share data can be estimated. The information is based on publicly available information and assumptions, and may not be complete or accurate. Investing in stocks involves risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Melville, NY, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1995-12-20 | CEO & Director Mr. Erik David Gershwind | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Industrial Distribution | Full time employees 7000 | Website https://www.mscdirect.com |
Full time employees 7000 | Website https://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 MRO products include cutting tools, measuring instruments, tooling components, metalworking products, fasteners, flat stock products, raw materials, abrasives, machinery hand and power tools, safety and janitorial supplies, plumbing supplies, materials handling products, power transmission components, and electrical supplies. It offers stock-keeping units through its catalogs and brochures; e-commerce channels, including its website, mscdirect.com; inventory management solutions; and customer care centers, customer fulfillment centers, regional inventory centers, and warehouses. The company serves individual machine shops, manufacturing companies, and government agencies. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Melville, New York.

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