Earnings rise at MSC Industrial (NYSE: MSM) as Q2 margins strengthen
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
MSC Industrial Direct reported fiscal 2026 second-quarter results with modest growth and improving profitability. Net sales rose 2.9% year over year to $917.8 million, while income from operations increased to $64.8 million and operating margin edged up to 7.1%, or 7.5% on an adjusted basis.
Net income attributable to MSC reached $42.5 million, and diluted EPS improved to $0.76 from $0.70. Adjusted diluted EPS grew faster to $0.82 from $0.72. Management noted that sales volumes remain pressured but highlighted cost actions and gross margin gains that drove higher incremental margins.
For the fiscal third quarter, MSC expects year-over-year average daily sales growth of 5–7% and an adjusted operating margin between 9.7% and 10.3%. Full-year guidance for depreciation and amortization, interest and other expense, capital expenditures, free cash flow conversion of about 90%, and a tax rate of roughly 24.5–25.5% was maintained.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Q2 delivered moderate growth, stronger margins, and steady guidance.
MSC Industrial grew Q2 net sales 2.9% to $917.8M, while income from operations rose to $64.8M. Adjusted operating income reached $69.1M, lifting adjusted operating margin to 7.5% from 7.1% a year earlier.
Net income attributable to MSC increased to $42.5M, and diluted EPS improved to $0.76, with adjusted diluted EPS up to $0.82, a 13.9% year-over-year gain. Management cited gross margin expansion and structural cost reductions as key drivers, even as sales volumes lagged internal expectations.
For Q3 fiscal 2026, the company targets average daily sales growth of 5–7% year over year and adjusted operating margin of 9.7–10.3%. Full-year outlook for capex of $100–$110M, free cash flow conversion near 90%, and a tax rate of roughly 24.5–25.5% was reaffirmed, signaling continued emphasis on cash generation and disciplined investment.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 2.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Q2 2026 Net Sales: $917.8M
Q2 2026 Income from Operations: $64.8M
Q2 2026 Operating Margin: 7.1%
+5 more
8 metrics
Q2 2026 Net Sales
$917.8M
Fiscal 2026 Q2 net sales, up 2.9% year over year
Q2 2026 Income from Operations
$64.8M
Fiscal 2026 Q2 GAAP income from operations, up 4.1% YoY
Q2 2026 Operating Margin
7.1%
Fiscal 2026 Q2 GAAP operating margin; 7.5% on an adjusted basis
Q2 2026 Diluted EPS
$0.76
Fiscal 2026 Q2 diluted EPS vs. $0.70 in prior-year quarter
Q2 2026 Adjusted Diluted EPS
$0.82
Fiscal 2026 Q2 adjusted diluted EPS vs. $0.72 a year ago, up 13.9%
Q3 2026 ADS Growth Outlook
5.0%–7.0%
Guided year-over-year average daily sales growth for fiscal Q3 2026
Q3 2026 Adjusted Operating Margin Outlook
9.7%–10.3%
Guided adjusted operating margin range for fiscal Q3 2026
FY 2026 Capex Outlook
$100M–$110M
Full-year fiscal 2026 expected capital expenditures
Key Terms
Adjusted operating margin, Free cash flow conversion, Incremental Operating Margin, Non-GAAP financial measures, +1 more
5 terms
Adjusted operating margin financial
"Operating margin of 7.1%, or 7.5% on an adjusted basis1"
Adjusted operating margin shows how much profit a company makes from its core business activities, after removing unusual or one-time costs and income. It helps investors see the company's true profitability by providing a clearer picture, similar to removing unexpected expenses to understand the regular performance. This metric is useful for comparing companies or tracking performance over time, as it highlights consistent earning power.
Free cash flow conversion financial
"Free cash flow conversion1 of ~90%"
Free cash flow conversion measures how effectively a company turns its reported profits into actual cash that can be used for growth, debt repayment, or dividends. It compares the cash generated after expenses to the company's net income, similar to how a person might compare their savings to their paycheck. High conversion indicates the company is efficient at translating profits into cash, which is important for investors assessing its financial health and flexibility.
Incremental Operating Margin financial
"The Company defines Incremental Operating Margin as the change in year-over-year Income from Operations"
Non-GAAP financial measures financial
"the Company discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP operating expenses"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
Restructuring and other costs financial
"exclude items such as restructuring and other costs, property, plant and equipment asset impairment"
Earnings Snapshot
Net Sales: $917.8M · Guidance included
Fiscal Q2 2026
Net Sales
$917.8M
+2.9% YoY
Net Income Attributable to MSC
$42.5M
+8.1% YoY
Diluted EPS
$0.76
+8.6% YoY
Adjusted Diluted EPS
$0.82
+13.9% YoY
Guidance
For fiscal Q3 2026, MSC projects average daily sales growth of 5–7% year over year and adjusted operating margin between 9.7% and 10.3%.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
FORM 8-K
___________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 1, 2026
___________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
___________________________________
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (516 ) 812-2000
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
___________________________________
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||||||
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On April 1, 2026, MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. issued a press release announcing financial results for its fiscal 2026 second quarter ended February 28, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished with this report as Exhibit 99.1.
The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits:
99.1 | Press Release, dated April 1, 2026, issued by MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. | |||||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL documents). | |||||||
2
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. | |||||||||||
Date: | April 1, 2026 | By: | /s/ GREG CLARK | ||||||||
Name: | Greg Clark | ||||||||||
Title: | Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||
3
| Exhibit 99.1 | ||||||||
 | NEWS | |||||||
MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS
FISCAL 2026 Q2 HIGHLIGHTS
•Net sales of $917.8 million increased 2.9% YoY
•Operating income of $64.8 million, or $69.1 million on an adjusted basis1
•Operating margin of 7.1%, or 7.5% on an adjusted basis1
•Diluted EPS of $0.76 vs. $0.70 in the prior fiscal year quarter
•Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.82 vs. $0.72 in the prior fiscal year quarter1
MELVILLE, N.Y. and DAVIDSON, N.C. (APRIL 1, 2026) - MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. (NYSE: MSM) (“MSC,” “MSC Industrial,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a leading North American distributor of a broad range of metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products and services, today reported financial results for its fiscal 2026 second quarter ended February 28, 2026.
Financial Highlights 2 | FY26 Q2 | FY25 Q2 | Change | FY26 YTD | FY25 YTD | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 917.8 | $ | 891.7 | 2.9 | % | $ | 1,883.5 | $ | 1,820.2 | 3.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from Operations | $ | 64.8 | $ | 62.2 | 4.1 | % | $ | 141.0 | $ | 134.5 | 4.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Margin | 7.1 | % | 7.0 | % | 7.5 | % | 7.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to MSC | $ | 42.5 | $ | 39.3 | 8.1 | % | $ | 94.3 | $ | 85.9 | 9.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 0.76 | 3 | $ | 0.70 | 4 | 8.6 | % | $ | 1.69 | 3 | $ | 1.54 | 4 | 9.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Financial Highlights 2 | FY26 Q2 | FY25 Q2 | Change | FY26 YTD | FY25 YTD | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 917.8 | $ | 891.7 | 2.9 | % | $ | 1,883.5 | $ | 1,820.2 | 3.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Income from Operations 1 | $ | 69.1 | $ | 63.7 | 8.5 | % | $ | 150.3 | $ | 138.3 | 8.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Margin 1 | 7.5 | % | 7.1 | % | 8.0 | % | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Net Income Attributable to MSC 1 | $ | 45.8 | $ | 40.4 | 13.4 | % | $ | 101.3 | $ | 88.8 | 14.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Diluted EPS 1 | $ | 0.82 | 3 | $ | 0.72 | 4 | 13.9 | % | $ | 1.81 | 3 | $ | 1.59 | 4 | 13.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. An explanation and a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure are presented in the schedules accompanying this press release. | ||||||||||||||
2 In millions except percentages and per share data or as otherwise noted. | ||||||||||||||
3 Based on 55.9 million weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for FY26 Q2 and FY26 YTD. | ||||||||||||||
4 Based on 55.9 million and 56.0 million weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for FY25 Q2 and FY25 YTD, respectively. | ||||||||||||||
Martina McIsaac, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am encouraged by our performance which resulted in year-over-year operating margin expansion for the second consecutive quarter. While we have not yet seen volumes return to a positive trend, our Core Customer daily sales outperformed total company for the third consecutive quarter, and we expect our volume performance to improve throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.”
Greg Clark, Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer, added, “Although sales fell short of expectations, I am encouraged by our operating margin, which improved 10 basis points compared to prior year, or 40 basis points on an adjusted basis to 7.5% and within the range of our outlook. This improvement was supported by gross margin expansion as well as actions that took structural costs out of the business and allowed us to achieve incremental margins of 10% or 21% on an adjusted basis this quarter.”
McIsaac concluded, “Looking ahead, I remain confident in MSC’s ability to execute on our strategic priorities. As we exit the first half of the fiscal year, we expect sales growth and profitability to further strengthen as we leverage our work in sales optimization and productivity. This is reflected in the average daily sales growth of 6% and 10% adjusted operating margin at the midpoint of our outlook for the fiscal third quarter.”
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 2 | |||||||
| Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Outlook | |||||
| ADS Growth (YoY) | 5.0% - 7.0% | ||||
Adjusted Operating Margin1 | 9.7% - 10.3% | ||||
Full-Year Fiscal 2026 Outlook for Certain Financial Metrics Maintained
•Depreciation and amortization expense of ~$95M-$100M
•Interest and other expense of ~$35M
•Capital expenditures of ~$100M-$110M
•Free cash flow conversion1 of ~90%
•Tax rate of ~24.5%-25.5%
1 Guidance provided is a non-GAAP financial measure presented on an adjusted basis. For further details see the Non-GAAP financial measures information presented in the schedules accompanying this press release.
Conference Call Information
MSC will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. EDT to review the Company’s fiscal 2026 second quarter results. To access the earnings release, webcast, presentation slides and operational statistics, please visit the Company's website at: http://investor.mscdirect.com. Alternatively, the conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-888-506-0062 (U.S.) or 1-973-528-0011 (international) and providing the access code 987025.
An online archive of the broadcast will be available within one hour of the conclusion of the call and remain available until Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Company’s reporting date for its fiscal 2026 third quarter results is scheduled for July 1, 2026.
| Contact Information | |||||
| Investors: | Media: | ||||
Ryan Mills, CFA | Leah Kelso | ||||
| VP, Investor Relations & Business Development | VP, Communications & Sales Enablement | ||||
| Rmills@mscdirect.com | Leah.Kelso@mscdirect.com | ||||
About MSC Industrial Supply Co.
MSC Industrial Supply Co. (NYSE: MSM) is a leading North American distributor of a broad range of metalworking, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and production fastener and hardware products and services. With approximately 2.5 million products, industry‑leading inventory management and supply chain solutions, and more than 80 years of experience, we help customers improve productivity, profitability, and operational performance.
Our team of over 7,000 associates partners closely with customers across industries to keep their operations running efficiently today while enabling them with insights and comprehensive solutions to continually rethink, retool, and optimize for a more productive tomorrow.
For more information on MSC Industrial, please visit mscdirect.com.
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 3 | |||||||
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that MSC expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements about results of operations and financial condition, expected future results, expected benefits from our investment and strategic plans and other initiatives, and expected future growth and profitability, are forward-looking statements. The words “will,” “may,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “thinks,” “expects,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, statements which refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, statements involving a discussion of strategy, plans or intentions, statements about management’s assumptions, projections or predictions of future events or market outlook and any other statement other than a statement of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. The inclusion of any statement in this press release does not constitute an admission by MSC or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material. In addition, new risks may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict such risks or to assess the impact of such risks on our business or financial results. Accordingly, future results may differ materially from historical results or from those discussed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, the reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate; changing customer and product mixes; volatility in commodity, energy and labor prices, and the impact of prolonged periods of low, high or rapid inflation; competition, including the adoption by competitors of aggressive pricing strategies or sales methods; industry consolidation and other changes in the industrial distribution sector; the applicability of laws and regulations relating to our status as a supplier to the U.S. government and public sector; the credit risk of our customers; our ability to accurately forecast customer demands; interruptions in our ability to make deliveries to customers; supply chain disruptions; our ability to attract and retain sales and customer service personnel; the risk of loss of key suppliers or contractors or key brands; changes to trade policies or trade relationships, including tariff policies; risks associated with opening or expanding our customer fulfillment centers; our ability to estimate the cost of healthcare claims incurred under our self-insurance plan; interruption of operations at our headquarters or customer fulfillment centers; products liability due to the nature of the products that we sell; impairments of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets; the impact of climate change; operating and financial restrictions imposed by the terms of our material debt instruments; our ability to access additional liquidity; the significant influence that our principal shareholders will continue to have over our decisions; our ability to execute on our E-commerce strategies and maintain our digital platforms; costs associated with maintaining our information technology (“IT”) systems and complying with data privacy laws; disruptions or breaches of our IT systems or violations of data privacy laws, including such disruptions or breaches in connection with our E-commerce channels; risks related to online payment methods and other online transactions; the retention of key management personnel; litigation risk due to the nature of our business; failure to comply with environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations; and our ability to comply with, and the costs associated with, social and environmental responsibility policies. Additional information concerning these and other risks is described under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, respectively, and in the other reports and documents that we file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 4 | |||||||
MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
| February 28, 2026 | August 30, 2025 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Current Assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 46,192 | $ | 56,228 | |||||||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses | 373,553 | 423,306 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 677,384 | 644,090 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 132,599 | 102,930 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 1,229,728 | 1,226,554 | |||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 345,001 | 346,706 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 724,456 | 723,702 | |||||||||
| Identifiable intangibles, net | 77,829 | 85,455 | |||||||||
| Operating lease assets | 46,459 | 52,464 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 27,344 | 27,183 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,450,817 | $ | 2,462,064 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Current portion of debt including obligations under finance leases | $ | 317,233 | $ | 316,868 | |||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 21,491 | 22,236 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | 222,143 | 225,150 | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 148,175 | 165,092 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 709,042 | 729,346 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt including obligations under finance leases | 194,517 | 168,831 | |||||||||
| Noncurrent operating lease liabilities | 25,491 | 30,872 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes and tax uncertainties | 136,543 | 136,513 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,065,593 | 1,065,562 | |||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity: | |||||||||||
| Preferred Stock | — | — | |||||||||
| Class A Common Stock | 57 | 57 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,102,284 | 1,093,630 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 420,212 | 432,622 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (18,438) | (20,736) | |||||||||
| Class A treasury stock, at cost | (120,544) | (117,363) | |||||||||
| Total MSC Industrial shareholders’ equity | 1,383,571 | 1,388,210 | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest | 1,653 | 8,292 | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 1,385,224 | 1,396,502 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,450,817 | $ | 2,462,064 | |||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 5 | |||||||
MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | Twenty-Six Weeks Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 28, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | February 28, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 917,774 | $ | 891,717 | $ | 1,883,458 | $ | 1,820,201 | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 540,186 | 526,487 | 1,113,193 | 1,076,784 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 377,588 | 365,230 | 770,265 | 743,417 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 310,342 | 301,578 | 621,910 | 605,141 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other costs | 2,454 | 1,406 | 7,324 | 3,750 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 64,792 | 62,246 | 141,031 | 134,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (5,587) | (6,226) | (11,003) | (12,301) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 130 | 233 | 405 | 574 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (3,317) | (4,540) | (6,901) | (10,484) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other expense | (8,774) | (10,533) | (17,499) | (22,211) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 56,018 | 51,713 | 123,532 | 112,315 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 13,860 | 12,566 | 30,266 | 27,474 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 42,158 | 39,147 | 93,266 | 84,841 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (326) | (167) | (1,022) | (1,096) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to MSC Industrial | $ | 42,484 | $ | 39,314 | $ | 94,288 | $ | 85,937 | |||||||||||||||
| Per share data attributable to MSC Industrial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.54 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.54 | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 55,809 | 55,793 | 55,807 | 55,845 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 55,900 | 55,851 | 55,938 | 55,960 | |||||||||||||||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 6 | |||||||
MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | Twenty-Six Weeks Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 28, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | February 28, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income, as reported | $ | 42,158 | $ | 39,147 | $ | 93,266 | $ | 84,841 | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 3,631 | (2,596) | 2,729 | (6,662) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | 45,789 | 36,551 | 95,995 | 78,179 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | 326 | 167 | 1,022 | 1,096 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (323) | 57 | (431) | 291 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to MSC Industrial | $ | 45,792 | $ | 36,775 | $ | 96,586 | $ | 79,566 | |||||||||||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 7 | |||||||
MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Twenty-Six Weeks Ended | |||||||||||
| February 28, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 93,266 | $ | 84,841 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 50,407 | 44,671 | |||||||||
| Amortization of cloud computing arrangements | 598 | 995 | |||||||||
| Non-cash operating lease cost | 11,819 | 12,189 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 9,328 | 7,192 | |||||||||
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 153 | 401 | |||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment asset impairment | 1,890 | — | |||||||||
| Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration | — | 269 | |||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 3,142 | 4,316 | |||||||||
| Expenditures for cloud computing arrangements | (2,001) | (1,080) | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 47,798 | 10,514 | |||||||||
| Inventories | (30,660) | (3,695) | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (28,110) | (10,827) | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | (11,941) | (12,304) | |||||||||
| Other assets | 779 | 67 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (22,659) | 18,785 | |||||||||
| Total adjustments | 30,543 | 71,493 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 123,809 | 156,334 | |||||||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||||||
| Expenditures for property, plant and equipment | (43,325) | (49,957) | |||||||||
| Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (240) | (790) | |||||||||
| Net proceeds from sale of property | 1,057 | — | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (42,508) | (50,747) | |||||||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||||||
| Repurchases of Class A Common Stock | (13,723) | (30,541) | |||||||||
| Payments of regular cash dividends | (97,175) | (94,933) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of Class A Common Stock in connection with Associate Stock Purchase Plan | 2,118 | 2,237 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of Class A Common Stock options | — | 120 | |||||||||
| Borrowings under credit facilities | 218,000 | 197,000 | |||||||||
| Payments under credit facilities | (193,000) | (166,750) | |||||||||
| Purchase of noncontrolling interest | (8,195) | — | |||||||||
| Borrowings under financing obligations | 1,134 | 699 | |||||||||
| Other, net | (503) | (922) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (91,344) | (93,090) | |||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 7 | (809) | |||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (10,036) | 11,688 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period | 56,228 | 29,588 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents—end of period | $ | 46,192 | $ | 41,276 | |||||||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | 40,233 | $ | 31,101 | |||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 10,939 | $ | 12,250 | |||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 8 | |||||||
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement MSC’s unaudited selected financial data presented consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), the Company discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP provision for income taxes, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, that exclude items such as restructuring and other costs, property, plant and equipment asset impairment, and share reclassification litigation costs, and tax effects.
These non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with GAAP or alternatives for GAAP financial measures and may be different from similar non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure and should only be used to evaluate MSC’s results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP financial measure.
This press release also includes certain forward-looking information that is not presented in accordance with GAAP, including adjusted operating margin and free cash flow conversion. The Company believes that a quantitative reconciliation of such forward-looking information to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP cannot be made available without unreasonable efforts because a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures would require the Company to predict the timing and likelihood of potential future events such as restructurings, M&A activity, and other infrequent or unusual gains and losses. Neither the timing or likelihood of these events, nor their probable significance, can be quantified with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Accordingly, a reconciliation of such forward-looking information to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is not provided.
•Incremental Operating Margin and Adjusted Incremental Operating Margin
The Company defines Incremental Operating Margin as the change in year-over-year Income from Operations as a percentage of the change in year-over-year Net Sales and Adjusted Incremental Operating Margin as Incremental Operating Margin adjusted to exclude restructuring and other costs, property, plant and equipment asset impairment, and share reclassification litigation costs by excluding such items from Income from Operations. The Company’s management believes that Incremental Operating Margin is useful because it shows the direction that operating profit margins are moving as a result of changes in net sales between periods, and that, by excluding the aforementioned items, Adjusted Incremental Operating Margin helps to more clearly show, on a comparable basis between periods, trends in the Company’s underlying business and results of operations. The Company believes that investors benefit from seeing results from the perspective of management in addition to seeing results presented in accordance with GAAP for the same reasons and purposes for which management uses such non-GAAP financial measures.
•Free Cash Flow (“FCF”) and Free Cash Flow Conversion (“FCF Conversion”)
FCF is a non-GAAP financial measure. FCF is used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP, and FCF should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. Management strongly encourages investors to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure. FCF, which we reconcile to “Net cash provided by operating activities,” is cash flow from operations reduced by “Expenditures for property, plant and equipment”. We believe that FCF, although similar to cash flow from operations, is a useful additional measure since capital expenditures are a necessary component of ongoing operations. Management also views FCF, as a measure of the Company’s ability to reduce debt, add to cash balances, pay dividends, and repurchase stock. FCF has limitations due to the fact that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. For example, FCF does not incorporate payments made on finance lease obligations or required debt service payments. In addition, different companies define FCF differently. Therefore, we believe it is important to view FCF as a complement to our entire consolidated statements of cash flows. FCF Conversion is useful to investors for the foregoing reasons and as a measure of the rate at which the Company converts its net income reported in accordance with GAAP to cash inflows, which helps investors assess whether the Company is generating sufficient cash flow to provide an adequate return.
•Results Excluding Restructuring and Other Costs, Property, Plant and Equipment Asset Impairment, and Share Reclassification Litigation Costs
In calculating certain non-GAAP financial measures, we exclude items such as restructuring and other costs, property, plant and equipment asset impairment, and share reclassification litigation costs, and tax effects. Management makes these adjustments to facilitate a review of the Company’s operating performance on a comparable basis between periods, for comparing with forecasts and strategic plans, for identifying and analyzing trends in the Company’s underlying business and for benchmarking performance externally against competitors. We believe that investors benefit from seeing results from the perspective of management in addition to seeing results presented in accordance with GAAP for the same reasons and purposes for which management uses such non-GAAP financial measures.
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 9 | |||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thirteen Weeks Ended February 28, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Financial Measure | Items Affecting Comparability | Non-GAAP Financial Measure | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total MSC Industrial | Restructuring and Other Costs | Property, Plant and Equipment Asset Impairment | Adjusted Total MSC Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 917,774 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 917,774 | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of Goods Sold | 540,186 | — | — | 540,186 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | 377,588 | — | — | 377,588 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Margin | 41.1 | % | — | % | — | % | 41.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | 310,342 | — | 1,890 | 308,452 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses as % of Sales | 33.8 | % | — | % | (0.2) | % | 33.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and Other Costs | 2,454 | 2,454 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income from Operations | 64,792 | (2,454) | (1,890) | 69,136 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Margin | 7.1 | % | 0.3 | % | 0.2 | % | 7.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Incremental Margin | 9.8 | % | 4.0 | % | 7.3 | % | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expense | (8,774) | — | — | (8,774) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 56,018 | (2,454) | (1,890) | 60,362 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 13,860 | (607) | (467) | 14,934 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 42,158 | (1,847) | (1,423) | 45,428 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (326) | — | — | (326) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to MSC Industrial | $ | 42,484 | $ | (1,847) | $ | (1,423) | $ | 45,754 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.76 | $ | (0.03) | $ | (0.03) | $ | 0.82 | |||||||||||||||
*Individual amounts may not agree to the total due to rounding.
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 10 | |||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Twenty-Six Weeks Ended February 28, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Financial Measure | Items Affecting Comparability | Non-GAAP Financial Measure | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total MSC Industrial | Restructuring and Other Costs | Share Reclassification Litigation Costs | Property, Plant and Equipment Asset Impairment | Adjusted Total MSC Industrial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 1,883,458 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,883,458 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of Goods Sold | 1,113,193 | — | — | — | 1,113,193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | 770,265 | — | — | — | 770,265 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Margin | 40.9 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | 40.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | 621,910 | — | 51 | 1,890 | 619,969 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses as % of Sales | 33.0 | % | — | % | 0.0 | % | (0.1) | % | 32.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and Other Costs | 7,324 | 7,324 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from Operations | 141,031 | (7,324) | (51) | (1,890) | 150,296 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Margin | 7.5 | % | 0.4 | % | 0.0 | % | 0.1 | % | 8.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Incremental Margin | 10.3 | % | 5.6 | % | 0.1 | % | 3.0 | % | 19.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other Expense | (17,499) | — | — | — | (17,499) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 123,532 | (7,324) | (51) | (1,890) | 132,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 30,266 | (1,794) | (12) | (463) | 32,535 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 93,266 | (5,530) | (39) | (1,427) | 100,262 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (1,022) | — | — | — | (1,022) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to MSC Industrial | $ | 94,288 | $ | (5,530) | $ | (39) | $ | (1,427) | $ | 101,284 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 1.69 | $ | (0.10) | $ | 0.00 | $ | (0.03) | $ | 1.81 | |||||||||||||||||||
*Individual amounts may not agree to the total due to rounding.
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 11 | |||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. | |||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Information | |||||||||||||||||
| Thirteen Weeks Ended March 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Financial Measure | Items Affecting Comparability | Non-GAAP Financial Measure | |||||||||||||||
| Total MSC Industrial | Restructuring and Other Costs | Adjusted Total MSC Industrial | |||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 891,717 | $ | — | $ | 891,717 | |||||||||||
| Cost of Goods Sold | 526,487 | — | 526,487 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | 365,230 | — | 365,230 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross Margin | 41.0 | % | — | % | 41.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | 301,578 | — | 301,578 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses as % of Sales | 33.8 | % | — | % | 33.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Restructuring and Other Costs | 1,406 | 1,406 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Income from Operations | 62,246 | (1,406) | 63,652 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating Margin | 7.0 | % | 0.2 | % | 7.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Total Other Expense | (10,533) | — | (10,533) | ||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 51,713 | (1,406) | 53,119 | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 12,566 | (337) | 12,903 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | 39,147 | (1,069) | 40,216 | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (167) | — | (167) | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to MSC Industrial | $ | 39,314 | $ | (1,069) | $ | 40,383 | |||||||||||
| Net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.70 | $ | (0.02) | $ | 0.72 | |||||||||||
*Individual amounts may not agree to the total due to rounding.
| MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO. REPORTS FISCAL 2026 SECOND QUARTER RESULTS | 12 | |||||||
| MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC. | |||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Information | |||||||||||||||||
| Twenty-Six Weeks Ended March 1, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Financial Measure | Items Affecting Comparability | Non-GAAP Financial Measure | |||||||||||||||
| Total MSC Industrial | Restructuring and Other Costs | Adjusted Total MSC Industrial | |||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 1,820,201 | $ | — | $ | 1,820,201 | |||||||||||
| Cost of Goods Sold | 1,076,784 | — | 1,076,784 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit | 743,417 | — | 743,417 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross Margin | 40.8 | % | — | % | 40.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | 605,141 | — | 605,141 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating Expenses as % of Sales | 33.2 | % | — | % | 33.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Restructuring and Other Costs | 3,750 | 3,750 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Income from Operations | 134,526 | (3,750) | 138,276 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating Margin | 7.4 | % | 0.2 | % | 7.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total Other Expense | (22,211) | — | (22,211) | ||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 112,315 | (3,750) | 116,065 | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 27,474 | (892) | 28,366 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | 84,841 | (2,858) | 87,699 | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (1,096) | — | (1,096) | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to MSC Industrial | $ | 85,937 | $ | (2,858) | $ | 88,795 | |||||||||||
| Net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 1.54 | $ | (0.05) | $ | 1.59 | |||||||||||
*Individual amounts may not agree to the total due to rounding.
FAQ
How did MSC (MSM) perform in fiscal 2026 Q2?
MSC delivered modest growth and better profitability in fiscal 2026 Q2. Net sales rose 2.9% to $917.8 million, income from operations increased to $64.8 million, and diluted EPS improved to $0.76, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.82.
What were MSC (MSM) earnings and margin trends in Q2 2026?
Earnings and margins improved in Q2 2026. Net income attributable to MSC reached $42.5 million, while operating margin was 7.1%, or 7.5% on an adjusted basis. Adjusted diluted EPS increased to $0.82, up from $0.72 in the prior-year quarter.
What guidance did MSC (MSM) give for fiscal 2026 Q3?
For fiscal 2026 Q3, MSC expects average daily sales growth of 5–7% year over year and an adjusted operating margin between 9.7% and 10.3%. This outlook reflects anticipated improvement in volume performance and continued focus on profitability.
What full-year 2026 financial outlook did MSC (MSM) maintain?
MSC maintained its full-year 2026 outlook for depreciation and amortization of about $95–$100 million, interest and other expense around $35 million, capital expenditures of $100–$110 million, free cash flow conversion near 90%, and a tax rate of roughly 24.5–25.5%.
How did MSC (MSM) net sales and earnings perform year-to-date 2026?
For the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2026, MSC’s net sales were $1,883.5 million, up 3.5% year over year. Net income attributable to MSC reached $94.3 million, a 9.7% increase, and diluted EPS rose to $1.69 from $1.54 in the prior-year period.
What non-GAAP metrics does MSC (MSM) highlight in its Q2 2026 results?
MSC emphasizes adjusted income from operations, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted EPS, which exclude restructuring and other costs, asset impairments, and certain legal costs. Management believes these non-GAAP measures clarify underlying operating performance and margin trends.
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Msc Industrial
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5.02B
45.15M
Industrial Distribution
Wholesale-industrial Machinery & Equipment
United States
MELVILLE