Is MSM a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 47.5/100. It is ranked #459 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 46/100, Momentum 51/100. The timing signal is "Bullish". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for MSM?

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 47.5 ranks it #459 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is MSM in?

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC operates in the Consumer Staples sector (Wholesale industry) with a market cap of $5.04 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does MSM pay a dividend?

Yes, MSM pays a dividend with a current yield of 3.84%. The Consumer Staples sector average yield is 0.38%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $38.40 in annual dividend income.

What is MSM's P/E ratio?

MSM has a trailing P/E ratio of 26.50x. The Consumer Staples sector average is 30.9x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is MSM?

MSM's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 40.8%. ROE: 13.9% vs sector average 7.7%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is MSM valued compared to peers?

MSM's value factor score is 46/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 26.5x, EV/EBITDA 13.2x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is MSM's debt level?

MSM's debt-to-equity ratio is 80%. Sector average: 70%. Moderate leverage is normal for established companies.

MSM has a beta of 0.81, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 82/100.

Does MSM have high short interest?

MSM's short interest factor score is 13/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

MSM Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Hold (Score 47.5/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
MSM	-1.34%	+0.94%	-3.20%	+7.40%	+13.93%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLP	+0.53%	+0.92%	-7.84%	+5.42%	+0.42%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	+0.09%	+1.66%	-4.86%	-3.83%	+16.17%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-1.43%	-0.73%	+1.65%	+11.22%	-2.25%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-1.87%	+0.01%	+4.64%	+1.98%	+13.51%	-	-	-

Metric	MSM	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	26.5x	-14%
EV/EBITDA	13.2x	+104%
Price / Book	3.7x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
ITRN Ituran Location & Control Ltd.	60	49	82	69	18.9x	122.1%	47.8%	16.8%	-	0.0x	$1.0B	VS
DOLE Dole plc	58	41	93	55	11.0x	44.4%	8.5%	1.7%	-	73.0x	$1.4B	VS
SENEA Seneca Foods Corp	55	50	59	68	10.3x	14.4%	14.3%	6.7%	70.9%	39.0x	$1.0B	VS
SFD SMITHFIELD FOODS INC	54	50	73	58	13.9x	11.9%	19.9%	7.5%	7.3%	29.0x	$10.5B	VS
BG Bunge Global SA	53	50	53	70	25.1x	5.7%	5.4%	1.8%	67.3%	59.0x	$24.9B	VS
DAR DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.	53	50	55	71	139.7x	1.5%	24.1%	1.2%	13.3%	114.0x	$9.4B	VS
FDP FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC	53	50	65	61	18.5x	5.1%	8.9%	2.3%	-10.3%	51.0x	$2.0B	VS
ADM Archer-Daniels-Midland Co	52	50	52	64	54.8x	2.8%	6.4%	0.8%	-8.4%	33.0x	$34.8B	VS
MO ALTRIA GROUP, INC.	52	50	66	54	13.5x	-	62.1%	33.8%	-2.2%	-990.0x	$111.1B	VS
CTVA Corteva, Inc.	52	49	51	60	49.7x	4.7%	42.9%	0.2%	-57.2%	76.0x	$55.0B	VS
MSM MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC	48	50	46	51	26.5x	13.9%	40.8%	5.1%	-1.4%	80.0x	$5.0B

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	-	-	-	-	-	-	5.3%	11.0%	8.2%	9.2%	6.9%
ROE %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
ROA %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	16.8%	4.4%	12.7%	16.2%	19.6%	17.2%	12.6%	15.3%	16.7%	17.7%	17.2%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.1%

FCF Margin %

5.3%

11.0%

8.2%

9.2%

6.9%

ROE %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

ROA %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

16.8%

4.4%

12.7%

16.2%

19.6%

17.2%

12.6%

15.3%

16.7%

17.7%

17.2%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$3.8B	$3.8B	$3.8B	$4.0B	$3.7B	$3.2B	$3.2B	$3.4B	$3.2B	$2.9B	$2.9B	$2.9B
	—	$2.2B	$2.2B	$2.4B	$2.1B	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.5B	$1.5B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.4B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$1.3B	$1.3B
Gross Margin	40.8%	40.8%	41.2%	41.0%	42.2%	41.1%	42.1%	42.6%	43.5%	44.5%	45.0%	45.2%
	—	$91M	$81M	$75M	$70M	$69M	$69M	$65M	$63M	$63M	$72M	$70M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$1.2B	$1.2B	$1.2B	$1.1B	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$294M	$302M	$390M	$484M	$469M	$302M	$351M	$400M	$421M	$379M	$376M	$380M
EBIT	$294M	$302M	$390M	$484M	$469M	$302M	$351M	$400M	$421M	$379M	$376M	$380M
EBITDA	$386M	$392M	$471M	$559M	$539M	$390M	$420M	$465M	$483M	$443M	$449M	$448M
Operating Margin	7.8%	8.0%	10.2%	12.1%	12.7%	9.3%	11.0%	11.9%	13.1%	13.1%	13.1%	13.0%
EBITDA Margin	10.3%	10.4%	12.3%	13.9%	14.6%	12.0%	13.1%	13.8%	15.1%	15.3%	15.7%	15.4%
	—	—	—	$23M	$18M	$15M	$17M	$17M	$14M	$12M	$6M	$6M
	—	$264M	$343M	$456M	$451M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$66M	$87M	$113M	$111M	$70M	$82M	$94M	$77M	$137M	$141M	$142M
	$193M	$198M	$256M	$343M	$340M	$218M	$252M	$289M	$329M	$231M	$231M	$231M
Net Margin	5.1%	5.3%	6.7%	8.6%	9.2%	6.7%	7.9%	8.6%	10.3%	8.0%	8.1%	8.0%
	$0.93	$3.57	$4.60	$6.14	$6.09	$3.89	$4.53	$5.23	$5.84	$4.08	$3.78	$3.75
Diluted EPS	$0.93	$3.57	$4.58	$6.11	$6.06	$3.89	$4.53	$5.23	$5.84	$4.08	$3.78	$3.75
Weighted Avg Basic	—	56M	56M	56M	56M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	56M	56M	56M	56M	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$3.8B

$4.0B

$3.7B

$3.2B

$3.4B

$3.2B

$2.9B

—

$2.2B

$2.4B

$2.1B

—

$1.5B

$1.6B

$1.3B

$1.4B

$1.3B

Gross Margin

40.8%

41.2%

41.0%

42.2%

41.1%

42.1%

42.6%

43.5%

44.5%

45.0%

45.2%

—

$91M

$81M

$75M

$70M

$69M

$65M

$63M

$72M

$70M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$1.2B

$1.1B

—

$294M

$302M

$390M

$484M

$469M

$302M

$351M

$400M

$421M

$379M

$376M

$380M

EBIT

$294M

$302M

$390M

$484M

$469M

$302M

$351M

$400M

$421M

$379M

$376M

$380M

EBITDA

$386M

$392M

$471M

$559M

$539M

$390M

$420M

$465M

$483M

$443M

$449M

$448M

Operating Margin

7.8%

8.0%

10.2%

12.1%

12.7%

9.3%

11.0%

11.9%

13.1%

13.0%

EBITDA Margin

10.3%

10.4%

12.3%

13.9%

14.6%

12.0%

13.1%

13.8%

15.1%

15.3%

15.7%

15.4%

—

$23M

$18M

$15M

$17M

$14M

$12M

$6M

—

$264M

$343M

$456M

$451M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$66M

$87M

$113M

$111M

$70M

$82M

$94M

$77M

$137M

$141M

$142M

$193M

$198M

$256M

$343M

$340M

$218M

$252M

$289M

$329M

$231M

Net Margin

5.1%

5.3%

6.7%

8.6%

9.2%

6.7%

7.9%

8.6%

10.3%

8.0%

8.1%

8.0%

$0.93

$3.57

$4.60

$6.14

$6.09

$3.89

$4.53

$5.23

$5.84

$4.08

$3.78

$3.75

Diluted EPS

$0.93

$3.57

$4.58

$6.11

$6.06

$3.89

$4.53

$5.23

$5.84

$4.08

$3.78

$3.75

Weighted Avg Basic

—

56M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

56M

—

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC Do?

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Its 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. The company offers approximately 1.9 million stock-keeping units through its catalogs and brochures; e-commerce channels, including its Website, mscdirect.com; inventory management solutions; and call-centers and branches. It operates through a distribution network of 28 branch offices, 11 customer fulfilment centers, and seven regional inventory centers. The company serves individual machine shops, Fortune 1000 manufacturing companies, and government agencies, as well as manufacturers of various sizes. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Melville, New York. MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Consumer Staples sector, specifically within the Wholesale industry. The company is led by CEO Erik D. Gershwind and employs approximately 6,990 people, headquartered in Albany, New York. With a market capitalization of $5.0B, MSM is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Staples sector.

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.5/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.MSM ranks #459 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Staples sector, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC ranks #19 of 180 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Consumer Staples peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

MSM Stock Price and 52-Week Range

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) currently trades at $90.32. The 52-week high for MSM is $96.99, which means the stock is currently trading -6.9% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $68.10, putting the stock 32.6% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 0 shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is MSM Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) carries a value factor score of 46/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 26.50x, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 30.88x — a discount of 14%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 3.69x, versus the sector average of 1.75x. The price-to-sales ratio is 1.36x, compared to 0.37x for the average Consumer Staples stock. On an enterprise value basis, MSM trades at 13.23x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.49x for the sector.

Overall, MSM's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 13.9%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 7.7%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 7.8% versus the sector average of 3.1%.

On a margin basis, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC reports gross margins of 40.8%, compared to 26.2% for the sector. The operating margin is 7.8% (sector: 2.9%). Net profit margin stands at 5.1%, versus 1.6% for the average Consumer Staples stock. Revenue growth is running at -1.4% on a trailing basis, compared to 4.2% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

MSM Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 80.0%, compared to the Consumer Staples sector average of 70.0%. Leverage is within a manageable range for the industry, though investors should monitor debt trends over time. The current ratio is 1.73x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage.

MSM has a beta of 0.81, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC is 82/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC reported revenue of $3.76B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.93. Net income for the quarter was $193M. Gross margin was 40.8%. Operating income came in at $294M.

In Q1 2026, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC reported revenue of $966M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.93. Net income for the quarter was $51M. Gross margin was 40.7%. Revenue grew 4.0% year-over-year compared to Q1 2025. Operating income came in at $76M.

In FY 2025, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC reported revenue of $3.77B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.57. Net income for the quarter was $198M. Gross margin was 40.8%. Revenue grew -1.3% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $302M.

In Q3 2025, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC reported revenue of $971M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.02. Net income for the quarter was $57M. Gross margin was 41.0%. Revenue grew -0.8% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $83M.

Over the past 8 quarters, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $979M to $3.76B. Investors analyzing MSM stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

MSM Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) currently pays a dividend yield of 3.8%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in MSM stock would generate approximately $$384.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Consumer Staples sector average dividend yield of 0.4%, meaning MSM offers above-average income for its sector. The net margin of 5.1% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

MSM Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) has a momentum factor score of 51/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 34/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 13/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

MSM vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Staples sector, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) ranks #19 out of 180 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places MSM in the top quartile of all Consumer Staples stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include Ituran Location & Control Ltd. (ITRN) with a score of 60.2/100, DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. (DAR) with a score of 53.0/100, Seneca Foods Corp (SENEA) with a score of 54.6/100, Bunge Global SA (BG) with a score of 53.2/100, and Corteva, Inc. (CTVA) with a score of 51.6/100.

Comparing MSM against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full MSM vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

MSM Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy MSM? — Investment Thesis Summary

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Low volatility (stability score 82/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.5/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on MSM stock.

Related Resources for MSM Investors

Explore more research and tools: MSM vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Staples stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare MSM head-to-head with peers: MSM vs ITRN, MSM vs DAR, MSM vs SENEA.

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MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC Do?

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

MSM Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is MSM Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

MSM Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

MSM Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

MSM Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

MSM vs Competitors — Consumer Staples Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

MSM Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy MSM? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for MSM Investors

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