PresentationDavid MantheyRobert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Research Division Thank you, everyone, for joining us for the 55th Annual Baird Industrial Conference. And great to have MSC Industrial here this year again. Erik, probably your swan song here as CEO for sure. But to speak with us today about the company, we have Erik Gershwind, CEO; and Ryan Mills, who's the Head of IR. Erik is going to go through a few overview slides, and then we'll go to Q&A, small room, so we can clearly take questions from ...

MSC Industrial Direct FY Conference Summary Company Overview - MSC Industrial Direct is a leading industrial distributor with over 2.5 million SKUs across various industrial product categories, generating nearly $4 billion in revenue [2][4] - The company has a long history dating back to 1941 and holds a significant position in metalworking supplies, which accounts for approximately 45% of its revenues [2][3] Industry Insights - The North American MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) market exceeds $200 billion, with the top 50 distributors holding just over one-third of the market share [3] - Approximately 95% of MSC's revenues are derived from North America, primarily from the manufacturing sector, which is expected to have a positive long-term outlook [4] Financial Performance - MSC has a healthy balance sheet with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of around 1x and has generated free cash flow exceeding 120% over the past two fiscal years [4] - The company offers a dividend yield of around 4%, which is considered relatively high [4] Strategic Initiatives - MSC is currently in the second chapter of its mission-critical program, focusing on three priorities: 1. Maintaining momentum in high-touch solutions, particularly inventory management programs [7] 2. Investing in growth areas, especially targeting small and medium-sized customers, which represent over half of the company's revenues [8] 3. Reducing the cost to serve through supply chain optimization and sales model enhancements, aiming for $10-$15 million in run rate savings [9][10] Recent Growth Metrics - The company reported a 10% growth in its installed base of inventory management systems and a 20% growth in implant initiatives during the most recent fiscal quarter [10][11] - Despite uncertainties, MSC has seen continued momentum in revenue growth into the first two months of fiscal 2026 [11] Government and Regulatory Impact - Long-term regulatory changes are expected to be favorable for MSC, particularly in manufacturing and heavy industry [13] - Short-term uncertainties, including tariffs and inflation, have created challenges, but inflation can also benefit distributors like MSC by prompting customers to seek cost-saving solutions [14][15] AI Implementation - MSC is actively integrating AI into its operations to enhance revenue growth, customer experience, and productivity [17][18] - AI applications include marketing success, inventory management, and optimizing routine functions [19] Key Initiatives for Core Customers - The company has focused on four key initiatives to better serve small and medium-sized shops: 1. Web pricing realignment 2. E-commerce enhancements 3. Accelerated marketing efforts 4. Salesforce optimization [20][21] Market Segmentation and Performance - The public sector accounts for about 10% of MSC's revenues, with two-thirds from federal and one-third from state sources [33] - The company has experienced a decline in public sector revenues due to government shutdowns, which had previously been growing at high single digits [34][36] Future Outlook - MSC does not provide quarterly guidance but remains optimistic about revenue growth in the latter half of the fiscal year, targeting a 20% incremental margin on growth at mid-single-digit revenue increases [41][47] - The company emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong culture and curiosity within its workforce to enhance customer service and operational efficiency [49][50] Capital Allocation Strategy - MSC prioritizes organic reinvestment and steady growth of its ordinary dividend, with share repurchase being a secondary focus [52] - The company is cautious about share repurchases due to high interest rates and the need to maintain liquidity for potential economic recovery [54][55]

MELVILLE, NY AND DAVIDSON, NC / ACCESS Newswire / November 6, 2025 / MSC Industrial Supply Co. (NYSE:MSM), a premier distributor of Metalworking and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) products and services to industrial customers throughout North America, today announced the following upcoming investor events: Baird 2025 Global Industrial Conference Stephens Annual Investment Conference When: November 11, 2025 November 18, 2025 Attendees: Erik Gershwind, CEO Ryan Mills, Head of Investor Relations Erik ...

MSC Industrial (MSM) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.The power of a ...

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Financial Performance - Net sales for fiscal year 2025 decreased by 1.3%, or $51.4 million, compared to fiscal year 2024, driven by lower sales volume and unfavorable foreign exchange impact [186]. - The company's net income for fiscal year 2025 was $197.8 million, a decrease of 22.7% from $256.0 million in fiscal year 2024 [185]. - Gross profit decreased 2.3% to $1,536.1 million in fiscal year 2025, with a gross profit margin of 40.8% compared to 41.2% in fiscal year 2024 [190]. - Operating expenses increased 4.8% to $1,223.6 million in fiscal year 2025, representing 32.5% of net sales, up from 30.6% in fiscal year 2024 [191]. - Income from operations decreased 22.8% to $301.6 million in fiscal year 2025, with a margin of 8.0% compared to 10.2% in fiscal year 2024 [196]. - Total other expense decreased 20.3% to $38.0 million in fiscal year 2025, down from $47.6 million in fiscal year 2024 [197]. Cash Flow and Investments - The company generated $333.7 million in cash from operations in fiscal year 2025, down from $410.7 million in fiscal year 2024, primarily due to lower net income [178]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $333.7 million in fiscal year 2025, down from $410.7 million in fiscal year 2024 [203]. - Net cash used in investing activities was $63.3 million in fiscal year 2025, significantly lower than $123.4 million in fiscal year 2024 [206]. - Regular cash dividends paid increased to $189.7 million in fiscal year 2025 from $187.3 million in fiscal year 2024 [209]. Debt and Working Capital - Total debt decreased by $23.1 million to $485.7 million as of August 30, 2025, compared to $508.8 million as of August 31, 2024 [200]. - Working capital decreased to $497.2 million as of August 30, 2025, from $582.7 million as of August 31, 2024 [204]. Sales and Market Trends - Sales to core and other customers decreased by $45.5 million, while sales to national account customers fell by $33.1 million, partially offset by a $27.2 million increase in sales to public sector customers [186]. - Approximately 67% of the company's revenues came from sales in the manufacturing sector during the year ended August 30, 2025 [182]. - E-commerce sales represented 63.8% of consolidated net sales for fiscal year 2025, slightly up from 63.6% in fiscal year 2024, highlighting the importance of digital sales channels [189]. Operational Efficiency - The company's restructuring and other costs decreased to $11.0 million in fiscal year 2025 from $14.5 million in fiscal year 2024, reflecting a reduction in associate severance and consulting-related costs [178]. - The company plans to leverage investments in advanced analytics and upgrade its digital core to improve supply chain performance and productivity [179]. - The average Industrial Production (IP) Index for the 12 months ended August 30, 2025, increased to 103.3 from 102.7 in the prior fiscal year, indicating improved manufacturing activity [182]. - The company’s vending machines in service increased to 29,611 as of August 30, 2025, up from 27,003 as of August 31, 2024, indicating growth in inventory management solutions [173]. Tax and Accounting Policies - The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2025 was 24.9%, a slight decrease from 25.3% in fiscal year 2024 [198]. - The company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on expected future tax consequences, with income tax expense reflecting management's best estimates regarding future taxable income and interpretations of tax laws [222]. - The company has adopted recently issued accounting pronouncements, which are detailed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements [224]. - Other significant accounting policies, such as revenue recognition and depreciation, require judgments that are not expected to materially affect the company's financial condition [223]. Interest Rate and Currency Exposure - A 100-basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would impact the company's interest costs on outstanding debt and fees associated with the RPA by approximately $5.5 million under the current capital structure [226]. - Approximately 95% of the company's sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, making currency fluctuations currently not material to operating results [229]. - The company does not currently use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes [228]. - The company extended and amended its three uncommitted credit facilities during fiscal year 2025, exposing it to interest rate risk on variable rate debt [225]. - The company monitors its exposure to interest rate fluctuations and currency fluctuations continuously [226][229]. Inventory and Goodwill - Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, considering factors such as age, physical condition, and historic sales [220]. - Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment, with the determination of their value involving significant judgments and estimates [221].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP EPS of $1.01, up from $0.99 in the prior year's quarter, with adjusted EPS growing nearly 6% to $1.09 from $1.03 [11] - Average daily sales improved by 2.7% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, marking a return to growth in the core customer base [8][9] - Gross margin for the fourth quarter was 40.4%, down 60 basis points year-over-year and sequentially, primarily due to tariff-driven purchase cost escalation [9][10] - For the fiscal year, average daily sales declined 1.3% year-over-year, with a gross margin of 40.8%, contracting 40 basis points compared to the prior year [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core customer daily sales improved by 4.1% year-over-year, while national accounts declined by 0.7% year-over-year [17] - Public sector sales grew by 8.5% year-over-year and 10% sequentially, although there was a negative impact from the government shutdown in October [17][18] - The installed vending count grew by 10% year-over-year, with average daily sales from vending up 10% year-over-year, representing approximately 19% of total company sales [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted stabilization in end markets such as aerospace, while heavy equipment and agriculture markets showed signs of stabilization after being weak for two years [12][13] - Average daily sales in the quarter outpaced the industrial production index, supported by improved core customer performance and strength in the public sector [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain momentum in high-touch solutions, re-energize the core customer base, and optimize cost to serve [5][6] - Initiatives include realigning public-facing web pricing, upgrading e-commerce experience, and enhancing marketing efforts [7][8] - The leadership transition is expected to strengthen the company's commitment to growth and customer experience [22][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management characterized the operating environment as stable with pockets of improvement, despite ongoing uncertainty due to tariffs and inflation [12] - The company expects average daily sales growth of 3.5%-4.5% year-over-year for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, depending on the duration of the government shutdown [23] - Adjusted operating margin is expected to be in the range of 8.0%-8.6%, with gross margin improving from fourth quarter levels [24] Other Important Information - The company maintained a healthy balance sheet with net debt of approximately $430 million, representing roughly 1.1x EBITDA [15][16] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $58 million, representing 104% of net income, with a free cash flow conversion of 122% for the fiscal year [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the unusual surge in supplier price increases and how it was addressed? - Management noted that the concentration of price increases was unusual and occurred in a short time frame, leading to higher costs than anticipated. They have since taken pricing actions to address this [39][42] Question: What are the expectations for gross margins and SG&A as a percentage of sales? - Management expects gross margins to stabilize and incremental margins to improve throughout the year, with SG&A growth driven by necessary investments in marketing and operational efficiency [46][70] Question: How is the government shutdown impacting the business? - The public sector experienced strong growth in the fourth quarter, but sales growth turned negative in October due to the shutdown. Management expects this to be temporary [77][78] Question: What is the company's federal government exposure and its impact? - The company has about two-thirds of its government exposure in federal contracts, primarily in military and defense, with some pockets experiencing significant pullback [89][91] Question: Can you provide insights on pricing increases across product categories? - Management indicated that inflation is more pronounced in products sourced from China and those made of steel, with fasteners and OEM products seeing high levels of inflation [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP EPS of $1.01, up from $0.99 in the prior year's quarter, with adjusted EPS growing nearly 6% to $1.09 from $1.03 [11] - Average daily sales improved by 2.7% year over year, marking a return to growth in the core customer base [8][9] - Gross margin was reported at 40.4%, declining 60 basis points year over year and sequentially, primarily due to tariff-driven purchase cost escalation [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core customer daily sales improved by 4.1% year over year, driven by both price and volume, while national accounts declined by 0.7% year over year [17] - Public sector sales grew by 8.5% year over year and 10% sequentially, although there was a negative impact from the government shutdown in October [17][18] - The installed vending count grew by 10% year over year, with average daily sales for vending also up 10% year over year [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted stabilization in end markets such as aerospace and heavy equipment, while some areas like heavy truck remain soft [12][13] - Average daily sales in the quarter outpaced the Industrial Production Index, supported by improved core customer performance and public sector strength [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain momentum in high-touch solutions, re-energize the core customer base, and optimize cost to serve [5][6] - A focus on productivity improvements is expected to yield annualized savings of $10 million to $15 million [8] - The leadership transition is seen as a strategic move to strengthen growth and customer experience [22][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management characterized the operating environment as stable with pockets of improvement, despite ongoing uncertainty [12] - Expectations for fiscal 2026 include average daily sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% year over year, with adjusted operating margins projected between 8.0% and 8.6% [23][24] - The company anticipates a step-up in operating expenses but expects productivity initiatives to build throughout the year [24][27] Other Important Information - The company returned $229 million to shareholders in the fiscal year through share repurchases and dividends [16] - The leadership team has undergone changes to enhance sales and customer experience, with new appointments aimed at driving growth [22][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the unusual surge in supplier price increases? - Management acknowledged the unusual concentration of price increases and noted that they have taken appropriate pricing actions to address it [39][40][42] Question: What are the expectations for gross margins and SG&A as a percentage of sales? - Management expects gross margins to stabilize and incremental margins to improve throughout the year, with SG&A growth driven by necessary investments [46][47] Question: How is the government shutdown impacting the business? - The company has seen a decline in public sector sales due to the shutdown but remains optimistic about future recovery once it ends [77][78] Question: What is the outlook for headcount in fiscal 2026? - The company is focused on optimizing its workforce and improving performance metrics, with a commitment to self-help initiatives [86] Question: Can you provide insights on pricing strategies for 2026? - Management indicated uncertainty in pricing but aims to meet inflation through strategic pricing actions [67][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP EPS of $1.01 for Q4 2025, up from $0.99 in the prior year, with adjusted EPS growing nearly 6% to $1.09 from $1.03 [9] - Average daily sales improved by 2.7% year over year in Q4, with core customer average daily sales growth turning positive [6][7] - For the fiscal year, average daily sales declined 1.3% year over year, with gross margin contracting to 40.8%, down 40 basis points [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - High-touch solutions, including vending and implant programs, continued to show strong performance, with vending sales up 10% year over year [17] - Core customer daily sales improved by 4.1% year over year, while national accounts declined by 0.7% [16] - Public sector sales grew by 8.5% year over year, although there was a negative impact from the government shutdown in October [16][70] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace sector remains strong, while heavy equipment and agriculture markets are stabilizing after a period of weakness [10][11] - The company noted pockets of acute softness in markets such as heavy trucks, but overall conditions are characterized as stable with some improvement [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three top priorities: maintaining momentum in high-touch solutions, re-energizing the core customer base, and optimizing cost to serve [4][5] - There is an emphasis on enhancing the e-commerce experience and marketing efforts to support core customer growth [5][18] - Leadership transitions are underway, with a new SVP of Sales and a focus on improving customer experience [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management described the operating environment as stable with ongoing uncertainty, particularly regarding tariffs and inflation [10] - Expectations for fiscal 2026 include average daily sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5%, with adjusted operating margins projected between 8.0% and 8.6% [23][24] - The company anticipates continued productivity improvements and a return to gross margin stability [24][44] Other Important Information - The company maintained a healthy balance sheet with net debt of approximately $430 million, representing about 1.1 times EBITDA [14] - Free cash flow for Q4 was $58 million, representing 104% of net income, with a full-year conversion of 122% [14][15] - The company returned $229 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the fiscal year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: On gross margin and supplier price increases - Management acknowledged an unusual surge in supplier price increases and noted that they have taken further pricing actions to address this [37][41] Question: On seller effectiveness KPIs - Management indicated they are in the early stages of operational changes, with improvements in customer touches and sales per rep per day [50][51] Question: On macroeconomic conditions and national accounts - Management highlighted that while some markets are stabilizing, there are still acute challenges, particularly in heavy truck markets [54][55] Question: On pricing strategy for 2026 - Management stated that pricing actions will be taken as needed to meet inflation, with expectations for low single-digit increases [60][61] Question: On government shutdown impacts - Management noted a strong public sector performance in Q4, but a decline in October due to the shutdown, with expectations for recovery once it ends [69][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average daily sales improved by 2.7% year over year in Q4, driven by core customer growth and public sector strength [10][16] - Gross margin was 40.4%, declining 60 basis points year over year and sequentially, primarily due to tariff-driven cost escalations [11][12] - GAAP EPS was $1.1 compared to $0.99 in the prior year's quarter, with adjusted EPS growing nearly 6% to $1.9 from $1.03 [13][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core customer daily sales grew 4.1% year over year, while national accounts declined 0.7% [23] - Public sector sales grew 8.5% year over year and 10% sequentially, although there was a negative impact from the government shutdown in October [23][24] - Vending machine count grew 10% year over year, contributing approximately 19% to total company sales [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average daily sales in the quarter outpaced the Industrial Production Index, indicating strong performance relative to broader industrial trends [15][16] - Aerospace remains a strong vertical, while heavy equipment and agriculture markets are stabilizing after previous weakness [15][72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three priorities: maintaining momentum in high-touch solutions, reenergizing core customers, and optimizing cost to serve [6][7] - Leadership changes are aimed at strengthening growth and customer experience, with a new SVP of Sales and a dedicated SVP for customer experience [30][31] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment is characterized as stable with pockets of improvement, though uncertainty remains due to ongoing tariff impacts [14][15] - The company expects average daily sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% in Q1 of fiscal 2026, with adjusted operating margins projected between 8% and 8.6% [32][33] Other Important Information - The company maintained a healthy balance sheet with net debt of approximately $430 million, representing about 1.1 times EBITDA [20] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $58 million, representing 104% of net income, with a full-year conversion of 122% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the gross margin decline and supplier price increases? - Management noted that the recent surge in supplier price increases was unusual, with significant inflation occurring in a short time frame, leading to a negative impact on gross margins [50][51][54] Question: What are the expectations for gross margins and SG&A as a percentage of sales? - Management expects gross margins to stabilize and incremental margins to improve, with SG&A expenses increasing due to investments in marketing and operational efficiency [56][59] Question: How is the government shutdown impacting sales? - The public sector experienced strong growth prior to the shutdown, but sales have softened since, particularly in federal accounts, which are expected to recover once the shutdown ends [93][95] Question: What is the company's federal exposure and how is it affecting sales? - The company has about 2-3% exposure to federal government contracts, primarily in military and defense, with some pockets experiencing significant declines in October [108][109] Question: What product categories are seeing the most inflation? - Inflation is most pronounced in products sourced from China and those made of steel, such as fasteners and OEM products, while some private brands have been shielded due to domestic manufacturing [111][112]