Fiscal Q1 2026 Recap October 28, 2025 - The Premier Provider of Advanced Motion, Power, Control, & Automation Solutions to Critical Industrial Infrastructure - Safe Harbor Statement This presentation contains statements that are forward-looking, as that term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. Applied intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Forward-looking statements are often identified by qualifie ...

Core Insights - Regency Capital Management disclosed a new position in WESCO International, acquiring 15,203 shares valued at approximately $3.22 million based on the average price in Q3 2025 [2][3] - This new stake represents 1.53% of Regency's total assets under management (AUM) [3] - WESCO International's stock price was $218.85 as of October 20, 2025, reflecting a 23.27% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 6.41 percentage points [3] Company Overview - WESCO International reported a total revenue of $22.23 billion and a net income of $662.60 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [5] - The company offers a range of products including electrical, electronic, network infrastructure, security solutions, and utility products across three business segments [6][7] - WESCO generates revenue through B2B distribution, logistics, and supply chain solutions, serving various sectors including contractors, manufacturers, and public power companies [6][7] Recent Performance and Outlook - WESCO's data center sales accounted for approximately 17% of total revenue, with a year-over-year surge of about 65% in Q2 2025, exceeding $1 billion [9] - The company has raised its full-year organic sales growth outlook to between 5% and 7% for 2025, driven by strong demand from hyperscalers [10]

Financial Performance - Q4 2025 - Net sales increased from $952.3 million in Q4 2024 to $978.2 million in Q4 2025[8], but gross margin decreased by 60 bps year-over-year[6, 16] - Reported operating profit decreased from $90.9 million in Q4 2024 to $84.3 million in Q4 2025, while adjusted operating profit decreased from $94.2 million to $90.3 million[12] - Reported earnings per diluted share increased slightly from $0.99 in Q4 2024 to $1.00 in Q4 2025, and adjusted earnings per diluted share increased from $1.03 to $1.09[14] Financial Performance - FY 2025 - Net sales decreased from $3.821 billion in FY 2024 to $3.7695 billion in FY 2025[22], with a 1.3% decline in average daily sales[6, 29] - Reported operating profit decreased from $390.4 million in FY 2024 to $301.6 million in FY 2025, and adjusted operating profit decreased from $407.2 million to $315.8 million[25] - Reported earnings per diluted share decreased from $4.58 in FY 2024 to $3.57 in FY 2025, and adjusted earnings per diluted share decreased from $4.81 to $3.76[27] - Free cash flow reached $241 million in FY 2025, representing 122% of net income[6] Sales and Customer Segments - Average daily sales grew by 2.7% year-over-year in Q4 2025, driven by growth initiatives and price increases[6, 16] - Average daily sales for Core and Other Customers increased by 4.1% year-over-year in Q4 2025[6] - Sales to customers with an In-Plant program increased by 11% in Q4 2025, representing 20% of total sales[16] - Sales through vending machines increased by 10% in Q4 2025, representing 19% of total sales[16] Capital Allocation - The company repurchased approximately 496,000 shares in FY 2025 and returned approximately $229 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases[6] - Net debt decreased by approximately $50 million, resulting in a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.10x[36] Outlook - The company expects average daily sales to increase by 3.5% to 4.5% year-over-year in Q1 2026[55] - Adjusted operating margin is expected to be between 8.0% and 8.6% in Q1 2026[55]

Core Viewpoint - Erik Gershwind will retire as CEO of MSC Industrial Supply Co. and will transition to a non-executive vice chair role, with Martina McIsaac set to succeed him as CEO effective January 1, 2026 [1] Company Leadership Transition - Martina McIsaac, currently serving as President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over as CEO while retaining her position as President [1] - The leadership change is part of a planned transition as Gershwind steps down from his role [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total GPC sales for Q3 2025 were $6.3 billion, reflecting a 5% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA up 10% and adjusted diluted earnings per share at $1.98, a 5% increase from the previous year [4][5][22] - Gross margin expanded by 60 basis points to 37.4%, driven by strategic pricing and sourcing initiatives [4][24] - SG&A as a percentage of sales remained flat at 28.8%, with absolute dollar growth of $88 million year-over-year [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global industrial sales reached $2.3 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with comparable sales growth of approximately 4% [7][10] - The automotive segment saw a 5% increase in sales, with comparable sales growth of about 2% [10][11] - Core MRO and maintenance business, accounting for 80% of Motion sales, grew mid-single digits, while capital-intensive projects saw slight growth [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed in seven out of fourteen end markets, with notable strength in iron and steel, food products, and fabricated metals [8] - European market conditions remained soft, with total sales flat in local currency and comparable sales down approximately 2% [16] - The Asia-Pacific region experienced double-digit growth, with total sales up approximately 10% and comparable sales growth of about 5% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational and strategic reviews to enhance differentiation in a changing landscape, with updates expected in 2026 [18][19] - Strategic acquisitions, such as the planned acquisition of Benson Auto Parts in Canada, are aimed at expanding market presence and product offerings [15][16] - The company is adapting to inflationary pressures and tariff challenges while maintaining a disciplined approach to cost management [6][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that end markets remain muted, particularly in Europe, with challenges including tariffs, trade uncertainties, and cautious consumer behavior [6][22] - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth in industrial opportunities, particularly with onshoring trends [8] - Guidance for 2025 was updated to reflect total GPC sales growth expectations of 3%-4%, with adjusted diluted EPS projected between $7.50 and $7.75 [29][30] Other Important Information - The company experienced a low single-digit benefit from tariffs in Q3, with a slight net benefit expected in Q4 [23][45] - Cash generated from operations for the first nine months of 2025 was approximately $510 million, with free cash flow of $160 million [26][28] - The company plans to incur restructuring expenses between $180 million and $210 million, with expected benefits of $110 million to $135 million [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What accounts for the expected moderation in gross margins for Q4? - Management indicated that the moderation is primarily due to the lapping of acquisition benefits and ongoing cost pressures from tariffs [36] Question: What are the benefits of having the businesses together? - Management highlighted that the integration has led to enhanced sales effectiveness, technology investments, and supply chain efficiencies [37][38] Question: What is the same SKU inflation in U.S. NAPA? - Management noted that the inflation impact is around 2.5% for U.S. automotive and slightly stronger for Motion, with expectations for continued stability [44][45] Question: Are independent owners losing market share? - Management stated that independent owners are managing inventory levels effectively and are not losing market share, with strong partnerships in place [67][72] Question: How should the fourth quarter outlook inform expectations for 2026? - Management refrained from providing specific guidance for 2026 but indicated that improvements in SG&A and gross margins are expected to continue [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Genuine Parts Company (GPC) in Q3 2025 were $6.3 billion, reflecting a 5% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA up 10% [5][6][21] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.98, a 5% increase from the same period last year [6][21] - Gross margin expanded by 60 basis points to 37.4%, driven by strategic pricing and sourcing initiatives [5][24] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global industrial sales were $2.3 billion, up approximately 5% year-over-year, with comparable sales growth of about 4% [7][11] - The automotive segment saw sales increase by approximately 5%, with comparable sales growth of about 2% [11][12] - Motion's core MRO and maintenance business, accounting for 80% of Motion sales, was up mid-single digits during the quarter [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth was observed in seven out of fourteen end markets, up from five in the previous quarter, with notable strength in iron and steel, food products, and fabricated metals [9] - European market conditions remained soft, with total sales flat in local currency and comparable sales down approximately 2% [16] - The Asia-Pacific region experienced double-digit growth in local currency, with total sales increasing approximately 10% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational and strategic reviews to enhance differentiation in a changing landscape, with updates expected in 2026 [18][19] - GPC is actively managing the business to offset inflationary pressures and is committed to strategic acquisitions, such as the planned acquisition of Benson Auto Parts in Canada [15][27] - The company aims to leverage its size and scale to enhance procurement and operational efficiencies [48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that end markets remain muted, particularly in Europe, but expressed confidence in the company's resilience and adaptability [6][19] - The outlook for 2025 was updated, expecting diluted EPS in the range of $6.55 to $6.80, with adjusted diluted EPS between $7.50 and $7.75 [28][30] - The company anticipates continued earnings growth in Q4, despite a more cautious market environment [34] Other Important Information - The company generated approximately $510 million in cash from operations and $160 million of free cash flow in the first nine months of 2025 [26] - GPC has returned $421 million to shareholders through dividends year-to-date [28] - The company expects to incur restructuring expenses in the range of $180 million to $210 million for 2025 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What accounts for the expected moderation in gross margins for Q4? - Management indicated that the moderation is primarily due to the lapping of acquisition benefits and ongoing cost pressures [36][37] Question: What are the benefits of having the businesses together? - Management highlighted meaningful benefits from integration, including improved sales effectiveness and technology investments [38][39] Question: What was the same SKU inflation in U.S. NAPA? - Management noted that the inflation impact is around 2.5% for U.S. automotive and slightly higher for Motion, with expectations for continued low single-digit benefits [43][44] Question: How is the company managing inventory levels with independent owners? - Management emphasized ongoing support for independent owners to optimize inventory and cash flow management [57][68] Question: What is the outlook for inflation and its impact on pricing? - Management expects inflation to remain in the 2% to 3% range, with a balanced approach to passing along price increases [72][75] Question: How should the fourth quarter outlook inform expectations for 2026? - Management refrained from providing specific guidance for 2026 but indicated that strong momentum and cost management efforts would continue to support growth [85][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total GPC sales for Q3 2025 were $6.3 billion, an increase of approximately 5% compared to the same period last year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.98, up 5% year over year [5][28][34] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 10% year over year, with EBITDA margins improving in both Automotive and Industrial segments [5][31] - Gross margin was 37.4%, reflecting a 60 basis point increase from the previous year, driven by strategic pricing and sourcing initiatives [29][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Industrial sales were $2.3 billion, up approximately 5% year over year, with comparable sales growth of about 4% [9][12] - The Automotive segment saw sales increase by approximately 5%, with comparable sales growth of about 2% [12][34] - Motion's core MRO and maintenance business, accounting for 80% of Motion sales, was up mid-single digits during the quarter [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., total automotive sales increased approximately 4%, with comparable sales up about 2% [13][18] - Canadian automotive sales rose approximately 3% in local currency, with comparable sales increasing by about 2% [18] - European sales were flat in local currency, with comparable sales down approximately 2% [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational discipline and strategic investments to enhance customer service and manage inflationary pressures [24][33] - There is an ongoing operational and strategic review to assess business structure and differentiate in an evolving landscape, with updates expected in 2026 [23][34] - The company is optimistic about the long-term fundamentals of its markets and is positioned to build on its momentum [25][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that end markets remain muted, particularly in Europe, but they are adapting to dynamic environments and remain resilient [6][24] - The company expects diluted earnings per share for 2025 to be in the range of $6.55 to $6.80, with total sales growth projected at 3% to 4% [34][36] - Management highlighted the importance of monitoring the fluid tariff environment and customer sentiment as they navigate market conditions [39] Other Important Information - The company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Benson Auto Parts in Canada, which is expected to close in Q4 2025 [19] - The company has returned $421 million to shareholders through dividends in the first nine months of 2025 [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What accounts for gross margins being up less in the fourth quarter? - Management indicated that the moderation in gross margin expansion is primarily due to the lapping of acquisition benefits and ongoing sourcing and pricing efforts [43][44] Question: What are the benefits of having the businesses together? - Management emphasized the meaningful benefits of operating as one team, including improved sales effectiveness and technology investments [45][46] Question: What is the same SKU inflation in US NAPA? - Management noted that the full run rate of inflation is expected to stabilize, with a low single-digit benefit to sales growth from tariffs [53][54] Question: Have independents been losing market share? - Management stated that independent owners are managing inventory levels effectively and are not losing market share [78][80] Question: How should the fourth quarter outlook inform 2026 expectations? - Management suggested that while they expect solid performance in Q4, they are cautious about market conditions and will continue to monitor the environment closely [99][104]

Core Insights - Baupost Group LLC/MA, led by Seth Klarman, reported a portfolio valued at $4.13 billion, with the top five holdings constituting 46.93% of total assets [1] Group 1: Top Holdings Overview - **Alphabet Inc. (GOOG)**: The largest position, with 2.63 million shares valued at $467.24 million, representing 11.31% of the portfolio. The fund increased its stake by 556,000 shares (+26.76%), indicating growing confidence in the company's search franchise and AI opportunities [2] - **Wesco International Inc. (WCC)**: The second-largest position, holding 2.21 million shares worth $408.85 million (9.90% of assets). Baupost raised its stake by 202,000 shares (+10.07%), reflecting confidence in Wesco's industrial distribution leadership [3] - **Willis Towers Watson PLC (WTW)**: Holding 1.31 million shares valued at $402.79 million (9.75% of the portfolio). The fund reduced its position by 211,000 shares (-13.86%), likely for profit-taking after strong performance [4] - **CRH PLC (CRH)**: The fourth-largest holding, with 3.83 million shares valued at $351.17 million (8.50% of assets). Baupost added 1.13 million shares (+41.98%), showing increased conviction in the building materials sector [5] - **Fidelity National Information Services (FIS)**: Rounding out the top five with 3.78 million shares worth $308.52 million (7.47% portfolio weight). The fund increased its holdings by 296,764 shares (+8.50%), indicating confidence in the company's restructuring efforts [6] Group 2: Investment Philosophy - Baupost's portfolio reflects a disciplined value philosophy, selectively adding to undervalued positions while trimming gains in outperformers. The concentration in technology, industrials, and financials highlights a strategy focused on high-quality businesses with strong underlying assets [7]

Earnings Report - Fastenal Company is set to release its third-quarter earnings results on October 13, with analysts expecting earnings of 30 cents per share, an increase from 26 cents per share in the same period last year [1] - The company projects quarterly revenue of $2.13 billion, compared to $1.91 billion a year earlier [1] Stock Performance - Fastenal shares fell 0.7% to close at $47.45 on Tuesday [2] Analyst Ratings - Baird analyst David Manthey upgraded Fastenal from Neutral to Outperform and raised the price target from $47 to $55 [4] - Stephens & Co. analyst Tommy Moll maintained an Equal-Weight rating and increased the price target from $40 to $45 [4] - Loop Capital analyst Chris Dankert maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $40 to $45 [4] - Morgan Stanley analyst Chris Snyder maintained an Equal-Weight rating and increased the price target from $38 to $40 [4] - William Blair analyst Ryan Merkel upgraded the stock from Market Perform to Outperform [4]

Core Points - MSC Industrial Supply Co. has declared a cash dividend of $0.87 per share, marking an increase of approximately 2.4% from the previous dividend of $0.85 per share [1] Company Summary - MSC Industrial Supply Co. is a leading distributor of Metalworking and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) products and services to industrial customers across North America [1]