MSC Industrial (98M) Q4 2026 Earnings Report

The call was predominantly positive, with record fourth-quarter sales, improving volumes, adjusted margin expansion, strong cash generation, better sales-force productivity, and a constructive fiscal first-quarter sales outlook. These positives were partly offset by the $42 million Digital Core impairment, lower reported operating margin and GAAP EPS, ongoing inflation and price-cost timing pressure, and a modest public-sector decline.

For fiscal 2027 first quarter, MSC expects average daily sales to grow 9.5% to 10.5% compared to last year, with sales up 9.5% in September, growth of approximately 11.5% in October and 9% in November, and adjusted operating margin between 9.5% and 10.1%; gross margins are expected to slightly underperform the typical fourth to first quarter sequential decline of about 10 basis points, adjusted OpEx is expected to show a slight sequential increase, price is expected to be in the 7% range, and volumes are expected to continue to see slightly improving quarter-over-quarter trends. For the full fiscal year, depreciation and amortization expense is expected to be $100 million-$105 million, interest and other expense $40 million-$45 million, capital expenditures $90 million-$100 million, the effective tax rate 24.5%-25.5%, and free cash flow 80%-90% of net income; the company said the framework of 20%-30% for incremental margins makes a lot of sense, its goal is to remain neutral on price cost, its overall gross margin goal is to stay in that 40%-41%. Percent range, and mid-single digits pricing does not seem too crazy, with probably 3%-4% carryover impact for the full year.