MSC Industrial Has An Edge With Tariffs, Can Protect Margins

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc. (NYSE:MSM) shares rose on Tuesday after the company posted better-than-expected financial results for its fiscal third quarter of 2025.

Net sales slipped 0.8% year over year to $971.1 million but edged past the consensus estimate of $970.23 million.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.08, down 18.8% year over year, topping analysts’ expectations of $1.03.

Also Read: Top Wall Street Forecasters Revamp MSC Industrial Direct Expectations Ahead Of Q3 Earnings

Average daily sales also declined 0.8% primarily due to lower volumes and a roughly 10 basis points (bps) headwind from foreign exchange rates. These negative impacts were partially offset by an approximately 80 bps contribution from pricing and about 60 bps from acquisitions.

The company reported gross margin of 41.0%, up slightly from 40.9% a year ago ...