Stephens Raises MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) Price Target to $135

On October 23, 2026, Stephens raised its price target on MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (NYSE:MSM) from $130.00 to $135.00 while keeping an Overweight rating on the stock. The adjustment arrived via a research note from the firm published on the same day. MSC Industrial Direct distributes metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations products to industrial customers.

MSM MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

$112.43 ▲ +34.60% year to date

1M 3M YTD

Daily close · Oct 22, 2026

Stephens's Call on MSC Industrial Direct

Stephens's decision to lift its target to $135.00 comes as Wall Street forms a mixed view on the industrial distributor. Prior to this update, Keybanc maintained an Overweight rating with a $145.00 target on July 2, 2026, and DA Davidson kept a Buy rating with a $150.00 target on the same day. Later in July, Rothschild & Co initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $155.00 target, followed by Barclays initiating an Overweight rating with a $152.00 target on October 13, 2026. Across the wider analyst community, the stock holds a consensus hold rating with a mean price target of $133.75.

Other Institutional Activity in MSC Industrial Direct

Large institutional funds have adjusted their holdings in the industrial distributor through recent filing periods. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings by 101,781 shares, ending with 1,887,419 shares worth about $212.2 million as of June 30, 2026. American Century Companies Inc reduced its stake by 869,104 shares, or 33.3%, leaving it with 1,743,956 shares valued at roughly $196.1 million. Boston Partners grew its position by 53,964 shares to finish with 1,714,389 shares worth about $192.7 million. First Trust Advisors LP pared back its holdings by 96,282 shares, ending with 1,676,859 shares valued at approximately $188.5 million.

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Stock Down 15.4%

The stock recently traded around $112.43 as of October 23, 2026, unchanged from its previous close of $112.43 on October 22, 2026. Shares trade 16.1% below their 52-week high of $133.95 and 42.7% above their 52-week low of $78.80. The company has a market capitalization of $6.28 billion and a forward P/E ratio of 17.35.

Recent Earnings

The company reported trailing twelve-month revenue of $4.01 billion and earnings of $3.98 per share. Profitability metrics include a net profit margin of 5.6% and a return on equity of 15.6%. The company's next quarterly financial update is scheduled for January 6, 2027.

Dividend

The company pays an annual dividend rate of $3.56 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 3.17%. The payout ratio stands at 83.6%.

Insider Buying and Selling at MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

Company insiders executed several transactions prior to the analyst update. Director Philip R. Peller bought 6,666 shares at an average price of $90.14 for a total of $600,873 on November 13, 2025. Director and 10% owner Mitchell Lawrence Jacobson acquired 22,870 shares at $84.96 each, totaling $1.94 million on November 18, 2025. Director Rudina Seseri sold 1,800 shares at $86.83 for a total of $156,294 on February 2, 2026.

About MSC Industrial Direct

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. operates as a distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations supplies. Based in Melville, New York, the company supplies tools, fasteners, and safety products to manufacturing plants and workshops across North America and the United Kingdom.

Bottom Line

Investors tracking MSC Industrial Direct will monitor upcoming analyst updates and financial results ahead of the January 2027 earnings report. Watch for shifts in institutional ownership in subsequent 13F filings to gauge large-investor sentiment following Stephens's price target increase.