Aug 29, 2020

MSC Q4 2020 Earnings Report

MSC's Q4 2020 earnings report showed a decrease in net sales and diluted EPS compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting a weak industrial demand environment impacted by COVID-19, while strategic initiatives like cost containment and structural cost actions were implemented.

Key Takeaways

MSC Industrial Supply Co. reported a decrease in net sales of 11.3% year-over-year, with net sales of $747.7 million. Diluted EPS was $0.94 compared to $1.20 in the prior year quarter. Despite the weak industrial demand environment, the company saw sequential improvement in sales of non-safety and non-janitorial products, and sales of safety and janitorial products continued to grow.

Net sales decreased by 11.3% year-over-year to $747.7 million.

Operating income was $72.9 million, or $84.1 million excluding restructuring costs.

Diluted EPS was $0.94, compared to $1.20 in the prior year quarter.

Average daily sales were $11.7 million due to weak industrial demand.

Total Revenue
$748M
Previous year: $843M
-11.3%
EPS
$1.09
Previous year: $1.3
-16.2%
Gross Profit
$311M
Previous year: $354M
-12.0%
Cash and Equivalents
$125M
Previous year: $32.3M
+287.8%
Free Cash Flow
$171M
Previous year: $125M
+36.1%
Total Assets
$2.38B
Previous year: $2.31B
+3.1%

MSC

MSC

Forward Guidance

MSC is focused on reaccelerating market share capture and improving profitability through a program named Mission Critical, targeting above-market growth and ROIC in the high-teens by 2023.

Positive Outlook

  • Repositioning MSC as a mission-critical partner.
  • Focus on reaccelerating market share capture.
  • Program named Mission Critical to improve profitability.
  • Targeting above-market growth of at least 400 basis points.
  • Aiming for ROIC in the high-teens by 2023.

Challenges Ahead

  • Weak industrial demand environment.
  • COVID-19 uncertainty impacting manufacturing end markets.
  • Gross margin decline due to PPE mix headwinds.
  • Operating margin down 90 basis points versus the prior year.
  • Adjusted operating margin down 30 basis points versus the prior year.