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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

Commission File No.: 1-14130

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ý    No o

        As of March 31, 2004 41,877,506 shares of Class A common stock and 25,445,026 shares of Class B common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the "Report") contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be found in Items 2 and 3 hereof, as well as within this Report generally. In addition, when used in this Report, the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," "plans," "intends," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results, as discussed below under the heading "Risk Factors". Factors that may cause these differences include, but are not limited to:

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changing customer and product mixes, market conditions and industry consolidation,



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competition,



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general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates,



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risk of cancellation or rescheduling of orders,



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work stoppages at transportation centers or shipping ports,



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the risk of war, terrorism and similar hostilities,



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dependence on our information systems,



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dependence on key personnel,



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availability of suitable acquisition opportunities, and



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the other matters discussed in the Business Description contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2003.

        Consequently, such forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as the Company's current plans, estimates and beliefs. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Available Information

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, information statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.

Internet Address

        The Company's Internet address is www.mscdirect.com. We make available on or through our investor relations page on our web site, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5 and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after this material is electronically filed or furnished to the SEC.

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.

INDEX

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PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

See accompanying notes.

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MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

2

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
Twenty-Six weeks ended February 28, 2004
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

3

MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO., INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

4

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

        MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. ("MSC") was incorporated in the State of New York on October 24, 1995. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include MSC and all of its subsidiaries, including its principal operating subsidiary, Sid Tool Co., Inc. and is hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Company." All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) have been included. Operating results for the first half of fiscal 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 28, 2004. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2003.

        The Company's fiscal year ends on a Saturday close to August 31 of each year.

        A reconciliation between the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted EPS calculation is as follows:

Note 2. Fair Value Disclosure Of Stock Options

        The Company accounts for its stock option plans utilizing the intrinsic value method, under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations. No compensation expense is reflected in net income, as all options granted under the stock option plans had an exercise price equal to the

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market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Interim pro-forma information regarding net income and net income per common share is required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure", if the Company accounts for its stock options granted under the intrinsic value method.

        The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions, under which compensation expense would be recognized as incurred, of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to stock-based employee compensation.

Note 3. Available-For-Sale Securities

        The Company's investments consist of municipal notes and bonds and corporate bonds. Investments with original or remaining maturities of less than one year are considered to be short-term. The custodians of these investments are high quality financial institutions. The Company's investments are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on investments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of any related tax effect. The Company will recognize an impairment charge if a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. At February 28, 2004, the fair value of these investments approximated their cost basis.

Note 4. Comprehensive Income

        The Company complies with the provisions of SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which establishes standards for the reporting of comprehensive income and its components. For the twenty-six weeks ended February 28, 2004 and March 1, 2003, the Company's operations did not give

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rise to items includable in comprehensive income which were not already included in net income. Accordingly, the Company's comprehensive income is the same as its net income for all periods presented.

Note 5. Shareholders' Equity

        Each holder of the Company's Class A common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of record on the applicable record date on all matters presented to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. The holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share on the applicable record date and are entitled to vote, together with the holders of the Class A common stock, on all matters which are subject to shareholder approval. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock have no cumulative voting rights or preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any stock or other securities and except as described below there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to such stock.

        The Company reissued approximately 37 shares of treasury stock during the first half of fiscal 2004 to fund the associate stock purchase plan. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the first half of fiscal 2004 but may make future repurchases.

        The holders of the Company's Class B common stock have the right to convert their shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock at their election and on a one-to-one basis, and all shares of Class B common stock convert into shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis upon the sale or transfer of such shares of Class B common stock to any person who is not a member of the Jacobson or Gershwind families.

        The Company has 5,000 shares of preferred stock authorized. The Company's Board of Directors has the authority to issue shares of preferred stock. Shares of preferred stock have priority over the Company's Class A common stock and Class B common stock with respect to dividend or liquidation rights, or both. As of February 28, 2004, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

        The Company awarded approximately 42 shares of Class A common stock to senior management on January 6, 2004. These shares were issued pursuant to the Company's Restricted Stock Plan. Associates vest in their ownership of these shares over seven years in accordance with the Restricted Stock Plan vesting provisions. Associates will forfeit all non vested shares upon departure from the Company. As of February 28, 2004, none of these shares were cancelled or forfeited. The value of these shares at the grant date of $1,177 is included as a separate component of shareholders' equity, and the related compensation charge is being recorded over the seven year vesting period. As of February 28, 2004, approximately 44 additional shares remain reserved for future issuance under the Restricted Stock Plan.

        On January 28, 2004, certain selling shareholders, including the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and other family members and/or entities, completed the sale of 6,900 shares of Class A common stock. This transaction did not increase the total number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding nor did the Company receive any proceeds from the sale of these shares.

        On January 6, 2004, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend rate to $.08 per share or $.32 per share annually. On January 30, 2004, the Company paid a dividend of

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approximately $5.3 million to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 20, 2004. On March 30, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend payable on April 23, 2004 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2004. The dividend payable of $.08 per share will result in an anticipated quarterly payout of approximately $5.4 million based on the number of shares currently outstanding.

Note 6. Product Warranties

        The Company offers a one-year warranty for certain of its machinery products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product sold. Generally, the Company provides a basic limited warranty, including parts and labor, for these products for one-year. The Company would be able to recoup certain of these costs through product warranties it holds with its original equipment manufacturers, which typically range from thirty to ninety days. In addition, the Company's general merchandise products are covered by third party original equipment manufacturers' warranties. The Company's warranty expense for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended February 28, 2004 and March 1, 2003 has been minimal.

Note 7. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", which clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements", relating to consolidation of certain entities. First, FIN 46 requires identification of the Company's participation in variable interests entities ("VIE"), which are defined as entities with a level of invested equity that is not sufficient to fund future activities to permit them to operate on a standalone basis, or whose equity holders lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. Then, for entities identified as VIE, FIN 46 sets forth a model to evaluate potential consolidation based on an assessment of which party to the VIE, if any, bears a majority of the exposure to its expected losses, or stands to gain from a majority of its expected returns. FIN 46 also sets forth certain disclosures regarding interests in VIE that are deemed significant, even if consolidation is not required. This standard becomes effective during the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 8. Legal Proceedings

        On August 8, 2002, the Company, its directors and certain of its officers were sued in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in an action entitled Thomas Nunziata vs. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. et. al (CV No. 02 4422). Plaintiff, on behalf of a class of the Company's stockholders, sought unspecified damages based on his allegations arising from the Company's announcement that it would restate its consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 1999 through 2001 and the first three quarters of fiscal 2002. Plaintiff alleged that during the periods affected by the restatement, the Company, its directors and certain of its officers violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by materially misleading the investing public by making false statements in order to inflate the price of the Company's common stock. On August 14, 2002, the Company and certain of its officers and directors

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were sued in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in an action entitled Sandra Joan Malin Revocable Trust vs. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. et al. (CV No. 02 4503). The allegations in this matter were substantially similar to those made in the Nunziata action. On September 11, 2002, these actions were consolidated under the caption In re MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Securities Litigation (CV No. 02 4422). On October 28, 2003, the parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to settle the matter for $1,250. It is anticipated that substantially all of the settlement will be covered by insurance. On November 27, 2003, the parties filed a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement. On March 16, 2004, the court held a settlement fairness hearing, approved the settlement, and dismissed the claims of the class with prejudice.

There are no other material legal proceedings pending against MSC.

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following is intended to update the information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2003 and presumes that readers have access to, and will have read, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in such Form 10-K.

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains or incorporates certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events and our plans, goals and objectives. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "think," "intend," "estimate," "expect," or similar terms. Our actual results may differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, without limitation, changing market conditions, competitive and regulatory matters, general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, risk of cancellation or rescheduling of orders, work stoppages at transportation centers or shipping ports, the risk of war, terrorism and similar hostilities, dependence on the Company's information systems, dependence on key personnel and the availability of suitable acquisition opportunities. See "Risk Factors" at page 17. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, the Company cannot make any assurances that the results contemplated in such forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. Furthermore, past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Overview

        MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. ("MSC") was formed in October 1995 and has conducted business since 1941. MSC and its subsidiaries, including Sid Tool Co., Inc. (the "Operating Subsidiary"), are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Company."

        MSC is one of the largest direct marketers of a broad range of industrial products to small and mid-sized industrial customers throughout the United States. We distribute a full line of industrial products intended to satisfy our customers' maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO") supplies requirements. We offer in excess of 500,000 stock-keeping units ("SKUs") through our master catalogs, weekly, monthly and quarterly specialty and promotional catalogs and brochures and service our customers from four distribution centers and approximately 90 branch offices. Most of our products are carried in stock, and orders for these in-stock products are typically fulfilled the day on which the order is received.

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Results of Operations—

Thirteen weeks ended February 28, 2004 and March 1, 2003

        The following table shows selected items of MSC's Consolidated Statement of Operations, percentages of sales and comparisons between the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

        Net sales increased by $20.9 million, or 10.0%, to $230.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 from $209.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in sales to existing customers and an increase in the number of active customers to 346,000 from 338,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The sales growth rate increased sequentially each month throughout the second quarter of fiscal 2004 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Sales growth was 7.8% in December, 8.0% in January and 14.2% in February. Manufacturing sector sales and non-manufacturing sector sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 grew 9.1% and 12.4% respectively, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The adverse sales impact of our customers' Christmas and New Year's holiday shutdown periods in fiscal 2004 were not as extensive as in fiscal 2003.

        Gross profit increased by $9.3 million, or 9.8%, to $104.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 from $95.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily the result of an increase in net sales as explained above. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit remained relatively unchanged at 45.2%.

        Operating expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 0.9%, to $74.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 from $74.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The decrease in operating expenses in dollars was primarily the result of a decrease in depreciation expense and advertising expense. Overall, other variable expenses did not increase as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The decrease in depreciation expense is a result of capital additions made in prior years becoming fully depreciated. Advertising expenses have decreased due to a planned reduction in mailings. Other variable expenses, overall, have remained essentially unchanged due to productivity gains. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 32.2% from 35.8%, which is primarily the result of the distribution of the expenses over a larger revenue base as well as the dollar decreases in operating expenses noted above.

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        Income from operations increased by $10.0 million, or 49.9%, to $30.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 from $20.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The increase in dollars was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales and the decrease in operating expenses as described above. As a percentage of net sales, income from operations increased to 13.0% from 9.5%, primarily the result of the distribution of expenses over a larger revenue base as well as the dollar decrease in operating expenses as described above.

        Interest income, net.    Net interest income was $0.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to $0.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The increase in interest income is a result of more cash and investments in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

        Provision for income taxes.    The effective tax rate was approximately 39.5% and 37.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. The reduction in the effective tax rate in the second quarter of fiscal 2003 was the direct result of settlements from the closing of two tax years. The Company recorded the necessary adjustment to the tax provision in the second quarter of fiscal 2003 to adjust the year to date provision to 38.3%, resulting in the 37.0% effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Excluding the effect of these settlements, the effective tax rate is approximately 39.5% for both periods.

        Net income increased by $5.8 million, or 45.4%, to $18.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 from $12.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily the result of the increase in income from operations as described above offset by higher provisions for income taxes.

Twenty-six weeks ended February 28, 2004 and March 1, 2003

        The following table shows selected items of MSC's Consolidated Statement of Operations, percentages of sales and comparisons between the first half of fiscal 2004 and the first half of fiscal 2003.

        Net sales increased by $33.0 million, or 7.8%, to $453.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 from $420.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in sales to existing customers and an increase in the number of active customers to 346,000 from 338,000 in the first half of fiscal 2003. Sales in the first and second quarter of fiscal 2004 grew 5.7% and 10.0%,

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respectively in comparison to the first and second quarters of fiscal 2003. Manufacturing sector sales and non-manufacturing sector sales for the first half of fiscal 2004 grew 5.8% and 13.9% respectively, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2003. The adverse sales impact of our customers' Christmas and New Year's holiday shutdown periods in fiscal 2004 were not as extensive as in fiscal 2003.

        Gross profit increased by $15.0 million, or 7.9%, to $204.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 from $189.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily the result of an increase in net sales as explained above. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit remained unchanged at 45.1% for the first half of fiscal 2004 as compared to the first half of fiscal 2003.

        Operating expenses decreased by $1.5 million, or 1.0%, to $147.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 from $149.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. The decrease in operating expenses in dollars was primarily the result of a decrease in depreciation expense and advertising expense. Overall, other variable costs did not increase as compared to the first half of fiscal 2003. The decrease in depreciation expense is a result of capital additions made in prior years becoming fully depreciated. Advertising expenses have decreased due to a planned reduction in mailings. Other variable expenses, overall, have remained essentially unchanged due to productivity gains. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 32.6% from 35.5%, which is primarily the result of the distribution of expenses over a larger revenue base as well as the dollar decreases in operating expenses noted above.

        Income from operations increased by $16.5 million, or 40.9%, to $56.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 from $40.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. The increase in dollars was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales and decrease in operating expenses as described above. As a percentage of net sales, income from operations increased to 12.6% from 9.6%, primarily the result of the distribution of expenses over a larger revenue base as well as the dollar decrease in operating expenses as described above.

        Interest income, net.    Net interest income was approximately $0.8 million for the first half of fiscal 2004 compared to $0.4 million for the first half of fiscal 2003. The increase in net interest income is a result of more cash and investments in the first half of fiscal 2004 as compared to the first half of fiscal 2003.

        Provision for income taxes.    The effective tax rate was approximately 39.5% and 38.3% for the first half of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. The effective tax rate for the first half of fiscal 2003 was reduced as a direct result of settlements from the closing of two tax years. Excluding the effect of these settlements, the effective tax rate is approximately 39.5% for both periods.

        Net income increased by $9.8 million, or 38.8%, to $35.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2004 from $25.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily the result of the increase in income from operations explained above offset by higher provisions for income taxes.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Our primary capital needs have been to fund the working capital requirements necessitated by our sales growth, adding new products, and facilities expansions. In the past our primary sources of financing have been cash generated from operations. Taken as a whole, cash, cash equivalents and all available-for-sale securities increased by approximately $22.5 million from $114.3 million at the fiscal year ended August 30, 2003 to $136.8 million at the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2004. We anticipate cash flows from operations, available cash reserves and available lines of credit will be adequate to support our operations for at least the next 12 months.

        Under the terms of the credit facility, the maximum permitted borrowings are $110.0 million under an unsecured revolving credit agreement. Interest on amounts borrowed may be paid at a rate per annum equal to the bank's base rate (4.0% at February 28, 2004) or, alternatively, at the bankers' acceptance rate or LIBOR rate plus margins, which vary from the per annum rate based on the ratio of total liabilities to effective net worth, or bid note rate. This credit facility contains certain covenants limiting mergers, use of proceeds, indebtedness, liens, investments, sales of assets, acquisitions, and payment of dividends. This credit facility also contains certain standard financial covenants. As of February 28, 2004, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this agreement and was in compliance with all financial covenants.

        Net cash provided by operating activities for the twenty-six week periods ended February 28, 2004 and March 1, 2003 was $16.0 million and $18.9 million, respectively. The decrease of approximately $2.9 million in net cash provided from operations resulted from an investment in working capital to support an increase in net sales, offset by higher net income.

        Net cash used in investing activities for the twenty-six week periods ended February 28, 2004 and March 1, 2003 was $98.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively. The increase in the usage of cash is primarily a result of the Company's decision to invest approximately $94.8 million in available-for-sale securities during the first half of fiscal 2004.

        The net cash provided by financing activities for the twenty-six week period ended February 28, 2004 was $10.6 million and net cash used in financing activities for the twenty-six week period ended March 1, 2003 was $1.2 million. The net cash provided by financing activities for the first half of fiscal 2004 was primarily attributable to proceeds from the exercise of Class A common stock options offset principally by the payment of quarterly cash dividends paid on the common stock outstanding. The net cash used in financing activities for the first half of fiscal 2003 was primarily attributable to the purchase of treasury stock, partially offset by the proceeds received from the exercise of Class A common stock options.

        During the first half of fiscal 2004, the Company did not repurchase any shares of the Company's Class A common stock through its stock purchase plan. The Company currently anticipates that it will make repurchases of Class A common stock based upon market condition and other investment criteria. The Company has adequate reserves to fund such future repurchases. The Company reissued approximately 37,000 shares of treasury stock during the first half of fiscal 2004 to fund the associate stock purchase plan.

        On January 6, 2004, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend rate to $.08 per share or $.32 per share annually. On January 30, 2004, the Company paid a dividend of approximately $5.3 million to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 20, 2004. On March 30, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend payable on April 23, 2004 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2004. The dividend payable of $.08 per share will result in an anticipated quarterly payout of approximately $5.4 million based on the number of shares currently outstanding.

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Related Party Transactions

        The Company is affiliated with various real estate entities (together, the "Affiliates"). The Affiliates are owned primarily by the Company's principal shareholders. The Company paid rent under operating leases to Affiliates for the first half of fiscal 2004 of approximately $0.9 million. In the opinion of the Company's management, based on its market research, the leases with Affiliates are on terms which approximate fair market value.

Contractual Obligations

        Certain of the operations of the Company are conducted on leased premises, some of which are leased from Affiliates. The leases (most of which require the Company to provide for the payment of real estate taxes, insurance and other operating costs) are for varying periods, the longest extending to the year 2023. In addition, the Company is obligated under certain equipment and automobile operating leases, which expire on varying dates through 2007. At August 30, 2003, approximate minimum annual rentals on such leases were as follows (in thousands):

        Since August 30, 2003 there has been no material change in these obligations.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The Company's significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2003. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, goodwill, contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

        The Company's mix of receivables is diverse, with approximately 346,000 combined active customer accounts defined as customers who have purchased from MSC in the preceding twelve months. The Company sells its products primarily to end-users. No significant concentration of credit risk is considered to exist. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and collateral is not required. Receivables are generally due within 30 days. The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on numerous factors, including past transaction history with customers and their credit worthiness. Initially, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience. This estimate is periodically adjusted when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its

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financial obligations (e.g. bankruptcy, etc.), or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable.

        The Company maintains the majority of its cash, cash equivalents, municipal notes and bonds and corporate bonds with high quality financial institutions.

Available-for-Sale Securities

        Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. All securities are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses, interest and dividends and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the first-in, first-out method.

Inventory Valuation

        Inventories primarily consist of merchandise held for resale and are stated at the lower of weighted average cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. Management evaluates the need to record adjustments for impairment of inventory on a quarterly basis. Slow moving inventory, obsolete inventory or inventory in excess of management's estimated usage is written-down, using historical data and reasonable assumptions, to its estimated market value, if less than its cost. Inherent in the estimates of market value are management's estimates related to customer demand, technological and/or market obsolescence, possible alternative uses and ultimate realization of excess inventory.

Deferred Catalog Costs

        The costs of producing and distributing the Company's principal catalogs are deferred ($8.8 million and $9.1 million at February 28, 2004 and March 1, 2003, respectively) and included in other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets in accordance with Statement Of Position ("SOP") 93-7, "Reporting on Advertising Costs." These costs are charged to expense over the period that the catalogs remain the most current source of sales, which is typically one year or less. The costs associated with brochures and catalog supplements are charged to expense as distributed.

Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of products to its customers. The Company reports its sales net of the amount of actual sales returns and the amount of reserves established for anticipated sales returns based upon historical return rates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement

        In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", which clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements", relating to consolidation of certain entities. First, FIN 46 requires identification of the Company's participation in variable interests entities ("VIE"), which are defined as entities with a level of invested equity that is not sufficient to fund future activities to permit them to operate on a standalone basis, or whose equity holders lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. Then, for entities identified as VIE, FIN 46 sets forth a model to evaluate potential consolidation based on an assessment of which party to the VIE, if any, bears a majority of the exposure to its expected losses, or stands to gain from a majority of its expected returns. FIN 46 also

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sets forth certain disclosures regarding interests in VIE that are deemed significant, even if consolidation is not required. This standard becomes effective during the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Risk Factors

        In addition to the other information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the following factors should be considered in evaluating the Company and its business. Our future operating results depend upon many factors and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The known material risks and uncertainties which may cause our operating results to vary from anticipated results or which may negatively affect our operating results and profitability are as follows:

Changes in our customer and product mix could cause our gross margin percentage to fluctuate.

        From time to time we have experienced changes in our customer mix and in our product mix since our formation. Changes in our customer mix have resulted from geographic expansion, daily selling activities within current geographic markets, and targeted selling activities to new customer segments. Changes in our product mix have resulted from marketing activities to existing customers and needs communicated to us from existing and prospective customers. Although we have been successful in incrementally increasing our gross margin percentage by varying our customer and product mix over the last several years and our strategy has emphasized higher margin, lower volume orders, changes in our customer and product mix could cause our gross margin percentage to fluctuate or decline from time to time in the future.

Our industry is consolidating which could cause it to become more competitive.

        The business of selling MRO supplies in North America is currently undergoing some consolidation. This consolidation is being driven by customer needs and supplier capabilities, which could cause the industry to become more competitive as greater economies of scale are achieved by suppliers.

        Traditional MRO suppliers are attempting to consolidate the market through internal expansion, through acquisition or merger with other industrial and construction suppliers, or through a combination of both. This consolidation allows suppliers to improve efficiency and spread fixed costs over a greater number of sales, and to achieve other benefits derived from economies of scale.

        Customers are increasingly aware of the total costs of fulfillment, and of their need to have consistent sources of supply at multiple locations. Consistent sources of supply provide not just reliable product quantities, but also consistent pricing, quality, services and engineering capabilities. We believe these customer needs could result in fewer suppliers as the industry consolidates, and as the remaining suppliers become larger and capable of being a consistent source of supply.

        The trend of our industry toward consolidation could make it more difficult for us to maintain our operating margins. There can be no assurance that we will be able to take advantage of the trend or that we can do so effectively.

        In addition, as various sectors of the industrial and construction customer base face increased foreign competition and in fact lose business to foreign competitors, or shift their operations overseas or outsource manufacturing requirements to foreign manufacturers, or source supplies from foreign vendors in an effort to reduce expenses, we will face increased difficulty in growing and maintaining our market share and growth prospects.

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We operate in a highly competitive industry.

        The MRO supply industry is a large, fragmented industry that is highly competitive. We face competition from traditional channels of distribution such as retail outlets, small dealerships, regional or national distributors utilizing direct sales forces, manufacturers of MRO supplies, large warehouse stores and larger direct mail distributors. We believe that sales of MRO supplies will become more concentrated over the next few years, which may make the industry more competitive. Our competitors challenge us with a greater variety of product offerings, financial resources, services or a combination of all of these factors.

        Although we have recently had success in diversifying our customer base, which we believe will assist us to better manage periodic downturns in the manufacturing industry, there can be no assurance that sales to these additional customers will offset the adverse effects of other competitive trends in our industry, including those discussed above.

The risk of cancellation or rescheduling of orders may cause our operating results to fluctuate.

        The cancellation or rescheduling of orders may cause our operating results to fluctuate. Although we strive to maintain ongoing relationships with our customers, there is an ongoing risk that orders may be cancelled or rescheduled due to fluctuations in our customers' business needs or purchasing budgets. Additionally, although our customer base is diverse, ranging from one-person machine shops to Fortune 1000 companies and large government agencies, the cancellation or rescheduling of significant orders by larger customers may still have a material adverse effect on our operating results from time to time.

Work stoppages and other disruptions at transportation centers or shipping ports may adversely affect our ability to obtain inventory and make deliveries to our customers.

        Our ability to provide same-day shipping of our core business products is an integral component of our overall business strategy. Disruptions at transportation centers or shipping ports, such as the severe winter weather experienced during the third quarter of fiscal 2003 and the longshoreman's strike on the West Coast in fiscal 2002, affect both our ability to maintain core products in inventory and deliver products to our customers on a timely basis, which may in turn adversely affect our results of operations.

The risks of war, terrorism, and similar hostilities may adversely affect our operating results.

        In addition to having an impact on general economic conditions, events of war, terrorism or other similar occurrences such as the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the recent conflict in Iraq may materially adversely affect our revenues and our ability to service our customers. We believe that both the events of September 11, 2001 and the Iraq conflict had a material adverse effect on our results of operations, although the impact of such events can be difficult to quantify.

Disruptions of our information systems could adversely affect us.

        We believe that our computer software programs are an integral part of our business and growth strategies. We depend upon our information systems to help process orders, to manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell and ship products efficiently and on a timely basis, to maintain cost-effective operations, and to help provide superior service to our customers. Any disruption in the operation of our information systems, including widespread power outages such as those that affected the northeastern and midwest United States in August 2003, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we utilize disaster recovery techniques and procedures, which we believe are adequate to fulfill our needs, and we believe that planned enhancements and upgrades to the next generation of our existing operating

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platforms will be sufficient to sustain our present operations and our anticipated growth for the foreseeable future, there can be no assurance that disruptions of our information systems will not occur.

Our success is dependent on certain key personnel.

        Our success depends largely on the efforts and abilities of certain key senior management. The loss of the services of one or more of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. We do not maintain any key-man insurance policies with respect to any of our executive officers.

Distribution Center Expansions

        In the future, as part of our long term strategic planning, we may open new distribution centers to improve our efficiency, geographic distribution and market penetration. Moving or opening distribution centers requires a substantial capital investment, including expenditures for real estate and construction, and a substantial investment in inventory. In addition, new distribution centers will have an adverse impact on distribution expenses as a percentage of sales, inventory turnover and return on investment in the periods prior to and for some time following the commencement of operations of each new distribution center. Additionally, until sales volumes mature at new distribution centers, operating expenses as a percentage of sales may be adversely impacted. Further, substantial or unanticipated delays in the commencement of operations at new distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on our geographic expansion and may impact results of operations.

Availability of and Integration of Prospective Acquisitions

        Acquisitions have not played a role in our recent growth. From time to time in the future, we may pursue selected acquisitions that either expand or complement our business in new or existing markets. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and to acquire acceptable acquisition candidates on terms favorable to us and in a timely manner. The failure to complete or successfully integrate prospective acquisitions may have an adverse impact on our growth strategy.

Our common stock price may be volatile.

        We believe factors such as fluctuations in our operating results or the operating results of our competitors, changes in economic conditions in the market sectors in which our customers operate (notably the durable and non-durable goods manufacturing industry, which accounted for 73% of our revenue in fiscal 2003), and changes in general market conditions, could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock.

Our principal shareholders exercise significant control over us.

        Our Chief Executive Officer, his sister, certain of their family members and related trusts collectively own 100% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock. Consequently, such shareholders will be in a position to elect all of the directors of the Company and to determine the outcome of any matter submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders for approval.

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

        Sales of a substantial number of shares of Class A common stock in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price of the Class A common stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through an offering of its equity securities. As of February 28, 2004 there were

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41,852,322 shares of Class A common stock outstanding. In addition, 6,045,894 options to purchase shares of Class A common stock granted under the Company's 1995, 1998, and 2001 Stock Option Plans remain outstanding. Options to purchase an additional 4,137,363 shares of Class A common stock may be granted under the Company's 2001 Stock Option Plan. An additional 44,280 shares may be granted under the 1995 Restricted Stock Plan, and approximately 114,000 shares may be sold through the Company's 1998 Associate Stock Purchase Plan.

        Our Class B common stock is convertible, on a one-for-one basis, into our Class A common stock at any time. As of February 28, 2004 there were 25,445,026 shares of Class B common stock outstanding. All of the shares of Class B common stock (and the shares of Class A common stock into which such shares are convertible) are "restricted securities" for purposes of the Securities Act.

        Subject to the volume and other limitations set forth in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, all of such restricted securities are eligible for public sale.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        The Company's principal financial instrument is a long-term note payable under a credit agreement. The Company is affected by market risk exposure primarily through the effect of changes in interest rates on amounts payable by the Company under this credit agreement. Changes in these factors cause fluctuations in the Company's consolidated net income and cash flows. The agreement allows the Company maximum borrowings of $110.0 million under a revolving credit agreement. At February 28, 2004, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this agreement and was in compliance with all financial covenants. The agreement bears interest at the bank's base rate (4.0% at February 28, 2004), or, alternatively, at the bankers' acceptance rate or LIBOR rate plus margins, which vary from 0.65% to 1.25% per annum based on the ratio of total liabilities to effective net worth, or bid note rate.

        The Company also has a long term note payable in the amount of approximately $1.2 million to the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority which is secured by the land on which the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania distribution center is located, which bears interest at 3% per annum and is payable in monthly installments of approximately $20,000 through September 2011.

        The Company does not make material use of derivative financial instruments to hedge against changes in interest rates or for any other purpose.

        The Company maintains an investment portfolio of municipal notes and bonds and corporate bonds of varying maturities. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and, consequently, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. A sharp rise in interest rates could have an adverse effect on the fair value of the Company's investment portfolio. To mitigate the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates on the fair value of its investments, the Company's portfolio is comprised of approximately 75% variable rate debt that resets to market prevailing interest rates at least every 35 days.

        In addition, the Company's interest income is most sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. In this regard, changes in U.S. interest rates affect the interest earned on the Company's cash equivalents and investments in available-for-sale securities.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

        The Company's senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other key members of the Company's management, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

        No change occurred in the Company's internal controls concerning financial reporting during the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

        On August 8, 2002, the Company, its directors and certain of its officers were sued in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in an action entitled Thomas Nunziata vs. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. et. al (CV No. 02 4422). Plaintiff, on behalf of a class of the Company's stockholders, sought unspecified damages based on his allegations arising from the Company's announcement that it would restate its consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 1999 through 2001 and the first three quarters of fiscal 2002. Plaintiff alleged that during the periods affected by the restatement, the Company, its directors and certain of its officers violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by materially misleading the investing public by making false statements in order to inflate the price of the Company's common stock. On August 14, 2002, the Company and certain of its officers and directors were sued in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in an action entitled Sandra Joan Malin Revocable Trust vs. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. et al. (CV No. 02 4503). The allegations in this matter were substantially similar to those made in the Nunziata action. On September 11, 2002, these actions were consolidated under the caption In re MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Securities Litigation (CV No. 02 4422). On October 28, 2003, the parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to settle the matter for $1,250,000. It is anticipated that substantially all of the settlement will be covered by insurance. On November 27, 2003, the parties filed a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement. On March 16, 2004, the court held a settlement fairness hearing, approved the settlement, and dismissed the claims of the class with prejudice.

        There are no other material legal proceedings pending against MSC.

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Item 2. Change in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        The Company awarded approximately 42,000 shares of Class A common stock to senior management on January 6, 2004. These shares were issued pursuant to the Company's Restricted Stock Plan. Exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for the issuance of such shares is claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. Associates vest in their ownership of these shares over seven years in accordance with the Restricted Stock Plan vesting provisions. Associates will forfeit all non vested shares upon departure from the Company. As of February 28, 2004, none of these shares were cancelled or forfeited. The value of these shares at the grant date of approximately $1,177,000 is included as a separate component of shareholders' equity, and the related compensation charge is being recorded over the seven year vesting period. As of February 28, 2004, approximately 44,000 additional shares remain reserved for future issuance under the Restricted Stock Plan.

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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        On January 6, 2004, the Company held its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting"). In connection with the Meeting, the Company solicited proxies from its shareholders pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

        The matters voted upon by the shareholders and the votes cast with respect to such matters are as follows:

1.

To elect the following nominees as Directors

2.

To approve an amendment to the Company's 1995 Restricted Stock Plan.

3.

To approve an amendment to the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan.

4.

To approve an amendment to the Company's 1998 Stock Option Plan.

5.

To approve an amendment to the Company's 2001 Stock Option Plan.

6.

To approve an amendment to the Company's Associate Stock Purchase Plan.

7.

To ratify Ernst & Young LLP as independent certified public accountants of the Company for fiscal year 2004.

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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

        a.    Exhibits:    

        b.    Reports on Form 8-K:    The Company filed three Current Reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended February 28, 2004. Information regarding the items reported on is as follows:

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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QuickLinks

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 2. Change in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K