As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q1. Today, we are looking at maintenance and repair distributors stocks, starting with DXP (NASDAQ: DXPE).

Supply chain and inventory management are themes that grew in focus after COVID wreaked havoc on the global movement of raw materials and components. Maintenance and repair distributors that boast reliable selection and quickly deliver products to customers can benefit from this theme. While e-commerce hasn’t disrupted industrial distribution as much as consumer retail, it is still a real threat, forcing investment in omnichannel capabilities to serve customers everywhere. Additionally, maintenance and repair distributors are at the whim of economic cycles that impact the capital spending and construction projects that can juice demand.

The 9 maintenance and repair distributors stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.3%.

Thankfully, share prices of the companies have been resilient as they are up 5.9% on average since the latest earnings results.

Weakest Q1: DXP (NASDAQ: DXPE)

Founded during the emergence of Big Oil in Texas, DXP (NASDAQ: DXPE) provides pumps, valves, and other industrial components.

DXP reported revenues of $521.7 million, up 9.5% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. Overall, it was a disappointing quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income and revenue estimates.

David R. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "The Company posted first quarter financial results, delivering solid sales, adjusted EBITDA, earnings per share and free cash flow. First quarter results reflect the continued execution of our growth strategy. This resulted in operating leverage that produced diluted earnings per share of $1.22. DXP’s fiscal year 2026 first quarter sales were $521.7 million, or a 9.5 percent growth over the same period in 2025. Adjusted EBITDA was $57.8 million in the quarter. During the first quarter of 2026, sales were $338.0 million for Service Centers, $118.7 million for Innovative Pumping Solutions, and $65.0 million for Supply Chain Services. Overall, we are pleased with our performance and the progress DXP continues to make as a growth company. "

DXP delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates of the whole group. Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 14.5% since reporting and currently trades at $155.23.

Is now the time to buy DXP? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q1: VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC)

With roots dating back to 1959 and a strategic focus on extending the life of transportation assets, VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC) provides aftermarket parts distribution and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft and vehicle fleets in commercial and government markets.

VSE Corporation reported revenues of $324.6 million, up 26.8% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.7%. The business had an incredible quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates.

VSE Corporation delivered the biggest analyst estimate beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. However, the results were likely priced into the stock as it’s traded sideways since reporting. Shares currently sit at $176.05.

Is now the time to buy VSE Corporation? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Distribution Solutions (NASDAQ: DSGR)

Founded in 1952, Distribution Solutions (NASDAQ: DSGR) provides supply chain solutions and distributes industrial, safety, and maintenance products to various industries.

Distribution Solutions reported revenues of $496 million, up 3.8% year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 1.4%. Still, it was a softer quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 1.9% since the results and currently trades at $27.45.

Read our full analysis of Distribution Solutions’s results here.

MSC Industrial (NYSE: MSM)

Founded in NYC’s Little Italy, MSC Industrial Direct (NYSE: MSM) provides industrial supplies and equipment, offering vast and reliable selection for customers such as contractors

MSC Industrial reported revenues of $917.8 million, up 2.9% year on year. This print came in 1.6% below analysts’ expectations. Overall, it was a softer quarter as it also logged a miss of analysts’ revenue and adjusted operating income estimates.

MSC Industrial had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 27% since reporting and currently trades at $117.19.

Read our full, actionable report on MSC Industrial here, it’s free.

Global Industrial (NYSE: GIC)

Formerly known as Systemax, Global Industrial (NYSE: GIC) distributes industrial and commercial products to businesses and institutions.

Global Industrial reported revenues of $350.4 million, up 9.2% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 1.8%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also produced an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 7.5% since reporting and currently trades at $30.39.

Read our full, actionable report on Global Industrial here, it’s free.

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand-wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 5 Quality Compounder Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.