MSM
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.
Industrial - Distribution
Market Cap$5.82B
5Y Perf.+50.4%
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Stock Comparison
MSM vs FAST
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
FAST
Fastenal Company
Industrial - Distribution
Market Cap$50.71B
5Y Perf.+114.1%
MSM vs FAST — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MSM | FAST |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Industrial - Distribution | Industrial - Distribution |
| Market Cap | $5.82B | $50.71B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $3.81B | $8.20B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $205M | $1.26B |
| Gross Margin | 40.7% | 45.0% |
| Operating Margin | 8.4% | 20.2% |
| Forward P/E | 24.0x | 35.7x |
| Total Debt | $539M | $442M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $56M | $277M |
MSM vs FAST — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MSM
FAST
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Industrial Dire… (MSM) | 100 | 150.4 | +50.4% |
| Fastenal Company (FAST) | 100 | 214.1 | +114.1% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MSM vs FAST
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: FAST leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MSM
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.
The Income Pick
MSM is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability.
- Dividend streak 4 yrs, beta 0.85, yield 3.3%
- Lower P/E (24.0x vs 35.7x)
- 3.3% yield, 4-year raise streak, vs FAST's 2.0%
Best for: income & stability
FAST
Fastenal Company
The Growth Play
FAST carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 8.7%, EPS growth 9.0%, 3Y rev CAGR 5.5%
- 336.4% 10Y total return vs MSM's 87.3%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.65, Low D/E 11.2%, current ratio 4.85x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | FAST | 8.7% revenue growth vs MSM's -1.3% |
| Value | MSM | Lower P/E (24.0x vs 35.7x) |
| Quality / Margins | FAST | 15.3% margin vs MSM's 5.4% |
| Stability / Safety | FAST | Beta 0.65 vs MSM's 0.85, lower leverage |
| Dividends | MSM | 3.3% yield, 4-year raise streak, vs FAST's 2.0% |
| Momentum (1Y) | MSM | +41.7% vs FAST's +13.7% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | FAST | 24.9% ROA vs MSM's 8.2%, ROIC 31.2% vs 12.3% |
MSM vs FAST — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2015
MSM vs FAST — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLFASTLAGGINGMSM
MSMMSC Industrial Direct…
2leads
FASTFastenal Company
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MSMMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
FAST6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
MSM6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
FAST9/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
FAST4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
MSM2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
FAST leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
FAST is the larger business by revenue, generating $8.2B annually — 2.2x MSM's $3.8B. FAST is the more profitable business, keeping 15.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to MSM's 5.4%. On growth, FAST holds the edge at +11.1% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MSMMSC Industrial Di… | FASTFastenal Company |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $3.8B | $8.2B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $414M | $1.8B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $205M | $1.3B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $167M | $1.1B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +40.7% | +45.0% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +8.4% | +20.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +5.4% | +15.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +4.4% | +12.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.0% | +11.1% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +12.0% | +13.0% |
FAST leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
MSM leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 29.2x trailing earnings, MSM trades at a 28% valuation discount to FAST's 40.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, MSM's 15.6x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than FAST's 30.7x.
| Metric | MSMMSC Industrial Di… | FASTFastenal Company |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $5.8B | $50.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $6.3B | $50.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 29.21x | 40.52x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 23.98x | 35.66x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 5.22x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 15.60x | 30.73x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.54x | 6.18x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 4.17x | 12.88x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 24.16x | 48.27x |
MSM leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
FAST leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
FAST delivers a 31.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $32 in annual profit, vs $15 for MSM. FAST carries lower financial leverage with a 0.11x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MSM's 0.39x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), FAST scores 7/9 vs MSM's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | MSMMSC Industrial Di… | FASTFastenal Company |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +14.8% | +31.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +8.2% | +24.9% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +12.3% | +31.2% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +17.5% | +39.7% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.39x | 0.11x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $483M | $165M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $56M | $277M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $539M | $442M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 12.56x | 259.39x |
FAST leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
FAST leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in FAST five years ago would be worth $17,893 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $12,819 for MSM. Over the past 12 months, MSM leads with a +41.7% total return vs FAST's +13.7%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors FAST at 19.9% vs MSM's 8.0% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MSMMSC Industrial Di… | FASTFastenal Company |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +23.5% | +10.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +41.7% | +13.7% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +25.9% | +72.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +28.2% | +78.9% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +87.3% | +336.4% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +8.0% | +19.9% |
FAST leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — MSM and FAST each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
FAST is the less volatile stock with a 0.65 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MSM's 0.85 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MSM currently trades 97.4% from its 52-week high vs FAST's 87.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MSMMSC Industrial Di… | FASTFastenal Company |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.85x | 0.65x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $107.09 | $50.63 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $75.37 | $38.97 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +97.4% | +87.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 65.9 | 44.9 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 606K | 7.3M |
Evenly matched — MSM and FAST each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
MSM leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MSM as "Hold" and FAST as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 5.4% upside for FAST (target: $47) vs -6.3% for MSM (target: $98). For income investors, MSM offers the higher dividend yield at 3.25% vs FAST's 1.98%.
| Metric | MSMMSC Industrial Di… | FASTFastenal Company |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $97.75 | $46.57 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 28 | 31 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +3.3% | +2.0% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 4 | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $3.39 | $0.87 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.7% | 0.0% |
MSM leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
FAST leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). MSM leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Analyst Outlook). 1 tied.
Best OverallFastenal Company (FAST)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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MSM vs FAST: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MSM or FAST a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Fastenal Company (FAST) is the stronger pick with 8.
7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -1. 3% for MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. (MSM). MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. (MSM) offers the better valuation at 29. 2x trailing P/E (24. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. (MSM) a "Hold" — based on 28 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — MSM or FAST?
On trailing P/E, MSC Industrial Direct Co.
, Inc. (MSM) is the cheapest at 29. 2x versus Fastenal Company at 40. 5x. On forward P/E, MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. is actually cheaper at 24. 0x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MSM or FAST?
Over the past 5 years, Fastenal Company (FAST) delivered a total return of +78.
9%, compared to +28. 2% for MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. (MSM). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: FAST returned +336. 4% versus MSM's +87. 3%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — MSM or FAST?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Fastenal Company (FAST) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
65β versus MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. 's 0. 85β — meaning MSM is approximately 30% more volatile than FAST relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Fastenal Company (FAST) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 11% versus 39% for MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MSM or FAST?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Fastenal Company (FAST) is pulling ahead at 8.
7% versus -1. 3% for MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. (MSM). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Fastenal Company grew EPS 9. 0% year-over-year, compared to -22. 1% for MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, FAST leads at 5. 5% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — MSM or FAST?
Fastenal Company (FAST) is the more profitable company, earning 15.
3% net margin versus 5. 3% for MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. — meaning it keeps 15. 3% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: FAST leads at 20. 2% versus 8. 3% for MSM. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — FAST leads at 45. 0%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is MSM or FAST more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, MSC Industrial Direct Co.
, Inc. (MSM) trades at 24. 0x forward P/E versus 35. 7x for Fastenal Company — 11. 7x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for FAST: 5. 4% to $46. 57.
08Which pays a better dividend — MSM or FAST?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
MSC Industrial Direct Co. , Inc. (MSM) offers the highest yield at 3. 3%, versus 2. 0% for Fastenal Company (FAST).
09Is MSM or FAST better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Fastenal Company (FAST) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
65), 2. 0% yield, +336. 4% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (FAST: +336. 4%, MSM: +87. 3%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between MSM and FAST?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: MSM is a small-cap income-oriented stock; FAST is a mid-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(MSM: 4.0% · FAST: 11.1%)Net Margin>
%
(MSM: 5.4% · FAST: 15.3%)P/E Ratio<
x
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