MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) vs WESCO International (WCC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
WESCO International (WCC) has outperformed MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) over the past year, gaining 71.1% versus a gain of 44.5%. Over five years, WCC leads with a +193.3% price change compared with +54.4% for MSM. On valuation, WESCO International trades at a lower forward P/E (18.3x vs 23.9x for MSC Industrial Direct).
MSC Industrial Direct offers the higher dividend yield (2.67% vs 0.52%). MSC Industrial Direct converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.3% versus 2.7%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | MSM | WCC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $130.38 | $366.12 |
| Market cap | — | $17.84B |
| 1-day change | +0.05% | -4.68% |
| YTD return | +55.03% | +49.66% |
| 1-year return | +44.48% | +71.10% |
| 5-year return | +54.42% | +193.34% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 31.49 | 25.32 |
| Forward P/E | 23.94 | 18.27 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.14 | $14.46 |
| Dividend yield | 2.67% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $1.91 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.77B | $23.51B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.35% | +7.76% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $199.33M | $640.20M |
| Gross margin | 40.75% | 21.15% |
| Operating margin | 8.00% | 5.24% |
| Net margin | 5.29% | 2.72% |
| 52-week high | $132.33 | $388.64 |
| 52-week low | $78.80 | $207.39 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -1.47% | -5.79% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +0.48% | +9.03% |
| Average volume | 690.75K | 584.14K |
| Shares outstanding | — | 48.73M |
| Employees | 7,077 | 21,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Telecommunications Equipment |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- WCC has outperformed MSM by 26.6 percentage points over the past year.
- MSC Industrial Direct offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.67% vs 0.52%).
- WESCO International grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+7.76% vs -1.35%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: MSC Industrial Direct in Industrials and WESCO International in Consumer Discretionary.
About MSC Industrial Direct
MSM stock →MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's metalworking and MRO products include cutting tools, abrasives, machining fluids, measuring instruments, metalworking products, machinery and accessories, tooling components, fasteners, flat stock products, raw materials, machinery hand and power tools, safety and janitorial supplies, plumbing supplies, materials handling products, power transmission components, and electrical supplies.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 7,077 employees
About WESCO International
WCC stock →WESCO International, Inc. provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Telecommunications Equipment · 21,000 employees
MSM vs WCC FAQ
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSM or WCC?
WCC returned +71.10% over the past 12 months, compared with +44.48% for MSM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MSM or WCC?
WCC has the lower trailing P/E at 25.3, versus 31.5 for MSM. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSC Industrial Direct or WESCO International?
MSC Industrial Direct has the higher yield at 2.67%, compared with 0.52% for WESCO International.
Are MSC Industrial Direct and WESCO International in the same industry?
No. MSC Industrial Direct is in the Industrials sector, while WESCO International is in Consumer Discretionary.