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MSM vs WCC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) vs. WESCO International (WCC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) and WESCO International (WCC) both compete in the industrial distribution sector, but WCC holds a much larger market capitalization of $15.38 billion versus MSM's $5.82 billion.
- WCC has delivered superior one-year returns of 96.89% compared to MSM's 39.56%, though year-to-date gains are closely matched at 29.24% for WCC and 26.37% for MSM.
- Valuation metrics show WCC trading at a lower trailing P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio of 24.18 versus MSM's 28.00, with forward P/E ratios of 20.37 and 24.21, respectively.
- Recent momentum favors MSM with a 7.25% weekly price gain amid an analyst upgrade, while WCC dipped 2.24% weekly.
- MSM exhibits lower volatility with a beta of 0.77 compared to WCC's 1.45, appealing to risk-averse investors.
- Both stocks carry overweight analyst ratings, with average price targets suggesting modest upside for MSM at $93.50 and stronger potential for WCC at $317.09.
Introduction
In the competitive industrial distribution sector, MSM and WCC offer investors exposure to essential supply chain players serving manufacturing and infrastructure needs. This comparison analyzes their recent market positioning, performance trends, and key metrics amid evolving economic conditions, including industrial activity recovery and supply chain dynamics. Traders seeking relative strength in industrials or long-term holders evaluating growth versus stability will find value in understanding their contrasts and shared traits.
MSM Overview and Recent Performance
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) is a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products to industrial customers. In recent market activity, shares have climbed, reflecting a year-to-date gain of 26.37% and trading around $104. Fiscal second-quarter 2026 results showed revenue rising 2.9% year-over-year to $917.8 million, though earnings per share (EPS) of $0.82 missed estimates slightly. Sentiment has improved following a KeyBanc upgrade to overweight with a $117 target, driven by margin initiatives and organizational changes amid stabilizing industrial demand.
WCC Overview and Recent Performance
WESCO International, Inc. (WCC) specializes in distributing electrical, data communications, and utility products globally, benefiting from infrastructure and electrification trends. Shares trade near $316, with robust year-to-date returns of 29.24% and one-year gains of 96.89%. Trailing twelve-month revenue stands at $23.51 billion, supported by prior quarters' double-digit growth, such as fourth-quarter 2025 sales up 10.3% to $6.07 billion. Recent developments include sustainability initiatives and community efforts, bolstering a positive outlook despite short-term price softness, with analysts maintaining overweight ratings.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
While both firms thrive in industrial distribution, MSM focuses on MRO supplies for metalworking, whereas WCC offers broader electrical and utility solutions, exposing it more to electrification growth drivers. WCC's scale yields higher revenue ($23.5 billion TTM vs. $3.83 billion) but also elevated debt ($6.53 billion vs. $559 million). Recent momentum shows MSM's edge in weekly gains and technical scores, contrasting WCC's dominant long-term returns. Risk profiles differ markedly: MSM's lower beta suits conservative portfolios, while WCC's higher volatility ties to its aggressive expansion. Market sentiment leans positive for both, though WCC's cheaper multiples and profit margins (despite lower at 2.72% vs. 5.42%) highlight value trade-offs in growth versus stability.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI models would likely favor WCC in the current environment, citing its superior scale, long-term trend consistency with 97% one-year gains, and relatively attractive trailing P/E positioning amid strong revenue momentum. MSM remains compelling for stability-focused strategies given recent upgrades and lower risk, but WCC's catalysts in infrastructure demand provide a probabilistic edge for trend-following approaches.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer. Disclaimers and Limitations
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is MSM is a Buy and WCC is a Hold.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
MSM’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileWCC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- MSM’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- WCC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
MSM’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WCC’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MSM’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
- WCC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
MSM (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а +2.79% price change this week, while WCC (@Electronics Distributors) price change was +6.31% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +1.06%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.70%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.32%.
Reported Earning Dates
MSM is expected to report earnings on Jul 01, 2026.
WCC is expected to report earnings on Jul 30, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronics Distributors (+1.06% weekly)Electronics distributors are companies that are involved in distribution of one or more of the following: electronic components, computer products/ peripherals and software products & services. Several electronics distributors are also becoming the point of contact for technical/pre- & post-sale support in many cases, in an attempt to bolster their position in the market. Tariffs and/or cross-border trade barriers are some of the potential threats to the electronics supply chain, but that could also potentially lead to re-directing to markets where tariffs/restrictions are lower depending on demand. The industry is also vulnerable in the event of economic slowdowns. Arrow Electronics, Inc., SYNNEX Corporation and Versum Materials, Inc. are some of the major electronics distributors in the U.S.
| MSM | WCC | MSM / WCC | |
| Capitalization | 6.56B | 18B | 36% |
| EBITDA | 395M | 1.53B | 26% |
| Gain YTD | 42.432 | 51.642 | 82% |
| P/E Ratio | 31.56 | 26.30 | 120% |
| Revenue | 3.83B | 24.2B | 16% |
| Total Cash | 46.2M | N/A | - |
| Total Debt | 559M | 6.51B | 9% |
MSM | WCC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 22 | 31 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 24 Undervalued | 60 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 35 | 9 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 57 | 61 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 39 | 38 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 21 | 11 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
MSM's Valuation (24) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WCC (60). This means that MSM’s stock grew somewhat faster than WCC’s over the last 12 months.
WCC's Profit vs Risk Rating (9) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as MSM (35). This means that WCC’s stock grew similarly to MSM’s over the last 12 months.
MSM's SMR Rating (57) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as WCC (61). This means that MSM’s stock grew similarly to WCC’s over the last 12 months.
WCC's Price Growth Rating (38) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as MSM (39). This means that WCC’s stock grew similarly to MSM’s over the last 12 months.
WCC's P/E Growth Rating (11) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as MSM (21). This means that WCC’s stock grew similarly to MSM’s over the last 12 months.
| MSM | WCC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 80% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 6 days ago 51% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 77% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 75% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 79% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 19 days ago 58% | 16 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 70% |
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MSM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MSM has been loosely correlated with AIT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 64% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MSM jumps, then AIT could also see price increases.
WCC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WCC has been loosely correlated with AIT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if WCC jumps, then AIT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WCC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WCC | 100% | +1.19% | ||
| AIT - WCC | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.03% | ||
| FERG - WCC | 55% Loosely correlated | -0.45% | ||
| QXO - WCC | 55% Loosely correlated | -5.74% | ||
| MSM - WCC | 49% Loosely correlated | -0.93% | ||
| TITN - WCC | 49% Loosely correlated | +0.82% | ||
More | ||||