Industrial distributors sit at the intersection of manufacturing activity, infrastructure spending, and technology-driven demand, making them a useful lens for gauging the broader economy. This stock comparison examines three publicly traded distributors — AIT (Applied Industrial Technologies), MSM (MSC Industrial Direct), and WCC (WESCO International) — across business models, recent momentum, valuation, and risk. Investors focused on cyclical industrial recovery, automation, or data-center buildouts may find the contrast instructive, given that each company skews toward different growth engines within the same broad sector.
Applied Industrial Technologies is a value-added distributor of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, and automation technologies, serving MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) and OEM (original equipment manufacturing) customers. In recent quarters, AIT posted record results, with organic sales growth accelerating to its strongest pace in over two years and its Engineered Solutions segment leading gains. Automation and technology-related demand, including semiconductor and data-center applications, has grown to a meaningful share of that segment. Recent market activity reflects a stock that has rallied strongly over the past year but has cooled slightly near-term, leaving the shares trading at a clear premium to peers on earnings multiples. Management has signaled confidence through a share-repurchase authorization, a higher dividend, and an active M&A (mergers and acquisitions) pipeline, alongside an early-stage drone and AI joint-venture letter of intent.
MSC Industrial Direct distributes metalworking and MRO products and services, with a focus on vending and in-plant inventory-management solutions for manufacturing customers. MSM is navigating a leadership transition and a multi-year cost-reduction program targeting roughly $50 million in annual savings, including workforce reductions. Recent quarters showed a return to sales growth driven by price and renewed volume, with operating margin expanding year over year. The stock has delivered outsized relative performance, rising sharply over the past year and year to date, which has compressed the gap between price and analyst targets and pushed valuation multiples higher. Sentiment has improved as analysts upgraded the shares, though some market participants remain cautious about execution risk tied to the restructuring and a relatively modest long-term growth profile.
WESCO International is a large-scale distributor of electrical, communications, and utility products and supply-chain solutions, operating through segments serving construction, industrial, and utility customers. WCC has been the clearest beneficiary of AI-driven data-center and power-infrastructure demand, with data-center sales growing rapidly and total backlog reaching record levels. Recent results showed double-digit organic growth and expanding adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margins, prompting management to raise its full-year outlook. The company has also expanded into data-center cooling through a planned acquisition. These strengths are offset by elevated leverage and free-cash-flow pressure from rising working capital, which have kept some investors cautious despite the strong top-line momentum.
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These three distributors diverge most clearly on scale, growth drivers, and risk. WCC is by far the largest, with roughly $25 billion in annual revenue and a beta above the market, reflecting its cyclicality and data-center concentration; it trades at a lower trailing earnings multiple but carries substantially higher debt. AIT is the most specialized and margin-rich of the group, with a premium valuation justified by automation and technology exposure, but less direct leverage to the data-center boom. MSM is the smallest and most turnaround-dependent, offering the highest dividend yield but a growth path tied to cost discipline and a still-recovering industrial end market. In terms of market positioning, WCC leads on momentum and catalyst breadth, AIT on consistency and profitability, and MSM on yield and operational-reset upside.
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely assign the strongest near-term relative standing to WCC, given its consistent trend, accelerating data-center-led growth, record backlog, and upward guidance revisions. AIT presents a steadier, higher-quality profile that may appeal where trend stability and margin consistency are prioritized, though its premium valuation tempers the case. MSM shows improving momentum but remains more dependent on successful restructuring execution. This assessment reflects probabilistic positioning based on current data rather than a definitive forecast, and relative rankings could shift as new earnings and market data arrive.
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AIT saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on October 22, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 94 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 52 of the 94 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 55%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for AIT turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 53%.
AIT moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for AIT crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 42%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AIT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 48%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 41 of 55 cases where AIT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Following a +1.89% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AIT advanced for three days, in 223 of 335 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
AIT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 173 of 276 cases where AIT Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 63%.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 7 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 67, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. AIT’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 86 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (6.255) is normal, around the industry mean (4.036). P/E Ratio (28.584) is within average values for comparable stocks, (0.809). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.812) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.491) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.402) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
MSM may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 31 of 37 cases where MSM's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The 10-day moving average for MSM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +3.56% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MSM advanced for three days, in 184 of 332 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 139 of 276 cases where MSM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 50%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 39 of 67 cases where MSM's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on MSM as a result. In 51 of 90 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for MSM turned negative on October 19, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 56%.
MSM moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MSM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 54%.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 67, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MSM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 83 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.480) is normal, around the industry mean (4.036). P/E Ratio (27.502) is within average values for comparable stocks, (0.809). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.487) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.031) settles around the average of (0.491) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.724) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
WCC saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 09, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 47 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 72%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on WCC as a result. In 53 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
WCC moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for WCC crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 21 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 43%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WCC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 65%.
The RSI Indicator entered the oversold zone -- be on the watch for WCC's price rising or consolidating in the future. That's also the time to consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 7 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +6.16% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WCC advanced for three days, in 261 of 333 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
WCC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 214 of 279 cases where WCC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 77%.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 67, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 19 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. WCC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 69 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.969) is normal, around the industry mean (4.036). P/E Ratio (21.634) is within average values for comparable stocks, (0.809). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.553) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.491) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.664) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
AIT | MSM | WCC | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 74 | 32 | 65 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 86 Overvalued | 83 Overvalued | 69 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 7 | 26 | 12 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 43 | 52 | 58 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 54 | 51 | 55 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 26 | 28 | 19 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 85 | 90 |
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.
WCC's Valuation (69) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as MSM (83) and is in the same range as AIT (86). This means that WCC's stock grew similarly to MSM’s and similarly to AIT’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's Profit vs Risk Rating (7) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as WCC (12) and is in the same range as MSM (26). This means that AIT's stock grew similarly to WCC’s and similarly to MSM’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's SMR Rating (43) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as MSM (52) and is in the same range as WCC (58). This means that AIT's stock grew similarly to MSM’s and similarly to WCC’s over the last 12 months.
MSM's Price Growth Rating (51) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as AIT (54) and is in the same range as WCC (55). This means that MSM's stock grew similarly to AIT’s and similarly to WCC’s over the last 12 months.
WCC's P/E Growth Rating (19) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as AIT (26) and is in the same range as MSM (28). This means that WCC's stock grew similarly to AIT’s and similarly to MSM’s over the last 12 months.
| AIT | MSM | WCC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 3 days ago 74% | 3 days ago 84% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 75% | 3 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 83% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 55% | 3 days ago 57% | 3 days ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 53% | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 72% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 50% | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 53% | 3 days ago 50% | 3 days ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 21 days ago 67% | 5 days ago 55% | 24 days ago 78% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 48% | 7 days ago 54% | 3 days ago 65% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 82% | 3 days ago 84% | 3 days ago 85% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 63% | 3 days ago 50% | 3 days ago 77% |
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 overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AIT’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while MSM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s), and WCC’s FA Score reflects 2 green FA rating(s).
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.
AIT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MSM’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s), and WCC’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
AIT (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а -4.08% price change this week, while MSM (@Electronics Distributors) price change was -12.67% , and WCC (@Electronics Distributors) price fluctuated -6.71% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was -0.39%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.51%, and the average quarterly price growth was +6.01%.
AIT is expected to report earnings on Oct 27, 2026.
MSM is expected to report earnings on Jan 13, 2027.
WCC is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
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.
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AIT has been loosely correlated with WCC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 61% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if AIT jumps, then WCC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To AIT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIT | 100% | -0.75% | ||
| WCC - AIT | 61% Loosely correlated | -1.75% | ||
| MSM - AIT | 59% Loosely correlated | +1.27% | ||
| FERG - AIT | 57% Loosely correlated | -0.20% | ||
| FAST - AIT | 52% Loosely correlated | -1.56% | ||
| CNM - AIT | 52% Loosely correlated | -0.85% | ||
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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% | -1.75% | ||
| AIT - WCC | 59% Loosely correlated | -0.75% | ||
| FERG - WCC | 52% Loosely correlated | -0.20% | ||
| CNM - WCC | 51% Loosely correlated | -0.85% | ||
| TITN - WCC | 49% Loosely correlated | +0.57% | ||
| QXO - WCC | 47% Loosely correlated | -4.63% | ||
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