WW Grainger Inc (GWW)vsMSC Industrial Direct Company Inc (MSM)
GWW
WW Grainger Inc
$1,075.87
+0.98%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $50.97B
MSM
MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
$91.90
+1.52%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $5.13B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WW Grainger Inc generates 371% more annual revenue ($17.94B vs $3.81B). GWW leads profitability with a 9.5% profit margin vs 5.4%. GWW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. MSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).
GWW
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
MSM
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-399.9%
Fair Value
$240.52
Current Price
$1075.87
$835.35 premium
Margin of Safety
-0.8%
Fair Value
$94.25
Current Price
$91.90
$2.35 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 13.7x book value
4.5% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.0% revenue growth
5.4% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GWW
The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
Bull Case : MSM
The strongest argument for MSM centers on Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : GWW
The primary concerns for GWW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MSM
The primary concerns for MSM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GWW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
GWW is growing revenue faster at 4.5% — sustainability is the question.
GWW generates stronger free cash flow (269M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MSM scores higher overall (51/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
WW Grainger Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
W. W. Grainger, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 industrial supply company founded in 1927 in Chicago by William W. (Bill) Grainger.
Visit Website →MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., distributes metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Melville, New York.
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