WW Grainger Inc (GWW)vsMSC Industrial Direct Company Inc (MSM)
GWW
WW Grainger Inc
$1,280.00
+0.67%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $60.29B
MSM
MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
$120.51
+0.69%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $6.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WW Grainger Inc generates 382% more annual revenue ($18.84B vs $3.91B). GWW leads profitability with a 9.9% profit margin vs 5.9%. GWW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.73. GWW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
GWW
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
MSM
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for GWW.
Margin of Safety
+1.4%
Fair Value
$96.39
Current Price
$120.51
$24.12 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 20.5% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 14.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
5.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GWW
The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MSM
The strongest argument for MSM centers on Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
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, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GWW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
GWW is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — sustainability is the question.
GWW generates stronger free cash flow (333M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
GWW scores higher overall (64/100 vs 61/100) and 10.3% revenue growth. 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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