AAON, Inc. (AAON) vs MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM)

A side-by-side comparison of AAON, Inc. and MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAAON vs MSM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AAON +332.1% (+15.8%/yr)MSM +164.2% (+10.2%/yr)AAON compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$432$264
AAON MSM

AAON vs MSM: by the numbers

  • MSM is the larger company ($6.81B vs $6.40B market cap).
  • MSM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.47 vs 40.92 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AAON converts more revenue to profit (8.24% vs 5.90% net margin).
  • AAON grew revenue faster over the past five years (30.47% vs 4.34% CAGR).
  • MSM pays the higher dividend yield (2.85% vs 0.51%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAONMSM
P/E ratio40.9229.47
Forward P/E33.0926.45
P/S ratio3.391.75
P/B ratio6.484.81
EV / EBITDA21.9216.49
FCF yieldN/A3.22%

Profitability

MetricAAONMSM
Gross margin25.57%40.82%
Operating margin11.05%8.80%
Net margin8.24%5.90%
ROE15.76%16.24%
ROIC11.51%12.36%

Dividends

MetricAAONMSM
Dividend yield0.51%2.85%
Payout ratio30.30%97.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAONMSM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)30.47%4.34%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.50%-4.65%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-57.58%5.48%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.82%11.51%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAON or MSM?
MSM has the lower trailing P/E: AAON trades at 40.92 and MSM at 29.47. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAON or MSM?
Over the past five years, AAON grew revenue faster — AAON at a 30.47% CAGR versus MSM at 4.34%.
Does AAON or MSM pay a bigger dividend?
AAON yields 0.51% and MSM yields 2.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAON or MSM more profitable?
AAON runs the higher net margin — AAON at 8.24% versus MSM at 5.90%.
How have AAON and MSM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAON delivered 16.23% and MSM delivered 10.07% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 28, 2026.