AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) vs MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM)

A side-by-side comparison of AeroVironment, Inc. and MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 27, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAVAV vs MSM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AVAV +493.7% (+19.5%/yr)MSM +153.4% (+9.7%/yr)AVAV compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$594$253
AVAV MSM

AVAV vs MSM: by the numbers

  • AVAV is the larger company ($7.71B vs $6.81B market cap).
  • MSM is profitable (5.90% net margin) while AVAV runs a net loss (-13.41%).
  • AVAV grew revenue faster over the past five years (38.01% vs 4.34% CAGR).
  • MSM pays a dividend (2.85% yield), while AVAV has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAVAVMSM
P/E ratioN/A29.47
Forward P/E51.2626.45
P/S ratio3.651.75
P/B ratio1.644.81
EV / EBITDAN/A16.49
FCF yieldN/A3.22%

Profitability

MetricAVAVMSM
Gross margin25.33%40.82%
Operating margin-15.73%8.80%
Net margin-13.41%5.90%
ROE-6.02%16.24%
ROIC-5.89%12.36%

Dividends

MetricAVAVMSM
Dividend yieldN/A2.85%
Payout ratioN/A97.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAVAVMSM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)38.01%4.34%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.16%-4.65%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A5.48%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.75%11.51%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, AVAV or MSM?
Over the past five years, AVAV grew revenue faster — AVAV at a 38.01% CAGR versus MSM at 4.34%.
Does AVAV or MSM pay a bigger dividend?
MSM pays a dividend (2.85% yield), while AVAV has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is AVAV or MSM more profitable?
MSM runs the higher net margin — AVAV at -13.41% versus MSM at 5.90%.
How have AVAV and MSM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AVAV delivered 17.42% 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 27, 2026.