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

A side-by-side comparison of CAE Inc. and MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — CAE vs MSM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CAE +76.2% (+5.8%/yr)MSM +173.8% (+10.6%/yr)MSM compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$176$274
CAE MSM

CAE vs MSM: by the numbers

  • •CAE is the larger company ($7.62B vs $7.27B market cap).
  • •MSM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.44 vs 36.97 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •MSM converts more revenue to profit (5.90% vs 5.78% net margin).
  • •CAE grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.86% vs 4.34% CAGR).
  • •MSM pays a dividend (2.67% yield), while CAE is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCAEMSM
P/E ratio36.9731.44
Forward P/EN/A23.71
P/S ratio2.131.86
P/B ratio2.005.12
EV / EBITDA12.0717.48
FCF yield6.90%3.03%

Profitability

MetricCAEMSM
Gross margin28.57%40.82%
Operating margin12.59%8.80%
Net margin5.78%5.90%
ROE5.43%16.24%
ROIC5.72%12.36%

Dividends

MetricCAEMSM
Dividend yieldN/A2.67%
Payout ratioN/A84.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCAEMSM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.86%4.34%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A-4.65%
FCF CAGR (5Y)46.44%5.48%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.20%13.77%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAE or MSM?
MSM has the lower trailing P/E: CAE trades at 36.97 and MSM at 31.44. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CAE or MSM?
Over the past five years, CAE grew revenue faster — CAE at a 9.86% CAGR versus MSM at 4.34%.
Does CAE or MSM pay a bigger dividend?
MSM pays a dividend (2.67% yield), while CAE is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is CAE or MSM more profitable?
MSM runs the higher net margin — CAE at 5.78% versus MSM at 5.90%.
How have CAE and MSM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CAE delivered 5.76% and MSM delivered 10.73% 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 October 6, 2026.