Matson, Inc. (MATX) vs MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM)
A side-by-side comparison of Matson, 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.
MATX
Matson, Inc.
$222.07IndustrialsDelayed quote: Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MSM
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.
$122.01IndustrialsDelayed quote: Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MATX vs MSM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMATX +614.7% (+21.7%/yr)MSM +153.4% (+9.7%/yr)MATX compounded faster over this window
MATX MSM
MATX vs MSM: by the numbers
- •MSM is the larger company ($6.81B vs $6.72B market cap).
- •MATX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.82 vs 29.47 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MATX converts more revenue to profit (13.41% vs 5.90% net margin).
- •MSM grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.34% vs 3.36% CAGR).
- •MSM pays the higher dividend yield (2.85% vs 0.66%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MATX | MSM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 14.82 | 29.47 |
| Forward P/E | 13.81 | 26.45 |
| P/S ratio | 1.94 | 1.75 |
| P/B ratio | 2.42 | 4.81 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.48 | 16.49 |
| FCF yield | 1.84% | 3.22% |
Profitability
| Metric | MATX | MSM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 23.02% | 40.82% |
| Operating margin | 14.49% | 8.80% |
| Net margin | 13.41% | 5.90% |
| ROE | 16.72% | 16.24% |
| ROIC | 10.16% | 12.36% |
Dividends
| Metric | MATX | MSM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.66% | 2.85% |
| Payout ratio | 10.40% | 97.48% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MATX | MSM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 3.36% | 4.34% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 25.67% | -4.65% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -15.37% | 5.48% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 25.56% | 11.51% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MATX or MSM?
- MATX has the lower trailing P/E: MATX trades at 14.82 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, MATX or MSM?
- Over the past five years, MSM grew revenue faster — MATX at a 3.36% CAGR versus MSM at 4.34%.
- Does MATX or MSM pay a bigger dividend?
- MATX yields 0.66% and MSM yields 2.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MATX or MSM more profitable?
- MATX runs the higher net margin — MATX at 13.41% versus MSM at 5.90%.
- How have MATX and MSM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MATX delivered 21.93% and MSM delivered 10.07% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Matson P/E ratioMSC Industrial Direct P/E ratioMatson dividend yieldMSC Industrial Direct dividend yieldMatson ROEMSC Industrial Direct ROEMatson operating marginMSC Industrial Direct operating marginMatson revenue growthMSC Industrial Direct revenue growthMatson free cash flowMSC Industrial Direct free cash flow
Matson & MSC Industrial Direct appear in these rankings
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.