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.

Compare

Total returnMATX vs MSM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MATX +614.7% (+21.7%/yr)MSM +153.4% (+9.7%/yr)MATX compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$715$253
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

MetricMATXMSM
P/E ratio14.8229.47
Forward P/E13.8126.45
P/S ratio1.941.75
P/B ratio2.424.81
EV / EBITDA9.4816.49
FCF yield1.84%3.22%

Profitability

MetricMATXMSM
Gross margin23.02%40.82%
Operating margin14.49%8.80%
Net margin13.41%5.90%
ROE16.72%16.24%
ROIC10.16%12.36%

Dividends

MetricMATXMSM
Dividend yield0.66%2.85%
Payout ratio10.40%97.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMATXMSM
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.

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.