AIT vs MSM
As of Sep 20, 2026, Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) scores 6.7/10 and MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) 6.3/10 on AlphaStocks' five-model composite, so AIT scores higher. AIT trades 16% above its model fair value; MSM trades 16% above its model fair value.
AIT
APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
6.7
Consider Buy
$321.70
MSM
MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC
6.3
Consider Buy
$122.21
AIT vs MSM: Which is the Better Investment?
APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES INC (AIT) scores 6.7/10 while MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) scores 6.3/10 on AlphaStocks' composite model. APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES INC has the higher composite rating of Consider Buy. On a P/E basis, APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES INC trades at 31.8x, making it the more attractively priced of the two.
This comparison is algorithmically generated and is not financial advice.
| Metric | AIT | MSM |
|---|---|---|
| Scores & Fundamentals | ||
| Composite Score | 6.7/10▲ | 6.3/10 |
| Rating | Consider Buy▲ | Consider Buy |
| Price | $321.70 | $122.21 |
| P/E Ratio | 31.8▲ | 34.3 |
| ROE | 16.3%▲ | 14.5% |
| Market Cap | $12B | $7B |
| Fair Value | $277.75 | $105.60 |
| Dividend Yield | — | 2.8% |
| Sector Rank | #17 of 265▲ | #30 of 265 |
| Model Verdicts | ||
| Piotroski | Attractive | Attractive |
| Buffett | Strong▲ | Attractive |
| Graham | Neutral | Neutral |
| Lynch | Neutral | Neutral |
| Greenblatt | Neutral | Neutral |
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AIT vs MSM: Which Stock Scores Higher?
APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES INC (AIT) and MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) are both in the Industrials sector. AIT currently leads with a composite score of 6.7/10 (Consider Buy) compared to MSM's 6.3/10 (Consider Buy).
The AlphaStocks composite score evaluates each stock across four dimensions: Quality (business strength measured by Piotroski F-Score and Buffett quality criteria), Value (discount to intrinsic worth using Graham, Lynch, and Greenblatt models), Momentum (6-month price trend), and Timing (a confirmation signal that requires both value and momentum to align). A higher composite score indicates stronger overall fundamentals combined with favorable market conditions.
This comparison uses the same scoring framework for both companies, ensuring an apples-to-apples evaluation. Scores are recalculated daily after market close using data from SEC filings and market prices. Read the full methodology to understand how each model contributes to the composite score.
Scores are algorithm-generated research tools, not investment recommendations. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own due diligence. Full disclaimer