FAST vs MSM
As of Sep 20, 2026, Fastenal (FAST) scores 5.6/10 and MSC Industrial Direct (MSM) 6.3/10 on AlphaStocks' five-model composite, so MSM scores higher. FAST trades 40% above its model fair value; MSM trades 16% above its model fair value.
FAST
FASTENAL CO
5.6
Consider Buy
$48.97
MSM
MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC
6.3
Consider Buy
$122.21
FAST vs MSM: Which is the Better Investment?
FASTENAL CO (FAST) scores 5.6/10 while MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) scores 6.3/10 on AlphaStocks' composite model. MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC has the higher composite rating of Consider Buy. On a P/E basis, MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC trades at 34.3x, making it the more attractively priced of the two.
This comparison is algorithmically generated and is not financial advice.
| Metric | FAST | MSM |
|---|---|---|
| Scores & Fundamentals | ||
| Composite Score | 5.6/10 | 6.3/10▲ |
| Rating | Consider Buy | Consider Buy▲ |
| Price | $48.97 | $122.21 |
| P/E Ratio | 44.8 | 34.3▲ |
| ROE | 32.1%▲ | 14.5% |
| Market Cap | $56B | $7B |
| Fair Value | $34.92 | $105.60 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.9% | 2.8%▲ |
| Sector Rank | #62 of 265 | #30 of 265▲ |
| Model Verdicts | ||
| Piotroski | Strong▲ | Attractive |
| Buffett | Attractive | Attractive |
| Graham | Neutral | Neutral |
| Lynch | Strong▲ | Neutral |
| Greenblatt | Neutral | Neutral |
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FAST vs MSM: Which Stock Scores Higher?
FASTENAL CO (FAST) and MSC INDUSTRIAL DIRECT CO INC (MSM) are both in the Industrials sector. MSM currently leads with a composite score of 6.3/10 (Consider Buy) compared to FAST's 5.6/10 (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