Fastenal Company (FAST)vsFerguson Plc (FERG)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$44.17
-0.43%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $50.71B
FERG
Ferguson Plc
$241.34
-2.11%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $47.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ferguson Plc generates 268% more annual revenue ($31.06B vs $8.44B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 6.3%. FERG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.63. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
FERG
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+56.3%
Fair Value
$107.51
Current Price
$44.17
$63.34 discount
Margin of Safety
-31.6%
Fair Value
$203.15
Current Price
$241.34
$38.19 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 23.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 12.7x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.0x book value
3.6% revenue growth
6.3% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FAST
The strongest argument for FAST centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : FERG
The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : FERG
The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while FERG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FERG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 12.4% — sustainability is the question.
FERG generates stronger free cash flow (680M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 12.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Fastenal Company
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Fastenal Company is an American company based in Winona, Minnesota. Fastenal's service model centers on approximately 3,200 in-market locations, each providing custom inventory, and a dedicated sales team to support local businesses. Fastenal offers companies supply chain solutions that help business reduce inventory touches, and supply chain waste.
Visit Website →Ferguson Plc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Central Europe. The company is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom.
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