Fastenal Company (FAST)vsFederal Signal Corporation (FSS)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$50.80
+1.62%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $57.36B
FSS
Federal Signal Corporation
$127.83
-1.81%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.63B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fastenal Company generates 257% more annual revenue ($8.75B vs $2.45B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 11.7%. FSS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.92. FSS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
FSS
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+52.9%
Fair Value
$106.15
Current Price
$50.80
$55.35 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for FSS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
18.7% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 14.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FAST
The strongest argument for FAST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 21.0%. Revenue growth of 14.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : FSS
The strongest argument for FSS centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 18.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : FSS
The primary concerns for FSS are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while FSS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.
FSS is growing revenue faster at 18.7% — sustainability is the question.
FSS generates stronger free cash flow (95M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSS scores higher overall (64/100 vs 62/100) and 18.7% revenue growth. FAST offers better value entry with a 52.9% margin of safety. 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 →Federal Signal Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA
Federal Signal Corporation designs, manufactures, and supplies a suite of integrated products and solutions for municipal, government, industrial, and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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