Fastenal Company (FAST)vsGlobal Industrial Co (GIC)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$45.37
+1.07%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $52.10B
GIC
Global Industrial Co
$31.88
+0.73%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fastenal Company generates 495% more annual revenue ($8.20B vs $1.38B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.3% profit margin vs 5.2%. GIC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. GIC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
FAST
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
GIC
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-99.0%
Fair Value
$23.63
Current Price
$45.37
$21.74 premium
Margin of Safety
+62.1%
Fair Value
$86.58
Current Price
$31.88
$54.70 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 35.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.2x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
5.2% 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 15.3% and operating margin at 19.0%. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : GIC
The strongest argument for GIC centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : GIC
The primary concerns for GIC are Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while GIC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FAST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.
GIC is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
FAST generates stronger free cash flow (308M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GIC scores higher overall (67/100 vs 58/100) and 14.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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 →Global Industrial Co
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Global Industrial Company, is a direct marketer of branded and private label industrial and commercial equipment and supplies in North America. The company is headquartered in Port Washington, New York.
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