WallStSmart

Fastenal Company (FAST)vsGlobal Industrial Co (GIC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Fastenal Company generates 499% more annual revenue ($8.44B vs $1.41B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 5.3%. GIC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

FAST

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 5/9

GIC

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.5Value: 6.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.37
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FASTUndervalued (+54.9%)

Margin of Safety

+54.9%

Fair Value

$103.73

Current Price

$47.16

$56.57 discount

UndervaluedFair: $103.73Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GIC.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FAST4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Market CapQuality
$51.35B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
20.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%

GIC4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
23.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

FAST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
13.6x4/10

Trading at 13.6x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.172/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

GIC2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.16B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.3%3/10

5.3% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : GIC

The strongest argument for GIC centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.01 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : FAST

The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.

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.

GIC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.

FAST is growing revenue faster at 12.4% — sustainability is the question.

FAST generates stronger free cash flow (320M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 61/100), 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.

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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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