Fastenal Company (FAST)vsWW Grainger Inc (GWW)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$46.12
-1.13%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $52.87B
GWW
WW Grainger Inc
$1,300.01
+0.83%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $62.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WW Grainger Inc generates 118% more annual revenue ($18.38B vs $8.44B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 9.7%. GWW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.06. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
GWW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+55.6%
Fair Value
$103.39
Current Price
$46.12
$57.27 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for GWW.
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 20.3%
Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 15.6x book value
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 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : GWW
The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : GWW
The primary concerns for GWW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while GWW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
GWW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 12.4% — sustainability is the question.
GWW generates stronger free cash flow (569M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100), 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 →WW Grainger Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
W. W. Grainger, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 industrial supply company founded in 1927 in Chicago by William W. (Bill) Grainger.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?