Fastenal Company (FAST)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$43.71
-2.17%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $51.58B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$243.04
+2.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $94.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fastenal Company generates 2% more annual revenue ($8.44B vs $8.25B). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 15.4%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
HWM
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+56.6%
Fair Value
$108.23
Current Price
$43.71
$64.52 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HWM.
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 30 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 12.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 18.2x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : HWM
The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 26.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : HWM
The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 63.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
HWM is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
HWM generates stronger free cash flow (530M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. FAST offers better value entry with a 56.6% margin of safety. 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 →Howmet Aerospace Inc
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Howmet Aerospace Inc. is an American aerospace company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures components for jet engines, fasteners and titanium structures for aerospace applications, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks.
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