Fastenal Company (FAST)vsMSC Industrial Direct Company Inc (MSM)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$49.32
+0.63%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $56.59B
MSM
MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
$120.51
+0.69%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $6.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fastenal Company generates 124% more annual revenue ($8.75B vs $3.91B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 5.9%. MSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
MSM
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+53.1%
Fair Value
$105.17
Current Price
$49.32
$55.85 discount
Margin of Safety
+1.4%
Fair Value
$96.39
Current Price
$120.51
$24.12 discount
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
Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.9x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
5.9% margin — thin
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 : MSM
The strongest argument for MSM centers on Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MSM
The primary concerns for MSM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while MSM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 14.7% — sustainability is the question.
MSM generates stronger free cash flow (81M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 14.7% 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 →MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., distributes metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Melville, New York.
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