Fastenal Company (FAST)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$43.71
-2.17%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $51.58B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$572.41
-0.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $82.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 402% more annual revenue ($42.37B vs $8.44B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 10.8%. FAST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.15. NOC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
NOC
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+56.6%
Fair Value
$108.23
Current Price
$43.71
$64.52 discount
Margin of Safety
-61.6%
Fair Value
$419.98
Current Price
$572.41
$152.43 premium
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%
Earnings expanding 84.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 12.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.4% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while NOC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FAST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.84 — 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
NOC scores higher overall (63/100 vs 62/100). FAST offers better value entry with a 56.6% margin of safety. 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 →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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