Fastenal Company (FAST)vsWESCO International Inc (WCC)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$51.84
+2.05%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $57.36B
WCC
WESCO International Inc
$363.74
-2.16%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $16.74B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WESCO International Inc generates 186% more annual revenue ($25.01B vs $8.75B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 2.8%. WCC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.27. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
WCC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+52.9%
Fair Value
$106.15
Current Price
$51.84
$54.31 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WCC.
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%
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Trading at 14.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
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 : WCC
Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : WCC
The primary concerns for WCC are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while WCC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
WCC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.54 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 14.7% — sustainability is the question.
WCC generates stronger free cash flow (198M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 57/100), 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 →WESCO International Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
WESCO International, Inc. provides business-to-business distribution, logistics, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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