Fastenal Company (FAST)vsWatsco Inc (WSO)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$46.12
-1.13%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $52.87B
WSO
Watsco Inc
$397.16
+0.63%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $15.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fastenal Company generates 17% more annual revenue ($8.44B vs $7.24B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 6.8%. WSO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
WSO
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
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 WSO.
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%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
0.1% revenue growth
6.8% 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 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WSO
The strongest argument for WSO centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
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 : WSO
The primary concerns for WSO are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while WSO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
WSO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — 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
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 12.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Watsco Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Watsco, Inc. distributes air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment; and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?