Now Inc (DNOW)vsFastenal Company (FAST)
DNOW
Now Inc
$13.23
-2.00%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.56B
FAST
Fastenal Company
$47.16
+0.39%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $51.35B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fastenal Company generates 148% more annual revenue ($8.44B vs $3.40B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs -4.5%. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
DNOW
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-32.4%
Fair Value
$12.52
Current Price
$13.23
$0.71 premium
Margin of Safety
+54.9%
Fair Value
$103.73
Current Price
$47.16
$56.57 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 97.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 90.5% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -6.6% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 13.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DNOW
The strongest argument for DNOW centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 97.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull 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.
Bear Case : DNOW
The primary concerns for DNOW are Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DNOW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while FAST is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
DNOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.
DNOW is growing revenue faster at 97.5% — sustainability is the question.
FAST generates stronger free cash flow (320M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 12.4% 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.
Now Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
NOW Inc. distributes downstream power and industrial products for oil refining, chemical processing, LNG terminals, power generation services, and industrial manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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