Fastenal Company (FAST)vsFerguson Plc (FERG)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$45.37
+1.07%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $52.10B
FERG
Ferguson Plc
$228.84
+1.29%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $50.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ferguson Plc generates 280% more annual revenue ($31.16B vs $8.20B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.3% profit margin vs 6.3%. FERG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. FERG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
FERG
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-99.0%
Fair Value
$23.63
Current Price
$45.37
$21.74 premium
Margin of Safety
+39.9%
Fair Value
$445.00
Current Price
$228.84
$216.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 23.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 13.2x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
6.3% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 15.3% and operating margin at 19.0%. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : FERG
The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : FERG
The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while FERG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FERG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
FAST generates stronger free cash flow (308M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FERG scores higher overall (61/100 vs 58/100). 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 →Ferguson Plc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Central Europe. The company is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom.
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