WallStSmart

Fastenal Company (FAST)vsGE Aerospace (GE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

GE Aerospace generates 472% more annual revenue ($48.31B vs $8.44B). GE leads profitability with a 17.9% profit margin vs 15.4%. FAST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.15. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

FAST

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 5/9

GE

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.69
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FASTUndervalued (+56.6%)

Margin of Safety

+56.6%

Fair Value

$108.23

Current Price

$43.71

$64.52 discount

UndervaluedFair: $108.23Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GE.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FAST4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Market CapQuality
$51.58B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
20.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%

GE5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$296.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
45.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Revenue surging 24.7% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FAST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
12.6x4/10

Trading at 12.6x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.152/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

GE4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
35.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
15.9x4/10

Trading at 15.9x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.694/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PEG RatioValuation
6.822/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : GE

The strongest argument for GE centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.9% and operating margin at 20.2%. Revenue growth of 24.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FAST

The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : GE

The primary concerns for GE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FAST profiles as a mature stock while GE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

GE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

GE is growing revenue faster at 24.7% — sustainability is the question.

GE generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 59/100), 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.

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 →

GE Aerospace

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

General Electric Company (GE) is an American multinational conglomerate incorporated in New York City and headquartered in Boston. As of 2018, the company operates through the following segments: aviation, healthcare, power, renewable energy, digital industry, additive manufacturing and venture capital and finance.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?