WallStSmart

Fastenal Company (FAST)vsGE Aerospace (GE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

GE Aerospace generates 479% more annual revenue ($50.64B vs $8.75B). GE leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 15.4%. FAST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.14. GE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

FAST

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 6.57

GE

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.69
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FASTUndervalued (+55.1%)

Margin of Safety

+55.1%

Fair Value

$106.15

Current Price

$46.66

$59.49 discount

UndervaluedFair: $106.15Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GE.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FAST5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.5710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$52.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
21.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%

GE4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$354.01B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
50.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 51 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.1%8/10

Revenue surging 21.1% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

FAST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
13.1x4/10

Trading at 13.1x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.142/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

GE4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.694/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.093/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
5.192/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
40.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : GE

The strongest argument for GE centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 20.6%. Revenue growth of 21.1% 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 Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 40.1x leaves little room for execution misses.

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 1.35 — expect wider price swings.

GE is growing revenue faster at 21.1% — sustainability is the question.

FAST generates stronger free cash flow (78M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GE scores higher overall (65/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins and 21.1% revenue growth. FAST offers better value entry with a 55.1% margin of safety. 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.

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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.

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