Fastenal Company (FAST)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$47.16
-1.01%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $51.35B
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$252.72
+0.64%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $71.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 92% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $8.44B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 15.4%. ITW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.43. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
ITW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.9%
Fair Value
$103.73
Current Price
$47.16
$56.57 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
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
Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%
Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 13.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 22.6x book value
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 15.4% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : ITW
The strongest argument for ITW centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.3% and operating margin at 25.7%.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while ITW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 12.4% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (528M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100), 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 →Illinois Tool Works Inc
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA
Illinois Tool Works Inc. or ITW is an American company that produces engineered fasteners and components, equipment and consumable systems, and specialty products.
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