Fastenal Company (FAST)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
FAST
Fastenal Company
$47.16
+0.39%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $51.35B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$544.40
-0.14%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $76.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 402% more annual revenue ($42.37B vs $8.44B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 10.8%. FAST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.17. NOC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
NOC
Buy63
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 NOC.
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%
Earnings expanding 84.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 27 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 13.6x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.4% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FAST profiles as a mature stock while NOC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FAST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 12.4% — sustainability is the question.
FAST generates stronger free cash flow (320M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NOC scores higher overall (63/100 vs 62/100). FAST offers better value entry with a 54.9% 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.
Visit Website →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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