WallStSmart

Fastenal Company (FAST)vsWESCO International Inc (WCC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WESCO International Inc generates 175% more annual revenue ($25.01B vs $9.08B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 2.8%. WCC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

FAST

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 6.57

WCC

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.78
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FASTUndervalued (+50.7%)

Margin of Safety

+50.7%

Fair Value

$107.53

Current Price

$52.99

$54.54 discount

UndervaluedFair: $107.53Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WCC.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FAST6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
34.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.5710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$59.56B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
21.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.5%8/10

15.5% revenue growth

WCC1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

FAST3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Price/BookValuation
14.6x4/10

Trading at 14.6x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.352/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
42.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

WCC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.253/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 15.6% and operating margin at 21.5%. Revenue growth of 15.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WCC

The strongest argument for WCC centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : FAST

The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WCC

The primary concerns for WCC are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FAST profiles as a growth stock while WCC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

WCC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.55 — expect wider price swings.

FAST is growing revenue faster at 15.5% — sustainability is the question.

FAST generates stronger free cash flow (348M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FAST scores higher overall (64/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins and 15.5% 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.

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WESCO International Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

WESCO International, Inc. provides business-to-business distribution, logistics, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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