FAST vs CAT: Which Stock is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of Fastenal Co and Caterpillar Inc in 2026
FAST
Fastenal Co
$46.04
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$742.83
Key Metrics Comparison
| Metric | FAST | CAT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | $52.86B | $347.63B | CAT |
| P/E Ratio | 42.24 | 39.53 | CAT |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.09 | $18.79 | CAT |
| Revenue Growth | 0.1% | 0.2% | CAT |
| Gross Margin | 45.0% | 28.8% | FAST |
Analyze FAST
Full quant analysis
Analyze CAT
Full quant analysis
Analyze Each Stock
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FAST or CAT a better investment?
Comparing FAST and CAT: Fastenal Co has a market cap of $52.86B while Caterpillar Inc has $347.63B. Both companies have their strengths - use our detailed metrics comparison to make an informed decision.
What is the difference between FAST and CAT?
FAST (Fastenal Co) and CAT (Caterpillar Inc) differ in valuation, growth rates, and profitability metrics. Our comparison shows which company leads in each category.
Which stock has better value: FAST or CAT?
Based on P/E ratios, CAT trades at a lower multiple (39.5x vs 42.2x).
Which is growing faster: FAST or CAT?
CAT has higher revenue growth at 0.2% vs 0.1% for FAST.
Which company is more profitable: FAST or CAT?
Fastenal Co (FAST) has higher gross margins at 45.0% compared to 28.8% for CAT.
Which is the larger company: FAST or CAT?
Caterpillar Inc (CAT) is larger with a market cap of $347.63B compared to $52.86B for FAST.
Should I buy FAST or CAT in 2026?
Both FAST and CAT have investment merit. FAST trades at $46.04 while CAT trades at $742.83. Consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and portfolio diversification before deciding. Our AI analysis tools can provide personalized insights.
What are the key differences between FAST and CAT stock?
Key differences: Market Cap ($52.86B vs $347.63B), P/E Ratio (42.2x vs 39.5x), Revenue Growth (0.1% vs 0.2%), Gross Margin (45.0% vs 28.8%).