Should I Buy FAST Stock in 2026?

Data-driven analysis and honest assessment for Fastenal Co

Analysis Updated:
CAUTIONSeveral concerns warrant careful consideration

Current Price: $46.04P/E: 42.2

Decision Score

4.3/10

Weak

Based on 6 fundamental factors

Score Breakdown:

Valuation (20%)3/10

High P/E of 42.2 indicates premium

Growth (20%)5/10

Slow growth of 0%

Profitability (20%)4/10

Thin margins (0% net)

Financial Health (15%)5/10

Financial health data limited

Cash Flow (15%)4/10

Low FCF yield of 2.4%

Insider Activity (10%)5/10

No recent insider activity

Key Investment Metrics

Current Price

$46.04

P/E Ratio

42.24

Revenue Growth

0.1%

Profit Margin

0.2%

Market Cap

$52.9B

Dividend Yield

0.02%

How FAST Compares to Competitors

Understanding how FAST stacks up against peers helps inform your investment decision.

How FAST Compares to Peers

Upcoming Events for FAST

+5 Reasons TO Buy FAST

Limited data available to identify compelling buy reasons. Consider this a yellow flag.

-5 Reasons NOT to Buy FAST

1. Thin profit margins of 0.2%

high risk

Low margins provide little cushion against cost increases or pricing pressure.

2. High PEG ratio of 3.3

high risk

PEG above 2 suggests expensive relative to growth rate.

3. Expensive valuation at 42x earnings

medium risk

P/E of 42 is significantly above averages. High expectations leave little room for disappointment.

4. Minimal revenue growth

low risk

Growth of 0.1% barely keeps pace with inflation.

Who Should Buy FAST?

Investment Profile

Risk Level

Medium

Recommended Holding Period

3-5 years

Best For:

  • Momentum Traders

    High-growth profile attracts momentum

Not Suitable For:

  • Growth Investors

    Limited 0% growth may disappoint

  • Value Investors

    Premium P/E of 42 doesn't fit value criteria

  • Income-Focused Retirees

    Low 0.0% yield

Consider These Alternatives

If you're interested in FAST, compare these Industrials peers:

Pro tip: Compare FAST directly with competitors using our comparison tool to see which stock better fits your criteria.

Get the Full Picture

Access AI-powered insights, DCF valuations, insider trading data, and real-time analysis for FAST

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FAST stock price today?

FAST (Fastenal Co) stock is trading at $46.04 as of the latest market data. Stock prices update in real-time during market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET).

Is FAST stock going up or down today?

FAST stock price movements are influenced by market conditions, news, earnings reports, and investor sentiment. Check our live dashboard for real-time price changes and technical indicators.

Should I buy FAST stock now?

The decision to buy FAST depends on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Our AI analysis evaluates fundamentals, valuation metrics, growth prospects, and market conditions to help inform your decision.

Is FAST a buy, hold, or sell right now?

Our AI-powered analysis provides buy/hold/sell recommendations for FAST based on multiple factors including valuation, growth metrics, technical indicators, and analyst consensus. Visit our dashboard for the latest recommendation.

Is FAST stock overvalued or undervalued?

FAST currently trades at a P/E ratio of 42.24, which may indicate premium valuation. Our DCF calculator provides intrinsic value estimates to help determine if FAST is fairly priced.

What is FAST's P/E ratio?

FAST has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 42.24, which measures how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. Compare this to industry peers and historical averages for context.

What is FAST's market cap?

FAST (Fastenal Co) has a market capitalization of $52.86 billion, making it a mid-cap stock.

What is FAST's price to book ratio?

FAST trades at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 13.30, which compares the stock price to the company's book value per share. A P/B below 1.0 may indicate undervaluation, while above 3.0 may suggest premium pricing.

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Disclaimer

This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The decision score and recommendations are based on quantitative factors and do not account for all risks, your personal financial situation, or qualitative factors. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.