Should I Buy FAST Stock in 2026?

Data-driven analysis and honest assessment for Fastenal Company

Analysis Updated:
CAUTIONSeveral concerns warrant careful consideration

Current Price: $41.70P/E: 39.2

Decision Score

4.3/10

Weak

Based on 6 fundamental factors

Score Breakdown:

Valuation (20%)3/10

High P/E of 39.2 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 2.6%

Insider Activity (10%)5/10

No recent insider activity

Key Investment Metrics

Current Price

$41.70

P/E Ratio

39.23

Revenue Growth

0.1%

Profit Margin

0.2%

Market Cap

$48.2B

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 3.2

high risk

PEG above 2 suggests expensive relative to growth rate.

3. Premium valuation at 39x earnings

medium risk

P/E of 39 requires sustained growth to justify. Multiple compression risk exists.

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:

    Not Suitable For:

    • Growth Investors

      Limited 0% growth may disappoint

    • Value Investors

      Premium P/E of 39 doesn't fit value criteria

    • Income-Focused Retirees

      Low 0.0% yield

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    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 Company) stock is trading at $41.70 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 39.23, 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 39.23, 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 Company) has a market capitalization of $48.19 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 12.38, 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.