FAST
IndustrialsFastenal Company · Industrial - Distribution · $50B
What is Fastenal Company?
Fastenal Company is a large-cap wholesale distributor of industrial and construction supplies, serving manufacturers, contractors, and government entities across North America and internationally. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, it has grown into one of the most recognized names in industrial distribution.
Fastenal distributes fasteners — bolts, nuts, screws, studs, and washers — alongside a broad range of industrial hardware and supplies. It serves original equipment manufacturers, maintenance and repair operations, and non-residential construction contractors. The company reaches customers through an extensive network of over three thousand in-market locations and multiple distribution centers, offering on-site inventory solutions that embed Fastenal directly into customers' supply chains.
Fastenal was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Winona, Minnesota.
- Threaded fasteners including bolts, nuts, screws, and studs
- Miscellaneous hardware such as wire ropes, rivets, and anchors
- Maintenance, repair, and operations supply programs
- On-site and in-market inventory management solutions
- Industrial supplies for construction and manufacturing markets
Is FAST a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates FAST as Good overall, reflecting a balanced profile with notable strengths and one area of caution.
Fastenal's Quality and Risk pillars both register as Strong — an uncommon combination that points to a business generating reliable returns while managing financial and operational exposures well. The Growth pillar also earns a Good rating, suggesting the company continues to expand at a pace that compares favorably within the industrials sector.
The Valuation pillar is rated Elevated, meaning the market currently prices FAST at a premium relative to its fundamentals — a consideration for cost-conscious investors.
See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does FAST pay dividends?
Yes — Fastenal Company pays a dividend.
Fastenal pays a regular dividend, making it relevant for income-oriented investors within the industrials space. The company's consistent cash generation supports its dividend commitment. Fastenal has historically maintained and grown its dividend over time, reflecting management's confidence in the durability of its distribution business model.
When does FAST report earnings?
Fastenal reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, typical for US-listed large-cap equities.
The company's Strong Quality and Risk pillar ratings suggest earnings have been delivered with consistency and without significant financial surprises. Revenue trends align with the Good Growth rating, indicating steady top-line expansion across its served markets.
For the most recent quarter's results, visit Fastenal's official investor relations page.
FAST Price History
+93.4% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Fastenal Company?
Based on Fastenal Company's historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
FAST Long-term Outlook
Fastenal's Good Growth and Strong Risk profile point to a business with a credible expansion trajectory and limited near-term financial fragility. The industrial distribution market continues to benefit from manufacturing reshoring trends and infrastructure activity, both of which support demand for fasteners and related supplies. However, the Elevated Valuation rating introduces a risk that future returns may be constrained if growth does not meet current market expectations.
Growth drivers
- Expansion of on-site inventory programs deepening customer relationships
- Manufacturing and construction activity driving fastener demand
- International market penetration beyond North America
Key risks
- Elevated valuation leaving limited margin of safety if growth slows
- Cyclical exposure to manufacturing and construction end markets
- Competitive pressure from large industrial distributors and digital procurement platforms
FAST vs Peers
Fastenal operates in a competitive industrial distribution landscape alongside several large and well-capitalized peers.
Ferguson focuses primarily on plumbing and HVAC distribution, serving residential and commercial contractors rather than the broad manufacturing base Fastenal targets.
Grainger competes directly in MRO supply distribution with a heavier emphasis on e-commerce and catalog-driven sales, contrasting with Fastenal's in-market location model.
QXO is a technology-driven building products distributor pursuing an acquisition-led growth strategy, representing a newer and more disruptive competitive dynamic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fastenal do?
Fastenal is a wholesale distributor of industrial and construction supplies, best known for fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and screws. It also distributes a wide range of hardware and maintenance supplies. The company serves manufacturers, contractors, and government entities through thousands of in-market locations across North America and internationally.
Does FAST pay dividends?
Yes, Fastenal pays a regular dividend. The company has a track record of consistent dividend payments supported by its cash-generative distribution business. Income-focused investors in the industrials sector often include FAST when evaluating dividend-paying large-caps. For current yield and payment details, check Fastenal's investor relations page.
When does FAST report earnings?
Fastenal reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, in line with standard US-listed equity practice. For exact upcoming dates, refer to Fastenal's investor relations page, which publishes the official earnings calendar.
Is FAST a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates FAST as Good overall. The Quality and Risk pillars are both Strong, and Growth is rated Good — a profile that reflects a well-run, expanding business. The main caveat is an Elevated Valuation rating, which suggests the stock carries a premium price relative to its fundamentals. The full pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members.
Is FAST overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar for FAST is rated Elevated, indicating the market is pricing the stock at a premium compared to its underlying financial profile. This does not necessarily mean the stock will decline, but it does suggest investors are paying up for Fastenal's quality and growth characteristics. See the complete valuation analysis with a Pro account.
How does FAST compare to its competitors?
Fastenal's in-market location model and deep fastener specialization differentiate it from broader MRO distributors like W.W. Grainger and plumbing-focused peers like Ferguson. Its Strong Quality and Risk ratings suggest it compares favorably on financial durability within the sector. The UQS competitor comparison tool lets Pro members view side-by-side pillar scores.
What is FAST's market cap bracket?
Fastenal is classified as a large-cap company, placing it among the more established and widely followed names in the industrials sector. Large-cap status generally implies greater liquidity and institutional coverage compared to smaller peers.
Who founded Fastenal?
Fastenal was founded in 1967 by Bob Kierlin, who opened the first store in Winona, Minnesota. The company grew from a single fastener vending concept into one of North America's largest industrial distributors. Founding context is also widely available through Fastenal's corporate history resources.
Is FAST a long-term quality stock?
From a long-term quality perspective, Fastenal's Strong Quality and Risk pillar ratings indicate a business with durable financial characteristics and manageable risk exposure. The Good Growth rating adds to the case for sustained value creation over time. The Elevated Valuation rating is worth monitoring, as entry price matters for long-term outcomes.
What is the main competitive advantage of Fastenal?
Fastenal's primary competitive advantage lies in its dense network of in-market locations and on-site inventory programs, which embed the company directly into customers' operations. This creates switching costs and recurring demand that are difficult for purely digital or catalog-based competitors to replicate. The UQS Moat pillar reflects the relative strength of this positioning.
What sector does FAST belong to?
Fastenal belongs to the Industrials sector, specifically within wholesale distribution of industrial and construction supplies. Investors tracking the industrials space often evaluate FAST alongside other large distributors serving manufacturing and construction end markets. Explore more [industrials sector stocks](/sector/industrials) on UQS Score.
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Pro Analysis
FAST — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2026 | 66.7 | 85.0 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 32.8 | -0.1 |
| May 21, 2026 | 66.8 | 85.0 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 33.4 | +0.1 |
| May 7, 2026 | 66.7 | 84.9 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 32.9 | +0.1 |
| May 5, 2026 | 66.6 | 84.9 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 32.6 | 0.0 |
| May 3, 2026 | 66.6 | 84.9 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 32.5 | -0.1 |
| Apr 26, 2026 | 66.7 | 84.9 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 32.8 | +0.2 |
| Apr 23, 2026 | 66.5 | 84.9 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 31.7 | 0.0 |
| Apr 22, 2026 | 66.5 | 84.8 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 31.6 | +0.1 |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 66.4 | 84.8 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 31.3 | 0.0 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | 66.4 | 84.8 | 51.0 | 69.6 | 92.5 | 31.1 | +0.1 |
FAST — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 85.0/100 (25%)Fastenal Company demonstrates outstanding capital efficiency and profitability, placing it among the highest-quality businesses in the market.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 69.6/100 (20%)Fastenal Company demonstrates healthy growth trends across revenue and earnings.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 92.5/100 (15%)Fastenal Company carries minimal financial risk with conservative leverage and strong solvency.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 32.8/100 (15%)Fastenal Company appears expensively valued relative to its fundamentals and growth prospects.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 51/100 (25%)Fastenal Company possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for FAST.
Score Composition
Financial Data
More Stock Analysis
How is the FAST UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Fastenal Company is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Fastenal Company's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Fastenal Company is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.