AMETEK, Inc. (AME) vs Fastenal Company (FAST)

A side-by-side comparison of AMETEK, Inc. and Fastenal Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAME vs FAST

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AME +10837.0%FAST +6196.4%AME compounded faster
02k4k6k8k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$10,937$6,296
AME FAST

AME vs FAST: by the numbers

  • AME is the larger company ($55.34B vs $55.19B market cap).
  • AME trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.73 vs 40.37 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AME converts more revenue to profit (20.11% vs 15.45% net margin).
  • AME grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.78% vs 8.96% CAGR).
  • FAST pays the higher dividend yield (1.93% vs 0.53%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAMEFAST
P/E ratio36.7340.37
Forward P/E29.8237.73
P/S ratio7.356.26
P/B ratio5.1213.47
PEG ratio4.053.65
EV / EBITDA23.8928.83
FCF yield3.05%1.88%

Profitability

MetricAMEFAST
Gross margin36.56%44.70%
Operating margin26.17%20.29%
Net margin20.11%15.45%
ROE13.99%33.23%
ROIC10.99%28.17%

Dividends

MetricAMEFAST
Dividend yield0.53%1.93%
Payout ratio20.25%83.64%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAMEFAST
Revenue CAGR (5Y)10.78%8.96%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.06%7.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.90%2.54%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.89%15.08%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AME or FAST?
AME has the lower trailing P/E: AME trades at 36.73 and FAST at 40.37. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AME or FAST?
Over the past five years, AME grew revenue faster — AME at a 10.78% CAGR versus FAST at 8.96%.
Does AME or FAST pay a bigger dividend?
AME yields 0.53% and FAST yields 1.93% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AME or FAST more profitable?
AME runs the higher net margin — AME at 20.11% versus FAST at 15.45%.
How have AME and FAST total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AME delivered 18.55% and FAST delivered 19.42% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.