Fastenal Company (FAST) vs Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX)

A side-by-side comparison of Fastenal Company and Comfort Systems USA, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnFAST vs FIX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
FAST +537.0% (+20.3%/yr)FIX +5944.0% (+50.7%/yr)FIX compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$637$6,044
FAST FIX

FAST vs FIX: by the numbers

  • FIX is the larger company ($59.51B vs $56.59B market cap).
  • FIX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (41.58 vs 41.80 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FAST converts more revenue to profit (15.45% vs 12.78% net margin).
  • FIX grew revenue faster over the past five years (32.05% vs 8.96% CAGR).
  • FAST pays the higher dividend yield (1.96% vs 0.19%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFASTFIX
P/E ratio41.8041.58
Forward P/E38.9434.50
P/S ratio6.475.30
P/B ratio13.9118.50
EV / EBITDA29.0728.84
FCF yield1.82%3.63%

Profitability

MetricFASTFIX
Gross margin44.70%25.67%
Operating margin20.29%16.46%
Net margin15.45%12.78%
ROE33.23%44.58%
ROIC30.16%38.80%

Dividends

MetricFASTFIX
Dividend yield1.96%0.19%
Payout ratio81.36%7.38%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFASTFIX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.96%32.05%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.96%47.75%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.54%59.02%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.59%86.65%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FAST or FIX?
FIX has the lower trailing P/E: FAST trades at 41.80 and FIX at 41.58. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FAST or FIX?
Over the past five years, FIX grew revenue faster — FAST at a 8.96% CAGR versus FIX at 32.05%.
Does FAST or FIX pay a bigger dividend?
FAST yields 1.96% and FIX yields 0.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FAST or FIX more profitable?
FAST runs the higher net margin — FAST at 15.45% versus FIX at 12.78%.
How have FAST and FIX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FAST delivered 20.13% and FIX delivered 50.70% 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 September 11, 2026.