Fastenal Company (FAST) vs Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK)
A side-by-side comparison of Fastenal Company and Rockwell Automation, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
FAST
Fastenal Company
$50.75IndustrialsDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
ROK
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
$454.35IndustrialsDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:02 PM EDT
Total return — FAST vs ROK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yFAST +525.1% (+20.1%/yr)ROK +366.0% (+16.6%/yr)FAST compounded faster over this window
FAST ROK
FAST vs ROK: by the numbers
- •FAST is the larger company ($58.24B vs $50.56B market cap).
- •ROK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (42.70 vs 43.01 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •FAST converts more revenue to profit (15.45% vs 13.38% net margin).
- •FAST grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.96% vs 5.83% CAGR).
- •FAST pays the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 1.21%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 43.01 | 42.70 |
| Forward P/E | 39.99 | 30.47 |
| PEG ratio | 5.54 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 6.66 | 5.63 |
| P/B ratio | 14.31 | 14.47 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.91 | 23.64 |
| FCF yield | 1.77% | 2.97% |
Profitability
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.70% | 54.53% |
| Operating margin | 20.29% | 21.69% |
| Net margin | 15.45% | 13.38% |
| ROE | 33.23% | 34.37% |
| ROIC | 30.16% | 19.92% |
Dividends
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.89% | 1.21% |
| Payout ratio | 81.36% | 51.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.96% | 5.83% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 7.96% | -2.73% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 2.54% | 3.21% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.23% | 10.86% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, FAST or ROK?
- ROK has the lower trailing P/E: FAST trades at 43.01 and ROK at 42.70. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, FAST or ROK?
- Over the past five years, FAST grew revenue faster — FAST at a 8.96% CAGR versus ROK at 5.83%.
- Does FAST or ROK pay a bigger dividend?
- FAST yields 1.89% and ROK yields 1.21% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is FAST or ROK more profitable?
- FAST runs the higher net margin — FAST at 15.45% versus ROK at 13.38%.
- How have FAST and ROK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, FAST delivered 20.20% and ROK delivered 16.12% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Fastenal P/E ratioRockwell Automation P/E ratioFastenal dividend yieldRockwell Automation dividend yieldFastenal ROERockwell Automation ROEFastenal operating marginRockwell Automation operating marginFastenal revenue growthRockwell Automation revenue growthFastenal free cash flowRockwell Automation free cash flow
Fastenal & Rockwell Automation appear in these rankings
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 October 4, 2026.