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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnFAST vs ROK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
FAST +6196.4%ROK +5396.2%FAST compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$6,296$5,496
FAST ROK

FAST vs ROK: by the numbers

  • FAST is the larger company ($55.19B vs $52.43B market cap).
  • FAST trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (40.37 vs 48.44 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FAST converts more revenue to profit (15.45% vs 12.36% net margin).
  • FAST grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.96% vs 6.91% CAGR).
  • FAST pays the higher dividend yield (1.93% vs 1.17%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFASTROK
P/E ratio40.3748.44
Forward P/E37.7335.77
P/S ratio6.265.96
P/B ratio13.4714.90
PEG ratio3.65N/A
EV / EBITDA28.8328.00
FCF yield1.88%2.55%

Profitability

MetricFASTROK
Gross margin44.70%52.53%
Operating margin20.29%19.08%
Net margin15.45%12.36%
ROE33.23%30.89%
ROIC28.17%13.71%

Dividends

MetricFASTROK
Dividend yield1.93%1.17%
Payout ratio83.64%70.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFASTROK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.96%6.91%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.96%-2.73%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.54%2.95%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.08%11.29%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FAST or ROK?
FAST has the lower trailing P/E: FAST trades at 40.37 and ROK at 48.44. 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 6.91%.
Does FAST or ROK pay a bigger dividend?
FAST yields 1.93% and ROK yields 1.17% 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 12.36%.
How have FAST and ROK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FAST delivered 19.42% and ROK delivered 17.15% 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.