Fastenal Company (FAST) vs Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK)
FAST leads on 12 of 16 compared metrics.
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 June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — FAST vs ROK
growth of $100 · last 30yFAST +3226.4%ROK +2042.4%FAST compounded faster
FAST ROK
FAST vs ROK: by the numbers
- •FAST is the larger company ($53.46B vs $51.11B market cap).
- •FAST trades at the lower earnings multiple (40.85 vs 47.75 P/E).
- •FAST converts more revenue to profit (15.39% vs 12.36% net margin).
- •FAST grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.19% vs 6.91% CAGR).
- •FAST pays the higher dividend yield (1.98% vs 1.19%).
Which is better, FAST or ROK?
Metric tally: FAST 12 · ROK 4It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueFAST(lower P/E)
GrowthFAST(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeFAST(higher dividend yield)
QualityFAST(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.85● | 47.75 |
| Forward P/E | 37.45 | 31.74● |
| P/S ratio | 6.35 | 5.87● |
| P/B ratio | 13.43● | 14.69 |
| PEG ratio | 3.66 | — |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.78● | 35.53 |
| FCF yield | 2.17% | 2.59%● |
Profitability
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.89% | 52.53%● |
| Operating margin | 20.25%● | 19.08% |
| Net margin | 15.39%● | 12.36% |
| ROE | 32.58%● | 30.89% |
| ROIC | 28.17%● | 13.71% |
Dividends
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.98%● | 1.19% |
| Payout ratio | 83.64% | 70.87% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | FAST | ROK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.19%● | 6.91% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 7.96%● | -2.73% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 3.42%● | 2.95% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.87%● | 11.93% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, FAST or ROK?
- It depends on your goal. value: FAST (lower P/E); growth: FAST (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: FAST (higher dividend yield); quality: FAST (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FAST leads 12 to 4.
- Is FAST or ROK cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, FAST is cheaper: FAST trades at a 40.85 P/E and ROK at 47.75.
- Which has grown faster, FAST or ROK?
- Over the past five years, FAST grew revenue faster — FAST at a 8.19% CAGR versus ROK at 6.91%.
- Does FAST or ROK pay a bigger dividend?
- FAST yields 1.98% and ROK yields 1.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is FAST or ROK more profitable?
- FAST runs the higher net margin — FAST at 15.39% versus ROK at 12.36%.
- Which has been the better investment, FAST or ROK?
- Over the past 10-year, FAST delivered the higher annualized total return — FAST at 18.42% versus ROK at 16.83%. 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 June 13, 2026.