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 30y
FAST +3226.4%ROK +2042.4%FAST compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,326$2,142
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 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueFAST(lower P/E)
GrowthFAST(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeFAST(higher dividend yield)
QualityFAST(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricFASTROK
P/E ratio40.8547.75
Forward P/E37.4531.74
P/S ratio6.355.87
P/B ratio13.4314.69
PEG ratio3.66
EV / EBITDA29.7835.53
FCF yield2.17%2.59%

Profitability

MetricFASTROK
Gross margin44.89%52.53%
Operating margin20.25%19.08%
Net margin15.39%12.36%
ROE32.58%30.89%
ROIC28.17%13.71%

Dividends

MetricFASTROK
Dividend yield1.98%1.19%
Payout ratio83.64%70.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFASTROK
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.

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.