Fastenal Company (FAST) vs Republic Services, Inc. (RSG)

A side-by-side comparison of Fastenal Company and Republic Services, 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.

Compare

Total return — FAST vs RSG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
FAST +525.1% (+20.1%/yr)RSG +390.3% (+17.2%/yr)FAST compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$625$490
FAST RSG

FAST vs RSG: by the numbers

  • •RSG is the larger company ($64.47B vs $58.24B market cap).
  • •RSG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.68 vs 43.01 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •FAST converts more revenue to profit (15.45% vs 12.94% net margin).
  • •RSG grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.86% vs 8.96% CAGR).
  • •FAST pays the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 1.19%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFASTRSG
P/E ratio43.0129.68
Forward P/E39.9928.80
PEG ratio5.541.67
P/S ratio6.663.82
P/B ratio14.315.36
EV / EBITDA29.9113.44
FCF yield1.77%5.28%

Profitability

MetricFASTRSG
Gross margin44.70%39.09%
Operating margin20.29%20.00%
Net margin15.45%12.94%
ROE33.23%18.16%
ROIC30.16%9.07%

Dividends

MetricFASTRSG
Dividend yield1.89%1.19%
Payout ratio81.36%35.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFASTRSG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.96%9.86%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.96%17.76%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.54%18.25%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.23%13.06%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FAST or RSG?
RSG has the lower trailing P/E: FAST trades at 43.01 and RSG at 29.68. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FAST or RSG?
Over the past five years, RSG grew revenue faster — FAST at a 8.96% CAGR versus RSG at 9.86%.
Does FAST or RSG pay a bigger dividend?
FAST yields 1.89% and RSG yields 1.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FAST or RSG more profitable?
FAST runs the higher net margin — FAST at 15.45% versus RSG at 12.94%.
How have FAST and RSG total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FAST delivered 20.20% and RSG delivered 17.14% 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 October 4, 2026.