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 August 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnFAST vs RSG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
FAST +533.1% (+20.3%/yr)RSG +392.5% (+17.3%/yr)FAST compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$633$492
FAST RSG

FAST vs RSG: by the numbers

  • RSG is the larger company ($65.92B vs $59.92B market cap).
  • RSG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.46 vs 44.25 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 (1.76% vs 1.16%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFASTRSG
P/E ratio44.2530.46
Forward P/E41.3629.53
P/S ratio6.873.92
P/B ratio14.765.50
EV / EBITDA30.8511.38
FCF yield1.72%5.14%

Profitability

MetricFASTRSG
Gross margin44.70%39.09%
Operating margin20.29%20.00%
Net margin15.45%12.94%
ROE33.23%18.16%
ROIC28.17%8.83%

Dividends

MetricFASTRSG
Dividend yield1.76%1.16%
Payout ratio83.64%36.44%

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)16.32%13.87%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FAST or RSG?
RSG has the lower trailing P/E: FAST trades at 44.25 and RSG at 30.46. 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 1.76% and RSG yields 1.16% 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 20.09% and RSG delivered 17.18% 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 August 13, 2026.