Fastenal Company (FAST) vs Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB)

A side-by-side comparison of Fastenal Company and Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation 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 WAB

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
FAST +5993.6%WAB +6244.3%WAB compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$6,094$6,344
FAST WAB

FAST vs WAB: by the numbers

  • FAST is the larger company ($55.19B vs $51.65B market cap).
  • WAB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.70 vs 40.37 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FAST converts more revenue to profit (15.45% vs 10.60% net margin).
  • WAB grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.16% vs 8.96% CAGR).
  • FAST pays the higher dividend yield (1.93% vs 0.37%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFASTWAB
P/E ratio40.3729.70
Forward P/E37.7327.79
P/S ratio6.264.27
P/B ratio13.474.55
PEG ratio3.652.32
EV / EBITDA28.8324.45
FCF yield1.88%3.83%

Profitability

MetricFASTWAB
Gross margin44.70%34.33%
Operating margin20.29%16.54%
Net margin15.45%10.60%
ROE33.23%11.29%
ROIC28.17%7.64%

Dividends

MetricFASTWAB
Dividend yield1.93%0.37%
Payout ratio83.64%16.33%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFASTWAB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.96%9.16%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.96%25.77%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.54%15.68%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.08%30.42%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FAST or WAB?
WAB has the lower trailing P/E: FAST trades at 40.37 and WAB at 29.70. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FAST or WAB?
Over the past five years, WAB grew revenue faster — FAST at a 8.96% CAGR versus WAB at 9.16%.
Does FAST or WAB pay a bigger dividend?
FAST yields 1.93% and WAB yields 0.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FAST or WAB more profitable?
FAST runs the higher net margin — FAST at 15.45% versus WAB at 10.60%.
How have FAST and WAB total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FAST delivered 19.42% and WAB delivered 16.59% 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.