Fastenal (FAST) vs Sherwin-Williams (SHW)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Fastenal (FAST) has outperformed Sherwin-Williams (SHW) over the past year, gaining 5.0% versus a loss of 6.5%. Over five years, FAST leads with a +78.8% price change compared with +6.3% for SHW. Sherwin-Williams is the larger company by market cap ($76.47 billion vs $57.18 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while Fastenal is growing revenue faster (+8.7% vs +2.1%).
On valuation, Sherwin-Williams trades at a lower forward P/E (23.2x vs 35.5x for Fastenal). Fastenal offers the higher dividend yield (1.85% vs 1.01%). Fastenal converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.3% versus 10.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FAST | SHW |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $49.83 | $315.00 |
| Market cap | $57.18B | $76.47B |
| 1-day change | -1.93% | -1.92% |
| YTD return | +24.17% | -2.79% |
| 1-year return | +5.02% | -6.53% |
| 5-year return | +78.79% | +6.28% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 42.59 | 29.03 |
| Forward P/E | 35.54 | 23.21 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.17 | $10.85 |
| Dividend yield | 1.85% | 1.01% |
| Annual dividend | $0.92 | $3.18 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.20B | $23.57B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.67% | +2.06% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.26B | $2.57B |
| Gross margin | 45.01% | 48.85% |
| Operating margin | 20.19% | — |
| Net margin | 15.35% | 10.90% |
| 52-week high | $52.92 | $377.77 |
| 52-week low | $38.97 | $289.86 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -5.84% | -16.62% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -1.99% | +22.63% |
| Average volume | 7.51M | 1.79M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.15B | 242.76M |
| Employees | 22,230 | 64,249 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | RETAIL: Building Materials | RETAIL: Building Materials |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- FAST has outperformed SHW by 11.5 percentage points over the past year.
- Fastenal trades at a higher earnings multiple (42.6x vs 29.0x trailing P/E).
- Fastenal grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.67% vs +2.06%).
About Fastenal
FAST stock →Fastenal Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the wholesale distribution of industrial and construction supplies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. It offers fasteners, and related industrial and construction supplies under the Fastenal name.
Consumer Discretionary · RETAIL: Building Materials · 22,230 employees
About Sherwin-Williams
SHW stock →The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paint, coatings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers. The company operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group.
Consumer Discretionary · RETAIL: Building Materials · 64,249 employees
FAST vs SHW FAQ
Which is bigger, Fastenal or Sherwin-Williams?
Sherwin-Williams (SHW) is larger, with a market capitalization of $76.47B compared with $57.18B for Fastenal (FAST).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FAST or SHW?
FAST returned +5.02% over the past 12 months, compared with -6.53% for SHW (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FAST or SHW?
SHW has the lower trailing P/E at 29.0, versus 42.6 for FAST. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Fastenal or Sherwin-Williams?
Fastenal has the higher yield at 1.85%, compared with 1.01% for Sherwin-Williams.
Are Fastenal and Sherwin-Williams in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the RETAIL: Building Materials industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.