CAT vs FAST
Caterpillar (CAT) and Fastenal (FAST) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $59.6B for Fastenal, about 5.3 times the size. On trailing earnings, CAT is cheaper at 29.6x versus 42.2x for FAST.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | FAST |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $59.6B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 42.2x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 36.8x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | $9.1B |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | 15.5% |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | 44.6% |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | 21.5% |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | $1.2B |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 2.00% |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | +23.4% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | +15.9% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -63% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C+ |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CAT vs FAST FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or FAST?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $59.6B for Fastenal, about 5.3 times the size.
Is CAT or FAST cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CAT is cheaper at 29.6x versus 42.2x for FAST. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, CAT or FAST?
CAT returned +32.8% over the past year including dividends, versus +23.4% for FAST, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or FAST?
FAST yields 2.00% versus 0.95% for CAT.
Full pages: Caterpillar · Fastenal