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AIT vs FAST
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) vs. Fastenal (FAST) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both AIT and FAST are industrial distributors, but AIT skews toward engineered technical solutions and automation, while FAST leads in high-volume fasteners and MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) supplies.
- AIT recently raised its fiscal 2027 EPS (earnings per share) guidance after a stronger-than-expected quarter, while FAST posted record operating income but trimmed its device-signing targets, sending its shares lower after earnings.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Between the two, AIT currently presents the more favorable trend, catalyst, and risk-reward setup.
- FAST trades at a significantly higher valuation multiple and near its 52-week high, whereas AIT sits further below recent highs with more visible upside to analyst price targets.
- For more detail, explore AIT Major News and AIT Today's Price Move, as well as FAST Major News and FAST Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across both tickers, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the industrial distribution sector often weigh scale and operating discipline against specialized technical expertise. AIT (Applied Industrial Technologies) and FAST (Fastenal) sit at the center of that debate. Both companies supply the maintenance, repair, and operations products that keep factories, data centers, and construction sites running, yet their business models, growth drivers, and market positioning differ meaningfully. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and investors assessing relative performance, momentum, and valuation across two industrial names that respond to many of the same macroeconomic forces but convert those tailwinds into results in distinct ways.
AIT Overview and Recent Performance
Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) is a value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, power transmission, fluid power, flow control, and automation technologies. Its business is split between a Service Center distribution network and an Engineered Solutions segment, the latter of which has become a key growth engine, particularly in technology verticals such as semiconductors and data centers.
In recent weeks, AIT reported fiscal 2027 first-quarter results that exceeded expectations, with EPS (earnings per share) of $2.97 against a consensus near $2.89 and revenue of roughly $1.3 billion. Organic sales rose about 7%, and management raised its full-year EPS guidance. The company has also been active in capital deployment, authorizing a new share buyback program and completing acquisitions including Thompson Industrial Supply and IRIS Factory Automation to broaden its automation reach. Despite this, several sell-side firms trimmed price targets on valuation concerns, even while maintaining bullish ratings. The stock trades with a market capitalization of roughly $11 billion, below its 52-week high, leaving a wider gap to the average analyst target than its peer.
FAST Overview and Recent Performance
Fastenal (FAST), headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is one of the world's largest distributors of fasteners, tools, and industrial and construction supplies. Its model centers on high-volume, low-cost distribution supported by an extensive branch network, on-site locations, and digital inventory-management tools such as FASTBin and FASTVend devices.
In its most recent quarter, FAST delivered strong headline results, with net sales up roughly 15.5% year over year, EPS of $0.35 slightly ahead of estimates, and record single-quarter operating income growth of about $90 million. Operating margin expanded to 21.5%, and return on invested capital (ROIC) reached approximately 32.5%. However, the market reacted cautiously: the company trimmed its full-year device-signing target to a range of 27,000 to 29,000 MEUs (machine equivalent units), and pricing contributions continued to fade as tariff-era increases were lapped. With a market capitalization near $59 billion and a trailing P/E (price-to-earnings) multiple above 40, FAST trades near its 52-week high, leaving limited room for the multiple itself to expand.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron offers hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, but only the strongest performers aligned with current market conditions earn a place in the curated Trending AI Robots section. These automated strategies vary widely in trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and the specific sets of tickers they trade, allowing traders to match a bot to their own objectives and risk tolerance. By focusing on a rotating selection of the best-suited bots for prevailing conditions, the page helps users filter a broad universe down to the most relevant options. Traders comparing names like AIT and FAST can use these tools to monitor how momentum, trend consistency, and volatility signals evolve in real time.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both companies operate in industrial distribution, their profiles differ sharply. FAST competes on scale, operating discipline, and low-cost distribution, generating industry-leading operating margins above 20% and a higher ROIC. AIT competes on technical specialization, offering engineered fluid power, flow control, and automation solutions that command value-added margins and exposure to fast-growing technology end markets.
On momentum, the recent picture diverges. AIT delivered a clean earnings beat and raised guidance, reinforcing a constructive trend, while FAST's earnings beat was accompanied by a trimmed device-signing outlook and softening pricing, prompting a modest post-earnings pullback. On valuation, the gap is wide: FAST trades near a 52-week high at a trailing P/E above 40 with a consensus rating that is closer to "Hold," whereas AIT carries a lower multiple, a "Buy"-leaning analyst consensus, and a larger implied gap to average price targets. The trade-off is that FAST offers greater scale, stability, and a higher dividend yield, while AIT presents higher growth exposure and more apparent upside relative to estimates, albeit with a more acquisition-driven and technology-dependent profile.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings catalysts, guidance momentum, and relative valuation, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward AIT over FAST. AIT's combination of a stronger-than-expected quarter, an upward revision to full-year guidance, and a more favorable gap to analyst targets suggests a cleaner momentum profile, while FAST's trimmed device-signing outlook and fading pricing contribution introduce near-term friction against a stretched valuation. This assessment reflects probabilistic positioning rather than a definitive outcome; market conditions can shift, and FAST's scale and profitability remain meaningful structural strengths.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is AIT is a Hold and FAST is a Buy.
AIT in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 27, 2026
AIT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 29 of 33 cases where AIT's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where AIT's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 14 of 16 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 9 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +3.75% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AIT advanced for three days, in 226 of 339 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on AIT as a result. In 46 of 94 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 49%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for AIT turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 53%.
AIT moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for AIT crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AIT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 49%.
The Aroon Indicator for AIT entered a downward trend on November 06, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 13 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 66, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. AIT’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 86 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.592) is normal, around the industry mean (4.173). P/E Ratio (25.554) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.812) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.448) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.402) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
Momentum Indicator for FAST turns positive, indicating new upward trend
FAST saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 29, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 85 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 61 of the 85 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
FAST moved above its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.46% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FAST advanced for three days, in 212 of 336 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 26 of 61 cases where FAST's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 43%.
FAST broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. FAST’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 66, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 93 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: FAST's P/B Ratio (14.944) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (4.173). P/E Ratio (44.907) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.357) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.448) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.447) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
AIT | FAST | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 86 Overvalued | 93 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 13 | 50 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 43 | 30 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 29 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 25 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
AIT's Valuation (86) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as FAST (93). This means that AIT’s stock grew similarly to FAST’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's Profit vs Risk Rating (13) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FAST (50). This means that AIT’s stock grew somewhat faster than FAST’s over the last 12 months.
FAST's SMR Rating (30) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as AIT (43). This means that FAST’s stock grew similarly to AIT’s over the last 12 months.
FAST's Price Growth Rating (29) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for AIT (62). This means that FAST’s stock grew somewhat faster than AIT’s over the last 12 months.
FAST's P/E Growth Rating (25) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as AIT (42). This means that FAST’s stock grew similarly to AIT’s over the last 12 months.
| AIT | FAST | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 88% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 43% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 49% | 4 days ago 72% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 53% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 51% | 4 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 54% | 4 days ago 65% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 67% | 12 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 49% | N/A |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 88% | 4 days ago 64% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 41% | N/A |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AIT’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while FAST’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- AIT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- FAST’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
AIT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FAST’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AIT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- FAST’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
AIT (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а -3.65% price change this week, while FAST (@Electronics Distributors) price change was +2.08% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +2.03%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.41%, and the average quarterly price growth was +12.28%.
Reported Earning Dates
AIT is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
FAST is expected to report earnings on Jan 19, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronics Distributors (+2.03% weekly)Electronics distributors are companies that are involved in distribution of one or more of the following: electronic components, computer products/ peripherals and software products & services. Several electronics distributors are also becoming the point of contact for technical/pre- & post-sale support in many cases, in an attempt to bolster their position in the market. Tariffs and/or cross-border trade barriers are some of the potential threats to the electronics supply chain, but that could also potentially lead to re-directing to markets where tariffs/restrictions are lower depending on demand. The industry is also vulnerable in the event of economic slowdowns. Arrow Electronics, Inc., SYNNEX Corporation and Versum Materials, Inc. are some of the major electronics distributors in the U.S.
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AIT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AIT has been loosely correlated with WCC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 60% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if AIT jumps, then WCC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To AIT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIT | 100% | +0.89% | ||
| WCC - AIT | 60% Loosely correlated | +2.17% | ||
| MSM - AIT | 58% Loosely correlated | +2.09% | ||
| FERG - AIT | 55% Loosely correlated | -0.83% | ||
| FAST - AIT | 52% Loosely correlated | +0.17% | ||
| CNM - AIT | 45% Loosely correlated | -2.09% | ||
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FAST and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FAST has been loosely correlated with GWW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 55% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if FAST jumps, then GWW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FAST | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAST | 100% | +0.17% | ||
| GWW - FAST | 55% Loosely correlated | -0.74% | ||
| AIT - FAST | 48% Loosely correlated | +0.89% | ||
| FERG - FAST | 46% Loosely correlated | -0.83% | ||
| WSO - FAST | 41% Loosely correlated | -2.19% | ||
| MSM - FAST | 40% Loosely correlated | +2.09% | ||
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