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Sherwin Williams vs Fastenal: SHW and FAST compared
Sherwin Williams is the larger company: $6.9B of revenue in its latest quarter (Q3 2026) against $2.5B for Fastenal (Q3 2026). Fastenal is growing faster (+16% against +8% a year earlier). Fastenal is more profitable, with an operating margin of 21.5% against 15.5%.
Where the money goes: SHW and FAST
Sherwin Williams (SHW) · Q3 2026
Sherwin Williams, Q3 2026: revenue $6.9B (+8% year over year), operating margin 15.5%, net earnings $821M, operating cash flow $1.1B. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
Fastenal (FAST) · Q3 2026
Fastenal, Q3 2026: revenue $2.5B (+16% year over year), operating margin 21.5%, net earnings $402M, operating cash flow $422M. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
| Sherwin Williams (SHW) | Fastenal (FAST) | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest quarter | Q3 2026 | Q3 2026 |
| Revenue | $6.9B | $2.5B |
| Revenue growth, Y/Y | +8% | +16% |
| Gross margin | 47.8% | 44.8% |
| Operating margin | 15.5% | 21.5% |
| Net earnings | $821M | $402M |
| Net margin | 12.0% | 16.3% |
| Operating cash flow | $1.1B | $422M |
| Free cash flow | $976M | $348M |
| Market value | $84.7B | $61.0B |
| P/E | 32.1× | 43.1× |
| Analysts’ mean target | $374.25 | $51.15 |
Where the revenue comes from
Sherwin Williams
- Paint Stores Group: $4.0B (59%)
- Performance Coatings Group: $1.9B (28%)
- Consumer Brands Group: $937M (14%)
Questions
Which is bigger, Sherwin Williams or Fastenal?
Sherwin Williams is the larger company: $6.9B of revenue in its latest quarter (Q3 2026) against $2.5B for Fastenal (Q3 2026).
Is Sherwin Williams or Fastenal growing faster?
Fastenal is growing faster (+16% against +8% a year earlier).
Which is more profitable, Sherwin Williams or Fastenal?
Fastenal is more profitable, with an operating margin of 21.5% against 15.5%.
More: Sherwin Williams earnings · how Sherwin Williams makes money · Fastenal earnings · how Fastenal makes money
From the companies' latest 10-Q, 10-K or earnings release (10-Q filed Oct 27, 2026; 10-Q filed Oct 19, 2026). Fiscal quarters can end on different dates. Not investment advice.