Fastenal: Strong Business Model, but Little Margin of Safety

Generally, when investing in stocks we look for companies with strong brand power, differentiation and significant barriers to entry. This is not the case with Fastenal Co. (FAST, Financial). As the company operates in the industrial supplies distribution sector, there is little differentiation and a low barrier to entry. The company makes up for this, however, by being very efficient in executing its business model, offering diversified solutions, inventory solutions and has a large distribution network, w ...