FAST Graphs (Fundamentals Analyzer Software Tool) is a respected valuation tool that visualizes the relationship between a stock's price and its earnings. Its signature "black line vs. orange line" chart helps investors instantly see whether a stock is trading above or below its historical earnings-based valuation. SafetyMargin.io provides a broader Buffett-style toolkit including DCF modeling, forensic accounting, and capital allocation analysis.
Both tools serve value investors focused on buying below intrinsic value.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SafetyMargin.io | FAST Graphs |
|---|---|---|
| DCF Intrinsic Value Calculator | ✓ | ✓ |
| Customizable DCF Assumptions | ✓ | Partial |
| Multi-Scenario DCF (Bear/Base/Bull) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Reverse DCF (Market-Implied Growth) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Margin of Safety Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Buffett Signal (Buy/Hold/Sell) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Forensic Accounting (Beneish M-Score) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Altman Z-Score (Bankruptcy Risk) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Sloan Ratio (Earnings Quality) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Owner Earnings (Buffett FCF) | ✓ | ✗ |
| SBC-Adjusted Free Cash Flow | ✓ | ✗ |
| ROIIC (Incremental Capital Returns) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Retained Earnings $1 Test | ✓ | ✗ |
| Buyback Effectiveness Score | ✓ | ✗ |
| Mr. Market Sentiment Gauge | ✓ | ✗ |
| Insider Transaction Tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investment Checklist & Notes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Price-to-Earnings Visualization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Earnings-Based Fair Value Line | ✗ | ✓ |
| Dividend Analysis & Forecasting | ✗ | ✓ |
| 20+ Year Historical Data | ✗ | ✓ |
| Portfolio Forecasting | ✗ | Paid only |
| 100% Free Access | ✓ | ✗ |
Where SafetyMargin.io Stands Out
Broader Analytical Framework
FAST Graphs excels at one thing: visualizing price versus earnings. This is valuable, but valuation involves more than earnings multiples. SafetyMargin.io provides a three-scenario DCF (cash-flow based), a Reverse DCF (market-implied growth), forensic accounting (statement verification), and capital allocation metrics (management quality). Together, these cover the full value investing workflow.
Forensic Accounting
FAST Graphs does not assess the quality of reported earnings. SafetyMargin.io automatically runs:
- Beneish M-Score — detects potential earnings manipulation using 8 financial ratios
- Altman Z-Score — quantifies bankruptcy risk
- Sloan Ratio — checks if earnings are backed by real cash flow
A stock can look cheap on a FAST Graph while its underlying earnings are unreliable. Forensic tools catch this.
Capital Allocation Suite
SafetyMargin.io tracks Owner Earnings, ROIIC, SBC-Adjusted FCF, the $1 Retained Earnings Test, and Buyback Effectiveness. These metrics reveal whether management is creating or destroying value — a critical dimension that price-to-earnings charts cannot show.
Completely Free
FAST Graphs requires a subscription ($19.99–$49.99/month). SafetyMargin.io provides every feature at no cost.
Where FAST Graphs Stands Out
Signature Valuation Visualization
The FAST Graphs "black line vs. orange line" chart is genuinely intuitive. You can instantly see whether a stock is trading above or below its historical earnings-based valuation. The visual simplicity makes it easy to identify undervalued and overvalued stocks at a glance.
Deep Historical Data
FAST Graphs provides 20+ years of earnings and price data, allowing you to study how a stock has been valued across multiple market cycles. SafetyMargin.io provides approximately 4 years of data.
Dividend Analysis
FAST Graphs offers detailed dividend yield analysis, growth forecasting, and income projections — particularly useful for dividend-focused investors. SafetyMargin.io shows dividend yield but does not offer dedicated income forecasting.
Educational Content
FAST Graphs founder Chuck Carnevale has produced hundreds of educational videos demonstrating the tool. This library of content helps users understand both the tool and valuation concepts.
Pricing
| SafetyMargin.io | FAST Graphs | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Full access to all features | Limited trial |
| Basic | N/A | $19.99/month |
| Premium | N/A | $49.99/month |
Who Should Use Which?
Choose SafetyMargin.io if you want to:
- Access DCF, forensic accounting, and capital allocation tools for free
- Build multi-scenario intrinsic value estimates
- Run Reverse DCF to check market expectations
- Evaluate management quality quantitatively
Choose FAST Graphs if you prefer:
- Visual earnings-based valuation charts
- 20+ years of historical data
- Dividend income analysis and forecasting
- A simple, proven visual framework for valuation
Try It Yourself
Search for any stock on AAPL, MSFT, or KO and see the full analysis — completely free.