Earnings Report and Estimates - Fastenal Company (FAST) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2024 results on Jan 17 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share is 48 cents, indicating 4.4% growth from the year-ago level [3] - The consensus mark for revenues is $1.85 billion, a 5% increase from the year-ago figure of $1.76 billion [3] - The company's model predicts overall daily sales of $29.4 million for Q4, a 3.4% increase from a year ago [7] Historical Performance and Trends - In the last reported quarter, Fastenal's earnings met the Zacks Consensus Estimate while net sales missed by 0.3% [2] - Year-over-year, the top line rose 3.5% while the bottom line remained flat [2] - Fastenal's earnings topped the consensus mark in one of the last four quarters, met in two, and missed in one, with an average of 0.1% [2] - November's average daily sales (ADS) grew 3.4% to $29.5 million, improving from 2.8% growth in October 2024 [5] Sales and Market Performance - Manufacturing sales improved 11.2% (Heavy Manufacturing and Other Manufacturing) and 8% year-over-year in November and October 2024, respectively [6] - Non-residential construction declined 1.7% in November and 4.9% in October 2024 [6] - Fastener sales were up 0.1% in November and down 2% in October 2024 [6] - Safety sales increased 5.5% in November compared with 5.8% growth in October 2024 [6] - Other categories improved 5.2% in November and 5.1% in October 2024 [6] Key Growth Drivers - Improving manufacturing markets are likely to contribute to the company's top line [4] - Factors favoring sales growth include a significant number of large customers, a strong digital strategy, a balanced mix of onsite and offsite services, and market share gains across various product categories [4] - A change in national account strategy is expected to contribute positively [4] Margins and Expenses - The gross margin for Q4 is expected to be 44.7%, down from 45.5% in the year-ago figure [8] - Total operating expenses are expected to increase 1.8% to $453.7 million in Q4 from a year ago [8] - Headwinds include negative impacts from customer and product mix, higher import duties (particularly in Mexico), reduced supplier rebates, lower product purchases, and rising employee and occupancy-related expenses [7] Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank - Fastenal has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and carries a Zacks Rank 3 [10] - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank 1, 2, or 3 increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is not the case here [9] Comparison with Other Companies - Aspen Aerogels (ASPN) has an Earnings ESP of +53.12% and a Zacks Rank 3, with earnings expected to grow 1,000% year-over-year [11][12] - Advance Auto Parts (AAP) has an Earnings ESP of +13.32% and a Zacks Rank 3, with earnings expected to decline 145.8% year-over-year [12] - Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) has an Earnings ESP of +12.67% and a Zacks Rank 1, with earnings expected to decrease 1.2% year-over-year [13]

Earnings and Revenue Projections - Fastenal Company is set to release its fourth-quarter financial results on January 17, 2025, before the market opens [1] - Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings of 48 cents per share, up from 46 cents per share in the same period last year [1] - The company projects quarterly revenue of $1.84 billion, compared to $1.76 billion a year earlier [1] - Fastenal previously reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results on October 11 [1] Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - Fastenal shares increased by 0.7% to close at $74.27 on Wednesday [2] - Jefferies analyst Stephen Volkmann maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $74 to $85 on December 6, 2024, with an accuracy rate of 71% [3] - UBS analyst Amit Mehrotra assumed a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $71 to $88 on November 13, 2024, with an accuracy rate of 75% [3] - Morgan Stanley analyst Chris Snyder maintained an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $72 to $76 on October 14, 2024, with an accuracy rate of 71% [3] - Stephens & Co analyst Tommy Moll maintained an Equal-Weight rating and increased the price target from $56 to $75 on October 14, 2024, with an accuracy rate of 79% [3] - Baird analyst David Manthey maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $67 to $80 on October 14, 2024, with an accuracy rate of 77% [3]

Earnings and Revenue Projections - Wall Street analysts expect Fastenal to post quarterly earnings of $0 48 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 4 4% [1] - Revenues are projected to be $1 85 billion, up 5% from the year-ago quarter [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, reflecting analysts' reassessment of initial estimates [1] Key Metrics Analysis - The consensus estimate for 'Business days' is 63 00 Days, compared to 62 Days in the same quarter last year [4] - Analysts predict 'Daily sales' to average $29 37, up from $28 40 in the year-ago quarter [4] - The 'Number of in-market locations' is expected to reach 3,620, compared to 3,419 in the same quarter last year [4] - 'Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings' are projected at 6,407, up from 5,462 in the year-ago quarter [5] - The 'Number of branch locations' is estimated at 1,598, slightly up from 1,597 in the same quarter last year [5] - Analysts expect 'Number of active Onsite locations' to reach 2,023, compared to 1,822 in the previous year [6] - 'Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend installations' are projected at 125,874, up from 113,138 in the same quarter last year [6] Stock Performance and Market Comparison - Fastenal shares have experienced a -6 7% change in the past month, underperforming the -3 5% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite [7] - With a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), Fastenal is expected to underperform the overall market in the near future [7]

Fastenal Company FAST will release its fourth-quarter financial results, before the opening bell, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.Analysts expect the Winona, Minnesota-based company to report quarterly earnings at 48 cents per share, up from 46 cents per share in the year-ago period. Fastenal projects quarterly revenue of $1.84 billion, compared to $1.76 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro.On Dec. 11, Stifel analyst Brian Butler downgraded Fastenal from Buy to Hold and maintained the price ...

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For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – November 15, 2024 – Today, Zacks Equity Research The Home Depot Inc. (HD) , Lowe's Companies (LOW) , Fastenal Co. (FAST) , Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN) and Tecnoglass (TGLS) .Industry: Retail Building ProductsLink: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2370313/5-retail-building-products-stocks-set-to-thrive-amid-industry-recoveryParticipants in the Zacks Building Products – Retail industry are poised to benefit from technological initiatives to enhance the e-commerce experience ...

Fastenal Company (FAST) recently released its October sales report, wherein average daily sales or ADS grew 2.8% year over year to $30.1 million, moderating sequentially but improving annually. In the prior month, daily sales registered 3.2% growth, and in the year-ago period, the same registered a 1.9% increase.The ADS is lower than the historical October daily sales growth average of down 2.1% month over month between 2018 and 2023 (excluding 2020).Net sales in October 2024 were $692.8 million, reflecting ...

Have you looked into how Fastenal (FAST) performed internationally during the quarter ending September 2024? Considering the widespread global presence of this maker of industrial and construction fasteners, examining the trends in international revenues is essential for assessing its financial resilience and prospects for growth. In the modern, closely-knit global economic landscape, the capacity of a business to access foreign markets is often a key determinant of its financial well-being and growth path. ...

Core Viewpoint - Fastenal Company reported mixed third-quarter 2024 results, with earnings meeting expectations while net sales fell short of consensus estimates. Year-over-year, net sales increased, but earnings remained flat [1][4]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) was 52 cents, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate and unchanged from the previous year [4]. - Net sales reached $1.91 billion, slightly missing the consensus by 0.3% but showing a 3.5% increase year-over-year [4]. - Daily sales averaged $29.8 million, reflecting a 1.9% year-over-year increase [5]. Sales Breakdown - Daily sales of Fasteners, which accounted for approximately 30.2% of net sales, declined by 4% year-over-year [6]. - Sales of Safety Supplies (22.5% of net sales) grew by 6.8% year-over-year, while Other Product Lines (47.3%) increased by 3.7% [6]. - Daily sales in Heavy Manufacturing (43.3% of net sales) rose by 1.8% year-over-year, and Other Manufacturing (32.2%) grew by 4% [7]. Market Trends - Daily sales in Non-Residential Construction and Reseller segments declined by 3.6% and 11.3%, respectively, while Other End-Markets saw a 5.6% increase [8]. - Daily sales to National Account customers (63.6% of total net sales) increased by 5.6% year-over-year, while sales to Non-National Account customers (36.4%) fell by 4.1% [9]. Growth Drivers - Fastenal opened 93 new Onsite locations in the third quarter, bringing the total to 1,986 active sites, an 11.7% increase from the previous year [10]. - Daily sales through Onsite locations increased at a low-single-digit rate year-over-year, supported by new locations activated in 2023 and 2024 [11]. Margin Analysis - Gross margin was 44.9%, down 100 basis points year-over-year, while operating margin decreased to 20.3%, down 70 basis points [12]. - Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 24.6% from 25% in the prior year [12]. Financial Position - As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $292.2 million, up from $221.3 million at the end of 2023. Long-term debt decreased to $125 million from $200 million [13]. - The company returned $223.4 million to shareholders in dividends during the quarter, with net cash from operating activities totaling $890.5 million, down from $1.08 billion in the previous year [13].

Fastenal (FAST) reported $1.91 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2024, representing a yearover-year increase of 3.5%. EPS of $0.52 for the same period compares to $0.52 a year ago. The reported revenue represents a surprise of -0.26% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.52, the company has not delivered EPS surprise. While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare ...