Insights Into Fastenal (FAST) Q3: Wall Street Projections for Key Metrics

Core Viewpoint - Fastenal (FAST) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.30 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15.4%, with revenues projected at $2.13 billion, an 11.4% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - There have been no revisions in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analysts' forecasts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Projections - Analysts project 'Geographic Revenue- Canada and Mexico' at $288.95 million, a year-over-year increase of 9.4% [5]. - 'Geographic Revenue- North America' is expected to reach $2.05 billion, suggesting a 10.8% year-over-year change [5]. - 'Geographic Revenue- All other foreign countries' is estimated at $65.74 million, indicating an 11.6% increase from the previous year [5]. - 'Geographic Revenue- United States' is projected at $1.76 billion, reflecting an 11.1% year-over-year change [6]. Key Metrics - The consensus estimate for 'Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings (MEUs)' is 6,549, down from 7,281 in the same quarter last year [7]. - The estimated 'Number of branch locations' is 1,594, slightly down from 1,597 in the previous year [7]. - 'Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend installations (MEUs; end of period)' are forecasted to reach 136,653, up from 123,193 a year ago [8]. Stock Performance - Fastenal shares have decreased by 0.9% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 3.7% [8]. - Fastenal holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating expectations of outperforming the overall market in the near term [8].