Fastenal Shares Fall After Earnings Miss Despite Double-Digit Revenue Growth

Core Insights - Fastenal Company reported third-quarter earnings that missed analyst expectations, with earnings per share at $0.29 compared to the consensus forecast of $0.30, despite revenue growth of 11.7% year-over-year to $2.13 billion, which met analyst expectations [1][2] Revenue Performance - Revenue growth was driven by stronger customer contract activity since early 2024 and a significant 14.4% increase in fastener product sales [2] - Product pricing contributed between 240 and 270 basis points to quarterly sales growth, indicating effective pricing strategies despite sluggish industrial production [2] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit margin improved to 45.3%, up from 44.9% a year earlier, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency [3] - Operating income increased by 13.7% to $441.5 million, showcasing strong profitability despite the earnings miss [3] - Selling, general and administrative expenses remained stable at 24.6% of sales, unchanged from the prior-year period, indicating controlled cost management [3] Future Outlook - For 2025, the company projected capital expenditures between $235 million and $255 million, an increase from $214.1 million in 2024, as it plans to continue investing in distribution center upgrades and technology infrastructure [3]