Fastenal Stock Down on Q3 Earnings & Sales Miss, Margins Up Y/Y

Core Insights - Fastenal Company (FAST) reported lower-than-expected third-quarter 2025 results, with earnings per share (EPS) of 29 cents and net sales of $2.13 billion, both missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but showing year-over-year growth [1][3][9] - The year-over-year growth was driven by improved customer contract signings and favorable foreign exchange rates, despite sluggish industrial production activity [1][9] - The stock experienced a decline of 3.9% in pre-market trading following the results announcement [2] Financial Performance - EPS of 29 cents missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.3%, while net sales of $2.13 billion fell short of the consensus mark by 0.5%, but increased by 11.7% year-over-year [3][9] - Daily sales reached $33.3 million, reflecting an 11.7% year-over-year increase, with foreign exchange rates contributing positively by 10 basis points [4] - Daily sales of Fasteners increased by 14.4%, Safety Supplies grew by 9.8%, and Other Product Lines rose by 10.7% year-over-year [5] Market Segmentation - Daily sales in Heavy Manufacturing rose by 12.4%, while Other Manufacturing grew by 12.9% year-over-year [6] - Non-Residential Construction sales increased by 7.5%, and Other End-Markets saw an 8.9% growth compared to the prior year [6] Sales Channels - Daily sales through weighted FMI devices grew by 17.7%, accounting for 45.3% of net sales, while eBusiness sales increased by 8%, representing 29.1% of total net sales [7] - The company's Digital Footprint sales rose to 61.3% of net sales from 61.1% in the previous year [7] Margin Analysis - Gross margin improved to 45.3%, up 40 basis points year-over-year, attributed to better customer and supplier incentives and benefits from the fastener expansion project [8] - Selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat at 24.6% of net sales, with operating margin at 20.7%, slightly lower than projections but up from 20.3% a year ago [10] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Fastenal had cash and cash equivalents of $288.1 million, an increase from $255.8 million at the end of 2024, with long-term debt reduced to $100 million from $125 million [11] - Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $927.8 million, up from $890.5 million in the prior year [12]