Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross profit increased 2.4% year over year to $138.6 million, the highest in the company's history, with gross margin expanding 90 basis points to 19.6% [4][5] - Total net sales were $709.1 million, down 2.2% from last year, primarily due to a decrease in net sales in the public sector solutions segment [5][6] - Net income for the third quarter was $24.7 million compared to $27.1 million last year, a decrease of 8.6%, with diluted earnings per share at $0.97, down $0.05 year over year [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In business solutions, net sales grew 1.7% to $256.8 million, while gross profit increased 7.8% to $68 million, with gross margin reaching a record 26.5% [6] - Public sector solutions saw net sales decline 24.3% to $132.5 million, but gross margin increased 230 basis points to a record 17.2% [6] - Enterprise solutions net sales grew 7.7% to $319.8 million, with gross profit up 3.4% to $47.8 million [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment net sales grew 25%, and gross profit was up 42% year over year, indicating strong demand for tailored vertical market solutions [14] - Financial services net sales increased 23%, with gross profit rising 19% year over year, driven by infrastructure modernization [14] - Manufacturing segment grew 8% in net sales and 28% in gross profit year over year, despite macro challenges [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its solutions-led business, deepening customer relationships, and driving profitable growth in cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and services [8][16] - The strategy aligns with customer evolution in technology deployment and management, emphasizing expertise as a differentiator [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while funding cycles and project timing can affect quarterly results, long-term trends are positive, with confidence in record gross profit and expanding margins [8][16] - The public sector business is seen as a wildcard, with expectations of recovery but uncertainty regarding timing [19][31] Other Important Information - Operating cash flow for the first nine months of 2025 was $38 million, with a strong liquidity position of $399.2 million in cash and equivalents [12] - The company returned capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with $44.3 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on year-end and Q4 growth potential - Management indicated that there is momentum in the enterprise segment and business solutions group, with potential for growth in Q4, but the public sector remains uncertain [18][19] Question: Backlog explanation and shipping delays - Management clarified that the backlog is customer-driven, with delays primarily on the customer side rather than supply chain issues [20][21] Question: Impact of federal government shutdown on public sector - The federal government shutdown is affecting the public sector business, with orders unable to be shipped due to lack of personnel to receive them [31] Question: Future profitability and gross margins outlook - Management expects gross margins to be flat year-over-year, with potential increases in spending depending on revenue growth [32][33] Question: Potential for acquisitions - The company is actively looking at tuck-in acquisitions to enhance solutions capability but has no specific updates at this time [34]

Company Overview - Fastenal Company operates approximately 1,600 branch locations across 25 countries, providing a wide range of fasteners, safety products, metal cutting products, and other industrial supplies to various sectors including manufacturing, construction, and government [2][3]. - The company employs a "high-touch, high-tech" approach, focusing on local expertise, customer-facing technology, and efficient supply chain management to help customers reduce costs and risks [2]. Recent Developments - Fastenal has announced a conference call scheduled for October 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. central time to review its third quarter earnings and current operations [1]. - The company has launched a new high-tech distribution center in Magna, Utah, covering 298,000 square feet, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer service in the region [4].