Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fastenal achieved net sales of $2.03 billion in Q4 2025, an increase of 11% year-over-year, with net income rising 12.2% to $294.1 million and earnings per share at $0.26 [8][18] - For the full year 2025, the company reported record annual sales of $8.2 billion, up nearly 9% from 2024, and net income of $1.26 billion, up 9.4% [8][27] - Operating cash flow was approximately $370 million, representing 125% of net income, indicating strong cash generation [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of Active 50K Plus Sites rose 14% year-over-year, with these sites now accounting for over half of total revenues [10] - Sales to manufacturing markets outperformed other segments, with double-digit growth in heavy manufacturing [11][19] - Fastener product line growth outpaced non-fastener categories, driven by successful signings of large customers and improved product availability [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy showed mixed signals in Q4, with PMI averaging in the low 48s and industrial production close to flat compared to last year [17] - Customer sentiment remained favorable despite trade and tariff uncertainties, contributing to the strong daily sales growth of over 11% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Fastenal's strategy focuses on increasing sales effectiveness, enhancing services, and expanding market reach, particularly through key account growth and digital solutions [5][11] - The company aims to achieve double-digit market share gains and is exploring new growth drivers, including potential expansions in services [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing challenges in industrial production but expressed confidence in achieving double-digit net sales growth in 2026, supported by FMI technology and digital solutions [35][39] - The company anticipates a normalization of sales activity following holiday shutdowns and expects to see continued momentum in January [58] Other Important Information - Fastenal returned over $1 billion in dividends for the full year 2025, reflecting confidence in cash generation and commitment to shareholder returns [26] - The company plans to increase capital expenditures to approximately 3.5% of net sales in 2026 to support growth expectations [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the double-digit net sales growth in 2026 guidance? - Management clarified that it reflects momentum rather than formal guidance [42] Question: What are the broader economic assumptions underpinning the sales growth target? - Management refrained from providing specific pricing contributions but emphasized alignment with sales teams and market execution [43][45] Question: What was the impact of rebate timing factors in Q4? - Management explained that supplier rebates were lower than expected, affecting gross margins, but anticipated normalization going forward [47][50] Question: Are large heavy manufacturing markets stabilizing? - Management indicated that there were no significant declines, with manufacturing usage remaining flat year-over-year [54] Question: What are the expectations for pricing in 2026? - Management suggested that there would be incremental price increases, but specifics were not provided due to market uncertainties [62][63]

Financial Performance - 3Q25 net sales increased by 117% due to market share gains from key account strategy and new contract signings[6] - Earnings per share (EPS) in 3Q25 improved 123% to $029 from $026 in 3Q24[13] - The company declared a $022 dividend payable in 4Q25 and expects to return over $1 billion in dividends to shareholders in 2025[15] - 3Q25 operating cash flow (OCF) was $3869 million, representing 1153% of net income[34] Sales and Customer Metrics - Daily Sales Rate (DSR) growth for 3Q25 was 117%[6] - Customer sites with sales over $10K/month accounted for 821% of sales in 3Q25, up from 794% in 3Q24[6] - The number of customer sites with sales over $50K/month grew by 154%[6] Technology and Digital Footprint - The installed base of weighted FMI (Fastenal Managed Inventory) devices increased by 87% from 3Q24, reaching 133910 devices[20] - Activity through the FMI technology platform represented 453% of sales in 3Q25, compared to 430% in 3Q24[20] - Sales through the Digital Footprint (FMI technology plus non-FMI-related eBusiness) accounted for 613% of total sales in 3Q25[21] Margins and Expenses - Gross profit margin increased to 453% in 3Q25 from 449% in 3Q24[31] - Operating margin improved to 207% in 3Q25 from 203% in 3Q24, resulting in an incremental margin of 239%[15] - Employee-related expenses increased by 129% in 3Q25 compared to 3Q24[15]

Financial Performance - Second quarter net sales increased by 8.6%, primarily driven by improved customer contract signings over the past six quarters[6] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter improved 12.7% to $0.29, compared to $0.25 in the second quarter of the previous year[12] - The operating margin improved to 21.0% in the second quarter, up from 20.2% in the second quarter of the previous year[12] - Gross profit margin increased to 45.3% from 45.1% in the second quarter of the previous year, reflecting favorable price/cost dynamics and improved fastener sales margins[28] - Operating cash flow (OCF) for the second quarter was $278.6 million, representing 84.4% of net income[31] Customer Site Performance - The number of customer sites with sales over $10,000 per month grew by 6.7%, led by Onsite-like locations which increased by 12.4%[6] - Sites with sales over $10,000 per month accounted for 81.4% of net sales in the second quarter, up from 79.2% in the second quarter of the previous year[6] - Total manufacturing customer sites were 43,138 with sales of $1,575.4 million, while total non-manufacturing customer sites were 58,302 with sales of $504.9 million[7] Digital Footprint and Technology - Daily sales through eBusiness rose 13.5% in the second quarter[18] - Activity through the company's FMI (Fastenal Managed Inventory) technology platform represented 44.1% of sales in the second quarter, compared to 41.8% and 39.8% in the second quarter of the previous year and the year before, respectively[17] - Sales through the digital footprint (FMI technology plus non-FMI-related eBusiness) accounted for 61.0% of total sales in the second quarter, versus 59.4% and 55.3% in the second quarter of the previous year and the year before, respectively[18]