Fastenal(US:FAST)2025-08-14 09:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong revenue growth of 44% year-on-year, reaching a revenue run rate of over €100 million [53][54] - Gross margin per kilowatt hour increased to €0.54, the highest level ever, up from €0.47 in the first quarter [38] - Operational EBITDA expanded by more than 20%, with underlying EBITDA remaining positive despite a net loss of €19.9 million primarily due to network expansion costs [56][57] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 17 new stations and expanded 11 existing stations in the first half of 2025, totaling 29 new stations added to the network [28][29] - Energy delivered per station grew by 8.2% year-on-year, with organic volume growth at the stations at 16% year-on-year [38] - The average sales per station were reported to be eight times the market average in Belgium, indicating strong performance [46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric vehicle (EV) stock grew by 28% year-on-year, while the company delivered 30% more energy in the same period [9] - EV sales across the EU increased by 22% in 2025, driven by supportive policies and incentives [13] - The company holds a 20% sales market share in Belgium despite having only 3% of the charging locations [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue expanding its network, with a target of building over 100 stations annually in the coming years [56] - Initiatives such as the Spark Alliance and the "See You There" marketing campaign are designed to enhance brand awareness and drive EV adoption [11][30] - The company is focused on fast charging as the fastest growing segment, which aligns with its strategy to optimize station economics [48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth, citing the expected acceleration in EV sales and the company's strategic positioning [61] - The company anticipates that seasonal effects will lead to increased energy needs in the latter half of the year, contributing to revenue growth [78] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between network expansion and operational efficiency to achieve long-term profitability [56] Other Important Information - The company has a strong funding position with a cash balance of €113 million and plans to fund a significant portion of its 2026 rollout from current resources [59][60] - The company is assessing bank financing options to support its expansion plans [60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Cash flow dynamics and CapEx increase - Management explained that the increase in CapEx to €43 million in the first half was due to the construction of new stations and expansions, with expectations for positive free cash flow in the future [64][66][71] Question: Charging volumes and seasonal effects - Management clarified that Q2 typically sees lower volumes due to seasonal temperature effects, with expectations for growth in Q3 and Q4 driven by increased energy needs [75][78] Question: CO2 emissions and sales mix - Management provided insights on how CO2 targets influence the sales mix, indicating that compliance with emissions regulations will require a significant increase in electric vehicle sales [86][92] Question: Charge speeds and operational EBITDA margins - Management discussed expectations for increasing charge speeds with new vehicle models and the impact of operational leverage on EBITDA margins in mature markets [100][108]