🏢 官网IRFASTDoubao · 实盘不做把握 7/10不做原因:已被定价
北京时间·🕒 发布 10-14 18:50:00(美东 06:50)·⟳ 抓取 10-14 18:53:52回填·⚡ 决策 10-15 04:35:41·12.6 天前
Fastenal三季度EPS超预期但收入口径分歧、毛利率与FMI目标偏弱,盘后回吐不追
三季报在美股盘前披露,常规交易时段已完成首轮定价:股价盘前一度约跌8%,随后全天反转并收涨1.11%,但盘后再跌0.79%。EPS小超预期与经营杠杆被收入预期分歧、毛利率压力和FMI目标下调抵消,历史同公司财报后1日中位数也为负,缺少次日开盘的清晰正向edge;负面因素又不足以构成强空催化。
📄 原文FAST↗ 原文
Fastenal Company Reports 2026 Third Quarter Earnings
Daily sales increased 15.5% year-over-year, primarily driven by share gains with larger customers, pricing actions, and…
不做 Fastenal Company(FAST.US)
财报预期差混合且已在盘前、常规时段和盘后完成剧烈定价:EPS小幅beat被销售预期分歧、毛利率压力和FMI目标下调抵消;不满足追多edge,也不满足强空催化。
展开详情(成交明细 / 研究档案 / 原文全文 / 决策记录链)
研究档案
结论摘要
Fastenal Q3增长和费用杠杆强劲,但EPS仅较一致预期高约0.01美元,毛利率与FMI签约目标暴露质量瑕疵。市场已在盘前至收盘完成剧烈重定价且盘后回落,结论为不追多、不做空。
消息传播链
- 公司盘前发布Q3财报,披露日销售增长15.5%、EPS 0.35美元、经营利润率21.5%及下调FMI全年签约目标。市场反应:盘前股价一度约跌8%,显示市场最初聚焦销售/增长质量瑕疵。
- 公司按公告举行Q3电话会,市场在常规交易时段继续消化经营杠杆、合同客户和毛利率信息。市场反应:FAST常规交易时段从盘前低位反转,收盘52.00美元、较前收涨1.11%。
- 2026-10-14 16:23 ET市场反应Futu盘后报价非一手盘后价51.59美元,较常规收盘价低0.79%,说明收盘后的增量确认不足。
关键理由
- Q3日销售增长15.5%、经营利润增长20.2%、EPS 0.35美元高于市场约0.34美元的预期,基本需求仍强。
- 但毛利率同比下滑40个基点、大客户组合拖累50个基点,且全年FMI设备签约目标下调,盈利beat的持续性和预期差不够干净。
主要风险
- 若电话会强化制造业需求、合同客户放量和2027年利润率展望,盘后小幅回落可能在次日被修复。
- 若分析师强调销售miss、毛利率结构和营运资本占用,股价可能延续Fastenal以往财报后偏弱模式。
反向证据
- 做多前查反向 · 来源 web · 日期 2026-10-14 · 影响 weakens
多家报道提到销售低于部分预期、毛利率受大客户组合拖累、FMI签约目标下调以及营运资本占用,削弱追多逻辑。
检索:Fastenal Q3 2026 sales miss gross margin FMI guidance lowered capital spending cash conversion concerns 原文 ↗ - 做空前查反向 · 来源 web · 日期 2026-10-14 · 影响 invalidates
EPS beat、经营利润率扩张、合同客户增长和盘中从深跌反转收涨,否定了把本季财报定性为强空催化。
检索:Fastenal Q3 2026 record operating income EPS beat operating leverage strong demand analyst reaction 原文 ↗ - 做多前查反向 · 来源 kb_search · 影响 none
内部KB检索服务连接失败,未取得增量卖方纪要;该失败不构成利好或利空证据,结论以公司原文、Web和行情为准。
检索:Fastenal FAST Q3 2026 earnings consensus expectations analyst reaction
先例如何影响了这次决策
对本次决策的影响:先例确认不应把15.5%增长直接当作可追利好,并促使最终选择AVOID而非次日开盘追多;但本次EPS beat与盘中承接也不足以形成强空。
方向:四条同公司盘前财报先例1日收益全部为负,中位数-4.81%,5日胜率为0%;但本次常规交易已从盘前大跌反转收涨,样本不能机械外推为做空。
涨幅量级:先例足以提示财报后短线波动通常为数个百分点,但由于当前判定处于盘后且本次价格路径已极端反转,不用其设定次日追多止盈。
形态:Fastenal财报多次出现“名义增长强但预期差不够、股价先走弱”的模式;本次盘前下跌后被买起、盘后再度回落,显示分歧仍大。
历史先例(按相似度)
- 相似度 8/10 FAST 2026-07-14 Q2 2026日销售增长14.7%,EPS大致符合预期且销售超预期。 原文 ↗
事件后 +1日 -2.8% · +2日 -3.6% · +3日 -0.8% · +4日 -3.3% · +5日 -4.9%
相似度依据:同一公司、同为盘前季度财报、工业分销商增长与利润率权衡;差异是本次EPS小幅beat而Q2更接近符合预期。
经验:即使销售增长强劲,若盈利惊喜有限且估值较高,财报当日仍可能高开低走或收跌。 - 相似度 8/10 FAST 2026-04-13 Q1 2026销售超预期但EPS符合预期,股价财报日大幅下跌。 原文 ↗
事件后 +1日 -6.8% · +2日 -9.2% · +3日 -9.7% · +4日 -9.1% · +5日 -6.9%
相似度依据:同一公司、同属销售强但盈利惊喜不足的盘前财报场景。
经验:名义高增长不能抵消预期差不足,财报当日和后续数日均可能跑输大盘。 - 相似度 8/10 FAST 2025-10-13 Q3 2025销售增长11.7%但EPS miss,股价盘前约跌4%。 原文 ↗
事件后 +1日 -7.5% · +2日 -6.6% · +3日 -7.7% · +4日 -8.3% · +5日 -7.2%
相似度依据:同一公司、同一年度同季度、同为盘前三季报;差异是2025年为EPS miss而本次为小幅beat。
经验:Fastenal高估值状态下,财报若不能同时满足收入、利润率和预期,负面反应可能持续数日。 - 相似度 7/10 FAST 2026-01-20 Q4/2025 EPS与销售大致符合预期,部分媒体指出收入miss。 原文 ↗
事件后 +1日 -2.6% · +2日 +2.0% · +3日 +2.4% · +4日 +0.3% · +5日 -0.0%
相似度依据:同一公司盘前业绩并涉及收入预期落差,但包含全年口径,周期性背景略弱于本次。
经验:大致符合预期的财报首日偏弱,后续是否修复取决于新增需求信息而非单纯同比增长。
工具执行结果 · 成功 17 · 降级 0 · 失败 1 · 取消 0
- search_processed_events 成功 stock_tools HTTP · 11 ms
{"result": "search_processed_events:agent query=`fast third quarter 2026 results operating margin | fastenal 2026 q3 net income eps 0.35 | fastenal q3 2026 earnings daily sales 15.5%`;结构化索引覆盖完整 72 小时;旧记录兼容扫描近 0.0/72 小时、0 条本臂决策(完整),返回 0 条候选。未命中只表示这些 agent query 表达式没有召回候选,不能据此证明消息首发或不是重复;按当前事件继续正常研判。" - fetch_decision_experience 成功 stock_tools_inprocess · 2 ms
{ - stock_quote 成功 stock_tools HTTP · 490 ms
{ - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,013 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal Q3 2026 earnings results EPS revenue consensus estimate reaction October 14 2026;API SearchType:web) - kb_search 失败 stock_tools HTTP · 57 ms
kb_search 服务暂不可用;这不是一条知识库命中。 - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,452 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal Q3 2026 EPS estimate 0.34 revenue estimate 2.48 billion October 2026;API SearchType:web) - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,296 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal Q3 2026 earnings analyst reaction gross margin customer mix FMI signings target cut October 14 2026;API SearchType:web) - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,424 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal quarterly earnings history reaction Q4 2025 Q1 2026 Q2 2026 stock next day EPS sales beat;API SearchType:web) - search_case_library 成功 stock_tools HTTP · 13 ms
{"result": "search_case_library「FAST.US」—— 与这些标的相关、事件类型=财报/业绩预告的自家决策案例(本页 6 条,该标的全历史相关记录共 8 条;ENTER 只按该标的自己的腿统计):\n◆ FAST.US:相关历史决策 8 条 · 其中该标的 ENTER 1 条(12.5%) · 尚无已结算收益(都还没到出场)\n【对所查标的真 ENTER 过的 1 条(最新在前)—— 校准就看这一段】\n• 2026-09-04 UTC 值得做 · ★ENTER LONG FAST.US · 事件:Fastenal在公司IR发布2026年8月月度销售数据,净销售额 - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,036 ms
web_search「site:sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/815556 Fastenal 2026 second quarter earnings release July 14 2026 ex_991」无结果。 - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,096 ms
web_search「site:sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/815556 Fastenal 2025 fourth quarter earnings release January 20 2026 ex_991」无结果。 - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 547 ms
web_search「site:sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/815556 Fastenal 2025 third quarter earnings release October 2025 ex_991」无结果。 - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,466 ms
web_search「site:investor.fastenal.com/news/news-details/2026 Fastenal second quarter earnings July 14 2026」无结果。 - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,816 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal Company Reports 2025 Fourth Quarter Earnings Business Wire January 20 2026;API SearchType:web) - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,717 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal Company Reports 2025 Third Quarter Earnings Business Wire October 2025;API SearchType:web) - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 4,867 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal Company Reports 2026 Second Quarter Earnings Business Wire July 14 2026;API SearchType:web) - web_search 成功 doubao_search · 1,583 ms
豆包搜索结果(原始查询:Fastenal Company Reports 2025 Second Quarter Earnings July 2025 Business Wire;API SearchType:web) - event_study 成功 stock_tools HTTP · 27 ms
{
原文全文
展开原文 · 29,237 字
Daily sales increased 15.5% year-over-year,
primarily driven by share gains with larger customers, pricing actions, and broad-based demand across core end markets.
Operating margin was 21.5%, a 90 basis point improvement year-over-year
, as selling, general, and administrative expense leverage more than offset customer mix-related gross margin pressure.
Operating cash flow was $422 million, representing 105% of net income
, reflecting the timing of working capital changes associated with strong sales growth.
Returned $328 million to shareholders
through dividends and share repurchases, representing 82% of net income.
Continued progress on strategic initiatives
, including increased sales effectiveness through key account wins, expansion of digital technologies, and deeper penetration through new customer site growth.
WINONA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Fastenal Company (Nasdaq:FAST) ('Fastenal,' 'we,' 'our,' or 'us'), a global leader in supply chain services, today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Results reflected strong daily sales growth, operating expense leverage, and continued growth with larger customers supported by our Onsite, digital, and supply chain solutions. Except for share and per share information, or as otherwise noted, amounts are stated in millions. Percentage and dollar calculations, which are based on non-rounded dollar values, may not be recalculated or footed using the dollar values included in this document due to the rounding of those dollar values.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
Nine-month Period
Three-month Period
2026
2025
Change
2026
2025
Change
Net sales
$
7,051.9
6,173.1
14.2
%
$
2,463.3
2,133.3
15.5
%
Business days
191
191
64
64
Daily sales
$
36.9
32.3
14.2
%
$
38.5
33.3
15.5
%
Gross profit
$
3,151.3
2,792.5
12.8
%
$
1,104.7
965.8
14.4
%
% of net sales
44.7
%
45.2
%
44.8
%
45.3
%
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses
$
1,671.1
1,521.1
9.9
%
$
573.9
524.3
9.4
%
% of net sales
23.7
%
24.6
%
23.3
%
24.6
%
Operating income
$
1,480.2
1,271.4
16.4
%
$
530.8
441.5
20.2
%
% of net sales
21.0
%
20.6
%
21.5
%
20.7
%
Income before income taxes
$
1,481.6
1,270.4
16.6
%
$
531.2
440.6
20.6
%
% of net sales
21.0
%
20.6
%
21.6
%
20.7
%
Net income
$
1,124.2
964.4
16.6
%
$
401.6
335.5
19.7
%
Diluted net income per share
$
0.98
0.84
16.5
%
$
0.35
0.29
19.8
%
Note – Daily sales rate (DSR) is defined as the total net sales for the period divided by the number of business days (in the U.S.) in the period.
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Sales
Net sales increased $330.0, or 15.5%, in the third quarter of 2026 when compared to the third quarter of 2025 (both periods had the same number of business days). Sales performance reflects the contribution from improved customer contract signings since the first quarter of 2024, product pricing, and a modest improvement in industrial production in the first nine months of 2026. Foreign exchange rates negatively impacted sales growth by approximately 10 basis points in the third quarter of 2026 as compared to the third quarter of 2025 when foreign exchange rates contributed approximately 10 basis points to sales growth. The impact of product pricing on net sales in the third quarter of 2026 was an increase of approximately 240 basis points, compared to an increase of 240 to 270 basis points in the third quarter of 2025.
From a product portfolio standpoint, we classify our offerings into four primary categories: fasteners, safety supplies, cutting tools, and other product lines. 'Other product lines' encompasses seven smaller product segments, including tools and janitorial supplies.
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, we expanded our reporting to provide a more comprehensive view of direct (original equipment manufacturing/production) and indirect (maintenance, repair, and operations/facilities maintenance) business across product categories. Direct materials generally include products incorporated into finished goods or that directly support customers' production processes, while indirect materials support customers' facility operations, maintenance, and safety needs. During the third quarter of 2026, direct materials outpaced indirect materials, reflecting greater contribution from fastener sales and continued strength with manufacturing customers.
The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
DSR Change
Three-month Period
% of Sales
Three-month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Direct fasteners/hardware
16.8
%
15.3
%
21.0
%
20.9
%
Direct cutting tools and abrasives
19.5
%
13.4
%
5.4
%
5.2
%
Direct non-fasteners/hardware
21.2
%
12.9
%
13.3
%
12.8
%
Total direct materials
18.6
%
14.2
%
39.8
%
38.9
%
Indirect fasteners/hardware
7.6
%
15.3
%
9.3
%
10.0
%
Indirect safety
13.0
%
10.6
%
20.8
%
21.4
%
Indirect non-fasteners/hardware and non-safety
17.5
%
8.7
%
30.1
%
29.7
%
Total indirect materials
14.3
%
10.4
%
60.2
%
61.1
%
From an end market standpoint, we have four categories: heavy manufacturing, other manufacturing, non-residential construction, and other, the latter of which includes reseller, government/education, transportation, warehousing and storage, and data centers. Our manufacturing end market growth was mainly due to the relative strength we are experiencing with key account customers with significant managed spend, where our service model and technology are particularly impactful. The non-residential construction end market experienced growth for the sixth quarter in a row. Other end market sales were favorably impacted by growth with transportation and reseller customers.
The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
DSR Change
Three-month Period
% of Sales
Three-month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Heavy manufacturing
20.2
%
12.4
%
44.6
%
43.1
%
Other manufacturing
13.2
%
12.9
%
32.0
%
32.8
%
Total manufacturing
17.2
%
12.7
%
76.6
%
75.9
%
Non-residential construction
12.0
%
7.5
%
8.0
%
8.3
%
Other end markets
12.4
%
8.9
%
15.4
%
15.8
%
Total non-manufacturing
12.3
%
8.4
%
23.4
%
24.1
%
From a customer standpoint, we have two categories: 1) contracts, which include national multi-site, local and regional, and government customers with significant revenue potential, and 2) non-contracts. Sales with our contract customers continue to outperform as we realize incremental sales from implementing customer signings that we have achieved since the first quarter of 2024. Non-contract customers tend to be smaller and utilize fewer of our tools and capabilities, providing fewer avenues for share gains and therefore more closely reflect overall business trends.
The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
DSR Change
Three-month Period
% of Sales
Three-month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Contract sales
18.8
%
13.2
%
76.5
%
73.8
%
Non-contract sales
7.8
%
7.2
%
23.5
%
26.2
%
Customer Sites and Sales Segmentation
We engage customers in the local market by delivering services and solutions within or near the customer's business (Sites). Sites represent distinct customer locations where we maintain inventory tailored to local demand, supported by our regional distribution networks. Our strategy prioritizes customer Sites with monthly sales potential of $50,000 or more. Segmentation by spend level provides insight into the scale and potential of customer relationships served through our network. The following table summarizes average customer Site counts by monthly spend band and related sales metrics.
Three-month Period
2026
Three-month Period
2025
Sites (#)
(1) (2)
Sales
Mo. Sales per Site
(3)
Sites (#)
(1) (2)
Sales
Mo. Sales per Site
(3)
Manufacturing
$50k+/Mo.
(4)
2,730
$
1,239.4
$
151,331
2,304
$
971.8
$
140,596
$10k+/Mo.
9,534
1,693.4
59,206
8,913
1,411.5
52,788
$5k+/Mo.
14,023
1,789.9
42,547
13,385
1,507.6
37,545
Other sales
(5)
26,527
95.2
1,196
28,936
103.0
1,187
Total manufacturing
40,550
$
1,885.1
$
15,496
42,321
$
1,610.6
$
12,668
Non-manufacturing
$50k+/Mo.
(4)
558
$
217.1
$
129,689
467
$
170.1
$
121,413
$10k+/Mo.
3,601
403.3
37,332
3,282
340.5
34,583
$5k+/Mo.
6,534
465.2
23,732
6,134
400.9
21,786
Other sales
(5)
43,675
113.1
863
50,368
121.8
806
Total non-manufacturing
50,209
$
578.2
$
3,839
56,502
$
522.7
$
3,015
Total
$50k+/Mo.
(4)
3,288
$
1,456.6
$
147,668
2,771
$
1,141.9
$
137,363
$10k+/Mo.
13,135
2,096.7
53,209
12,195
1,752.0
47,888
$5k+/Mo.
20,557
2,255.0
36,565
19,519
1,908.5
32,592
Other sales
(5)
70,202
208.3
989
79,304
224.8
945
Grand total
90,759
$
2,463.3
$
9,047
98,823
$
2,133.3
$
7,149
(1)
Sites represent the number of customer locations served by our network. Individual customers with multiple locations will have multiple customer Sites.
(2)
Sites numbers reflect the monthly average of active Site counts.
(3)
Monthly sales per Site totals are not rounded to the millions and represent the exact dollar amount.
(4)
$50k+ Sites are disclosed as a representation of Onsite-like customers and are also a subset of $10k+ and $5k+ Sites.
(5)
Other sales represent sales to Sites under $5k per month and sales that are not tied to a specific Site. This includes certain service fees, cash sales, direct ship sales, etc.
Digital Technology
Fastenal Managed Inventory (FMI
®
) Technology comprises our FASTStock℠ (scanned stocking locations), FASTBin
®
(infrared, RFID, scaled bins, and FASTBin
®
- Click), and FASTVend
®
(vending devices) offerings. FASTStock's fulfillment processing technology is not embedded, is relatively less expensive to deploy and highly flexible in application, and is delivered using our proprietary mobility technology. FASTBin and FASTVend incorporate highly efficient and powerful embedded data tracking and fulfillment processing technologies. The first statistic below is a
weighted FMI measure, which combines the signings and installations of FASTBin and FASTVend in a standardized machine equivalent unit (MEU) based on the expected output of each type of device. We do not include FASTStock in this measurement because scanned stocking locations can take many forms, such as bins, shelves, cabinets, pallets, etc., that cannot be converted into a standardized MEU.
We signed 7,484 weighted FASTBin and FASTVend devices in the third quarter of 2026. Our goal for weighted FASTBin and FASTVend device signings in 2026 is between 27,000 and 29,000 MEUs (our previous goal was between 28,000 and 30,000 MEUs).
The second statistic is sales through FMI Technology, which combines the sales through FASTStock, FASTBin, and FASTVend. A portion of the growth in sales experienced by FMI, particularly FASTStock and FASTBin, reflects the migration of products from less efficient non-digital stocking locations to more efficient, digital stocking locations.
The table below summarizes signings and installations of our FMI devices and sales through our FMI devices, eBusiness
(1)
tools, and Digital Footprint
(2)
.
Nine-month Period
Three-month Period
2026
2025
DSR
Change
(3)
2026
2025
DSR
Change
(3)
Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings (MEUs)
21,428
19,925
7.5
%
7,484
7,050
6.2
%
Signings per day
112
104
117
110
Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend installations (MEUs; end of period)
143,878
133,910
7.4
%
FASTStock sales
$
873.6
777.2
12.4
%
$
294.2
274.8
7.0
%
% of sales
12.2
%
12.4
%
11.7
%
12.7
%
FASTBin/FASTVend sales
$
2,330.2
1,988.8
17.2
%
$
827.2
703.6
17.6
%
% of sales
32.6
%
31.8
%
33.0
%
32.6
%
FMI sales
$
3,203.8
2,766.0
15.8
%
$
1,121.3
978.4
14.6
%
FMI daily sales
$
16.8
14.5
$
17.5
15.3
% of sales
44.8
%
44.3
%
44.8
%
45.3
%
eBusiness sales
$
2,082.2
1,868.3
11.4
%
$
721.5
628.7
14.8
%
% of sales
29.1
%
29.9
%
28.8
%
29.1
%
Less: eBusiness and FMI sales overlap
$
884.7
817.8
8.2
%
$
306.4
283.3
8.2
%
% of sales
12.4
%
13.1
%
12.2
%
13.1
%
Digital Footprint sales
$
4,401.2
3,816.5
15.3
%
$
1,536.5
1,323.8
16.1
%
% of sales
61.5
%
61.1
%
61.4
%
61.3
%
(1)
Our eBusiness includes eProcurement activities, which are integrated transactions, including electronic data interchange (EDI), and eCommerce (transactional website sales).
(2)
Digital Footprint is a combination of our sales through FMI (FASTStock, FASTBin, and FASTVend) plus that portion of our eBusiness sales that does not represent billings of FMI services.
(3)
Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings and installations reflect the percent change compared to the same period in the prior year.
Gross Profit
Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, decreased approximately 40 basis points to 44.8% in the third quarter of 2026 from 45.3% in the third quarter of 2025. A continued shift in customer mix toward larger customers reduced gross margin by approximately 50 basis points. While these relationships typically carry lower gross margins, they generate higher absolute profit dollars and are accretive to operating margin through fixed-cost leverage, higher volumes, and operating efficiencies. Price/cost reduced gross margin by approximately 30 basis points, an improvement of approximately 10 basis points from the second quarter of 2026. Gross margin benefited from several factors, including direct sourcing savings, supplier rebates, and tariff refunds. Approximately 20 basis points of the benefit reflected favorable timing.
Our gross margin decreased approximately 75 basis points in the second quarter of 2026 to 44.6% of net sales, from 45.3% in the second quarter of 2025. Gross margin improved from the second quarter of 2026 to the third quarter of 2026.
SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 23.3% in the third quarter of 2026 versus 24.6% in the third quarter of 2025, an improvement of 130 basis points.
Employee-related expenses, which typically represent 70% to 75% of total SG&A expenses, improved 90 basis points as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the third quarter of 2025. Base pay leveraged through increased labor productivity, while bonuses and commissions grew faster than sales as a result of improved business activity and financial performance versus the same period in the prior year.
Occupancy-related expenses, which typically represent 14% to 19% of total SG&A expenses, improved 50 basis points as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the third quarter of 2025, driven mainly by fixed cost leverage.
Combined, all other SG&A expenses, which typically represent 10% to 15% of total SG&A expenses, increased 10 basis points as a percentage of net sales when compared to the third quarter of 2025. This slight increase was driven mainly by higher fuel and general insurance expense, partially offset by increased joint marketing efforts with our suppliers.
Operating Income
Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 21.5% in the third quarter of 2026, compared to 20.7% in the third quarter of 2025.
Net Interest
Net interest income was $0.4 in the third quarter of 2026, compared to net interest expense of $0.9 in the third quarter of 2025, primarily from lower debt balances.
Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expense of $129.6 in the third quarter of 2026, or 24.4% of income before income taxes. Income tax expense was $105.1 in the third quarter of 2025, or 23.9% of income before income taxes. We believe our ongoing tax rate, absent any discrete tax items or broader changes to tax law, will be approximately 24.6%.
Net Income
Net income was $401.6 in the third quarter of 2026, an increase of 19.7% compared to the third quarter of 2025. Diluted net income per share was $0.35 compared to $0.29 in the third quarter of 2025.
CASH FLOW AND BALANCE SHEET
Net cash provided by operating activities was $421.6 in the third quarter of 2026, an increase of 9.0% from the third quarter of 2025. Cash flow from operations represented 105.0% of net income, compared to 115.3% in the third quarter of 2025 and our five-year third quarter average of 101.1%. The decline as a percentage of net income compared to last year was primarily driven by a larger use of cash for accounts receivable and inventory, reflecting strong sales growth. This is a common dynamic for a distribution business. This was partially offset by higher accounts payable balances mainly attributable to an increase in inventory spending and an increase in accrued expenses related to incentive compensation and customer rebates from improved business performance.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,065.7 in the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 14.9% from the first nine months of 2025, representing 94.8% of net income versus 96.2% in the first nine months of 2025 and the most recent five-year average of 96.4%. The decrease in operating cash flow, as a percent of net income, primarily reflects increased working capital associated with accounts receivable, which was partially offset by inventory efficiencies and higher payable balances due to increased purchasing activity.
The dollar and percentage change in accounts receivable, net, inventories, and accounts payable as of September 30, 2026 when compared to September 30, 2025 were as follows:
September 30
Twelve-month Dollar Change
Twelve-month Percentage Change
2026
2025
2026
2026
Accounts receivable, net
$
1,615.2
1,347.3
$
267.9
19.9
%
Inventories
1,776.6
1,722.8
53.8
3.1
%
Accounts payable
445.8
344.8
101.0
29.3
%
Trade working capital, net
$
2,946.0
2,725.3
$
220.8
8.1
%
Net sales in last three months
$
2,463.3
2,133.3
$
330.0
15.5
%
The increase in our accounts receivable balance in the third quarter of 2026 was mainly attributable to sales growth, including relative growth with larger customers that tend to carry longer payment terms.
The slight increase in our inventory balance in the third quarter of 2026, despite double-digit sales growth, reflects disciplined inventory management.
The increase in our accounts payable balance in the third quarter of 2026 was mainly attributable to an increase in inventory spending to support growth.
During the third quarter of 2026, our investment in property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales, was $71.8 (2.9% of net sales), which was an increase from $54.7 (2.6% of net sales) in the third quarter of 2025. The investment was directed toward facility construction and upgrades, industrial vending equipment, and information technology (IT) spend. Our five- and ten-year annual average as a percent of net sales was 2.5% and 3.1%, respectively.
For 2026, we continue to expect our investment in property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales, to be between $310.0 and $330.0, an increase from $230.6 in 2025. The expected growth on a year-over-year basis reflects three items. First, we expect increased spending to replace our Atlanta hub facility and improve our picking capacity and efficiency across our hub network. Second, we expect elevated IT spending as projects that were expected in 2025 experienced delays and are expected to continue throughout 2026. Third, we expect increased trucking spend.
During the third quarter of 2026, we returned $328.4, or 81.8% of net income, to our shareholders in the form of dividends ($298.2) and share repurchases ($30.2), compared to the third quarter of 2025 when we returned $252.5, or 75.3% of net income, in the form of dividends. Over the past five years, we have returned an average of 76.0% of net income to shareholders in the third quarter.
Total debt on our balance sheet was $100.0 at the end of the third quarter of 2026, or 2.4% of total capital (the sum of stockholders' equity and total debt), compared to $195.0, or 4.8% of total capital, at the end of the third quarter of 2025.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
During the last twelve months, we increased our total full-time equivalent (FTE; based on 40 hours per week) employee headcount by 181. Our total FTE selling personnel decreased by 82, primarily driven by a drop in hours worked by part-time selling personnel. We increased our distribution and transportation FTE personnel by 105 to support increased product throughput at our distribution facilities. We increased our remaining FTE personnel by 158, which related primarily to personnel investments in supply chain support.
The table below summarizes our absolute and FTE employee headcount at the end of the periods presented and the percentage change compared to the end of the prior periods.
Change
Since:
Change
Since:
Change
Since:
Q3
2026
Q2
2026
Q2
2026
Q4
2025
Q4
2025
Q3
2025
Q3
2025
Selling personnel - absolute employee headcount
17,117
17,340
-1.3
%
17,166
-0.3
%
17,196
-0.5
%
Selling personnel - FTE employee headcount
15,332
15,796
-2.9
%
15,439
-0.7
%
15,414
-0.5
%
Total personnel - absolute employee headcount
24,679
24,795
-0.5
%
24,489
0.8
%
24,438
1.0
%
Total personnel - FTE employee headcount
21,749
22,230
-2.2
%
21,602
0.7
%
21,568
0.8
%
CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS QUARTERLY RESULTS
As we previously disclosed, we will host a conference call today to review the quarterly results, as well as current operations. This conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet at 9:00 a.m., central time. To access the webcast, please go to our Investor Relations website at
https://investor.fastenal.com/events.cfm
.
ADDITIONAL MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY INFORMATION
We publish on the 'Investor Relations' page of our website at
www.fastenal.com
both our monthly consolidated net sales information and the presentation for our quarterly conference call (which includes information, supplemental to that contained in our earnings announcement, regarding results for the quarter). We expect to publish the consolidated net sales information for each month, other than the third month of a quarter, at 6:00 a.m., central time, on the fourth business day of the following month. We expect to publish the consolidated net sales information for the third month of each quarter and the conference call presentation for each quarter at 6:00 a.m., central time, on the date our earnings announcement for such quarter is publicly released.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this document do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. As such, they are considered 'forward-looking statements' that provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as anticipate, believe, should, estimate, expect, intend, may, will, plan, goal, project, hope, trend, target, opportunity, continue, outlook, potential, would, could, and similar words or expressions, or by references to typical outcomes. Any statement that is not a historical fact, including estimates, projections, future trends, and the outcome of events that have not yet occurred, is a forward-looking statement. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our expectations and beliefs regarding the business environment in which we operate, our projections of future performance, our perceived marketplace opportunities, our strategies, goals, mission, and vision, and our expectations about future capital expenditures, future investment in property and equipment, future tax rates, future inventory levels, the declaration and payment of dividends, pricing, weighted FMI device signings, the impact of inflation on our cost of goods sold or SG&A expenses, the impact of price increases on overall sales growth or margin performance, and our ability to grow our business through the enhancement of sales through our Digital Footprint. Readers should understand that forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown (including risks disclosed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports), and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those detailed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. FAST-E
FASTENAL COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information)
(Unaudited)
Assets
September 30,
2026
December 31,
2025
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
211.9
276.8
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $6.2 and $5.3, respectively
1,615.2
1,245.3
Inventories
1,776.6
1,748.0
Prepaid income taxes
9.3
20.1
Other current assets
215.8
181.9
Total current assets
3,828.8
3,472.1
Property and equipment, net
1,188.2
1,131.6
Operating lease right-of-use assets
343.4
309.0
Other assets
134.1
140.2
Total assets
$
5,494.4
5,052.9
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt
$
50.0
25.0
Accounts payable
445.8
316.8
Accrued expenses
335.5
264.7
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
113.5
106.1
Income taxes payable
29.4
3.0
Total current liabilities
974.2
715.6
Long-term debt
50.0
100.0
Operating lease liabilities
238.2
210.8
Deferred income taxes
65.9
67.4
Other long-term liabilities
16.9
15.5
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
—
—
Common stock: $0.01 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 1,147,264,610 and 1,148,057,473 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
11.5
11.5
Additional paid-in capital
60.0
115.5
Retained earnings
4,142.8
3,867.7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(65.0
)
(51.1
)
Total stockholders' equity
4,149.2
3,943.6
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
5,494.4
5,052.9
FASTENAL COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Amounts in millions except income per share)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Net sales
$
7,051.9
6,173.1
$
2,463.3
2,133.3
Cost of sales
3,900.6
3,380.6
1,358.6
1,167.5
Gross profit
3,151.3
2,792.5
1,104.7
965.8
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
1,671.1
1,521.1
573.9
524.3
Operating income
1,480.2
1,271.4
530.8
441.5
Interest income
4.3
4.3
1.2
0.7
Interest expense
(2.9
)
(5.3
)
(0.8
)
(1.6
)
Income before income taxes
1,481.6
1,270.4
531.2
440.6
Income tax expense
357.4
306.0
129.6
105.1
Net income
$
1,124.2
964.4
$
401.6
335.5
Basic net income per share
$
0.98
0.84
$
0.35
0.29
Diluted net income per share
$
0.98
0.84
$
0.35
0.29
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
1,147.6
1,147.4
1,147.2
1,147.9
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
1,150.4
1,150.3
1,150.1
1,151.0
FASTENAL COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
1,124.2
964.4
$
401.6
335.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment
126.9
126.7
42.1
42.3
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
0.1
(2.6
)
(0.1
)
(1.0
)
Bad debt expense
4.2
3.5
0.9
1.6
Deferred income taxes
(1.4
)
(6.1
)
0.2
(7.4
)
Stock-based compensation
7.8
6.2
2.6
2.1
Amortization of intangible assets
8.2
8.0
2.8
2.7
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net
(379.1
)
(233.2
)
(58.9
)
(26.8
)
Inventories
(34.2
)
(66.3
)
(41.9
)
1.4
Other current assets
(34.4
)
5.9
(36.8
)
(19.8
)
Accounts payable
127.5
50.3
43.4
25.6
Accrued expenses
77.4
35.4
48.7
5.4
Income taxes
37.2
34.8
13.0
22.3
Other
1.4
0.8
3.9
3.0
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,065.7
927.8
421.6
386.9
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(197.0
)
(185.3
)
(74.0
)
(60.3
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
7.0
12.5
2.2
5.6
Other
(2.1
)
(0.3
)
(0.2
)
(0.1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(192.1
)
(173.1
)
(72.0
)
(54.8
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt obligations
722.0
1,040.0
315.0
365.0
Payments against debt obligations
(747.0
)
(1,045.0
)
(335.0
)
(400.0
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
17.5
23.9
7.2
6.6
Purchases of common stock
(80.8
)
—
(30.5
)
—
Cash dividends paid
(849.1
)
(751.6
)
(298.2
)
(252.5
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(937.4
)
(732.7
)
(341.5
)
(280.9
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1.1
)
10.3
(1.0
)
(0.9
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(64.9
)
32.3
7.1
50.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
276.8
255.8
204.7
237.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
211.9
288.1
$
211.9
288.1
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest
$
2.9
5.7
$
0.9
1.5
Net cash paid for income taxes
$
317.4
274.4
$
114.4
89.1
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
$
122.0
109.5
$
58.9
36.4
Dray Schreiber
Accounting Manager
507.313.7324
Source: Fastenal Company
primarily driven by share gains with larger customers, pricing actions, and broad-based demand across core end markets.
Operating margin was 21.5%, a 90 basis point improvement year-over-year
, as selling, general, and administrative expense leverage more than offset customer mix-related gross margin pressure.
Operating cash flow was $422 million, representing 105% of net income
, reflecting the timing of working capital changes associated with strong sales growth.
Returned $328 million to shareholders
through dividends and share repurchases, representing 82% of net income.
Continued progress on strategic initiatives
, including increased sales effectiveness through key account wins, expansion of digital technologies, and deeper penetration through new customer site growth.
WINONA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Fastenal Company (Nasdaq:FAST) ('Fastenal,' 'we,' 'our,' or 'us'), a global leader in supply chain services, today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Results reflected strong daily sales growth, operating expense leverage, and continued growth with larger customers supported by our Onsite, digital, and supply chain solutions. Except for share and per share information, or as otherwise noted, amounts are stated in millions. Percentage and dollar calculations, which are based on non-rounded dollar values, may not be recalculated or footed using the dollar values included in this document due to the rounding of those dollar values.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
Nine-month Period
Three-month Period
2026
2025
Change
2026
2025
Change
Net sales
$
7,051.9
6,173.1
14.2
%
$
2,463.3
2,133.3
15.5
%
Business days
191
191
64
64
Daily sales
$
36.9
32.3
14.2
%
$
38.5
33.3
15.5
%
Gross profit
$
3,151.3
2,792.5
12.8
%
$
1,104.7
965.8
14.4
%
% of net sales
44.7
%
45.2
%
44.8
%
45.3
%
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses
$
1,671.1
1,521.1
9.9
%
$
573.9
524.3
9.4
%
% of net sales
23.7
%
24.6
%
23.3
%
24.6
%
Operating income
$
1,480.2
1,271.4
16.4
%
$
530.8
441.5
20.2
%
% of net sales
21.0
%
20.6
%
21.5
%
20.7
%
Income before income taxes
$
1,481.6
1,270.4
16.6
%
$
531.2
440.6
20.6
%
% of net sales
21.0
%
20.6
%
21.6
%
20.7
%
Net income
$
1,124.2
964.4
16.6
%
$
401.6
335.5
19.7
%
Diluted net income per share
$
0.98
0.84
16.5
%
$
0.35
0.29
19.8
%
Note – Daily sales rate (DSR) is defined as the total net sales for the period divided by the number of business days (in the U.S.) in the period.
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Sales
Net sales increased $330.0, or 15.5%, in the third quarter of 2026 when compared to the third quarter of 2025 (both periods had the same number of business days). Sales performance reflects the contribution from improved customer contract signings since the first quarter of 2024, product pricing, and a modest improvement in industrial production in the first nine months of 2026. Foreign exchange rates negatively impacted sales growth by approximately 10 basis points in the third quarter of 2026 as compared to the third quarter of 2025 when foreign exchange rates contributed approximately 10 basis points to sales growth. The impact of product pricing on net sales in the third quarter of 2026 was an increase of approximately 240 basis points, compared to an increase of 240 to 270 basis points in the third quarter of 2025.
From a product portfolio standpoint, we classify our offerings into four primary categories: fasteners, safety supplies, cutting tools, and other product lines. 'Other product lines' encompasses seven smaller product segments, including tools and janitorial supplies.
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, we expanded our reporting to provide a more comprehensive view of direct (original equipment manufacturing/production) and indirect (maintenance, repair, and operations/facilities maintenance) business across product categories. Direct materials generally include products incorporated into finished goods or that directly support customers' production processes, while indirect materials support customers' facility operations, maintenance, and safety needs. During the third quarter of 2026, direct materials outpaced indirect materials, reflecting greater contribution from fastener sales and continued strength with manufacturing customers.
The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
DSR Change
Three-month Period
% of Sales
Three-month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Direct fasteners/hardware
16.8
%
15.3
%
21.0
%
20.9
%
Direct cutting tools and abrasives
19.5
%
13.4
%
5.4
%
5.2
%
Direct non-fasteners/hardware
21.2
%
12.9
%
13.3
%
12.8
%
Total direct materials
18.6
%
14.2
%
39.8
%
38.9
%
Indirect fasteners/hardware
7.6
%
15.3
%
9.3
%
10.0
%
Indirect safety
13.0
%
10.6
%
20.8
%
21.4
%
Indirect non-fasteners/hardware and non-safety
17.5
%
8.7
%
30.1
%
29.7
%
Total indirect materials
14.3
%
10.4
%
60.2
%
61.1
%
From an end market standpoint, we have four categories: heavy manufacturing, other manufacturing, non-residential construction, and other, the latter of which includes reseller, government/education, transportation, warehousing and storage, and data centers. Our manufacturing end market growth was mainly due to the relative strength we are experiencing with key account customers with significant managed spend, where our service model and technology are particularly impactful. The non-residential construction end market experienced growth for the sixth quarter in a row. Other end market sales were favorably impacted by growth with transportation and reseller customers.
The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
DSR Change
Three-month Period
% of Sales
Three-month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Heavy manufacturing
20.2
%
12.4
%
44.6
%
43.1
%
Other manufacturing
13.2
%
12.9
%
32.0
%
32.8
%
Total manufacturing
17.2
%
12.7
%
76.6
%
75.9
%
Non-residential construction
12.0
%
7.5
%
8.0
%
8.3
%
Other end markets
12.4
%
8.9
%
15.4
%
15.8
%
Total non-manufacturing
12.3
%
8.4
%
23.4
%
24.1
%
From a customer standpoint, we have two categories: 1) contracts, which include national multi-site, local and regional, and government customers with significant revenue potential, and 2) non-contracts. Sales with our contract customers continue to outperform as we realize incremental sales from implementing customer signings that we have achieved since the first quarter of 2024. Non-contract customers tend to be smaller and utilize fewer of our tools and capabilities, providing fewer avenues for share gains and therefore more closely reflect overall business trends.
The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
DSR Change
Three-month Period
% of Sales
Three-month Period
2026
2025
2026
2025
Contract sales
18.8
%
13.2
%
76.5
%
73.8
%
Non-contract sales
7.8
%
7.2
%
23.5
%
26.2
%
Customer Sites and Sales Segmentation
We engage customers in the local market by delivering services and solutions within or near the customer's business (Sites). Sites represent distinct customer locations where we maintain inventory tailored to local demand, supported by our regional distribution networks. Our strategy prioritizes customer Sites with monthly sales potential of $50,000 or more. Segmentation by spend level provides insight into the scale and potential of customer relationships served through our network. The following table summarizes average customer Site counts by monthly spend band and related sales metrics.
Three-month Period
2026
Three-month Period
2025
Sites (#)
(1) (2)
Sales
Mo. Sales per Site
(3)
Sites (#)
(1) (2)
Sales
Mo. Sales per Site
(3)
Manufacturing
$50k+/Mo.
(4)
2,730
$
1,239.4
$
151,331
2,304
$
971.8
$
140,596
$10k+/Mo.
9,534
1,693.4
59,206
8,913
1,411.5
52,788
$5k+/Mo.
14,023
1,789.9
42,547
13,385
1,507.6
37,545
Other sales
(5)
26,527
95.2
1,196
28,936
103.0
1,187
Total manufacturing
40,550
$
1,885.1
$
15,496
42,321
$
1,610.6
$
12,668
Non-manufacturing
$50k+/Mo.
(4)
558
$
217.1
$
129,689
467
$
170.1
$
121,413
$10k+/Mo.
3,601
403.3
37,332
3,282
340.5
34,583
$5k+/Mo.
6,534
465.2
23,732
6,134
400.9
21,786
Other sales
(5)
43,675
113.1
863
50,368
121.8
806
Total non-manufacturing
50,209
$
578.2
$
3,839
56,502
$
522.7
$
3,015
Total
$50k+/Mo.
(4)
3,288
$
1,456.6
$
147,668
2,771
$
1,141.9
$
137,363
$10k+/Mo.
13,135
2,096.7
53,209
12,195
1,752.0
47,888
$5k+/Mo.
20,557
2,255.0
36,565
19,519
1,908.5
32,592
Other sales
(5)
70,202
208.3
989
79,304
224.8
945
Grand total
90,759
$
2,463.3
$
9,047
98,823
$
2,133.3
$
7,149
(1)
Sites represent the number of customer locations served by our network. Individual customers with multiple locations will have multiple customer Sites.
(2)
Sites numbers reflect the monthly average of active Site counts.
(3)
Monthly sales per Site totals are not rounded to the millions and represent the exact dollar amount.
(4)
$50k+ Sites are disclosed as a representation of Onsite-like customers and are also a subset of $10k+ and $5k+ Sites.
(5)
Other sales represent sales to Sites under $5k per month and sales that are not tied to a specific Site. This includes certain service fees, cash sales, direct ship sales, etc.
Digital Technology
Fastenal Managed Inventory (FMI
®
) Technology comprises our FASTStock℠ (scanned stocking locations), FASTBin
®
(infrared, RFID, scaled bins, and FASTBin
®
- Click), and FASTVend
®
(vending devices) offerings. FASTStock's fulfillment processing technology is not embedded, is relatively less expensive to deploy and highly flexible in application, and is delivered using our proprietary mobility technology. FASTBin and FASTVend incorporate highly efficient and powerful embedded data tracking and fulfillment processing technologies. The first statistic below is a
weighted FMI measure, which combines the signings and installations of FASTBin and FASTVend in a standardized machine equivalent unit (MEU) based on the expected output of each type of device. We do not include FASTStock in this measurement because scanned stocking locations can take many forms, such as bins, shelves, cabinets, pallets, etc., that cannot be converted into a standardized MEU.
We signed 7,484 weighted FASTBin and FASTVend devices in the third quarter of 2026. Our goal for weighted FASTBin and FASTVend device signings in 2026 is between 27,000 and 29,000 MEUs (our previous goal was between 28,000 and 30,000 MEUs).
The second statistic is sales through FMI Technology, which combines the sales through FASTStock, FASTBin, and FASTVend. A portion of the growth in sales experienced by FMI, particularly FASTStock and FASTBin, reflects the migration of products from less efficient non-digital stocking locations to more efficient, digital stocking locations.
The table below summarizes signings and installations of our FMI devices and sales through our FMI devices, eBusiness
(1)
tools, and Digital Footprint
(2)
.
Nine-month Period
Three-month Period
2026
2025
DSR
Change
(3)
2026
2025
DSR
Change
(3)
Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings (MEUs)
21,428
19,925
7.5
%
7,484
7,050
6.2
%
Signings per day
112
104
117
110
Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend installations (MEUs; end of period)
143,878
133,910
7.4
%
FASTStock sales
$
873.6
777.2
12.4
%
$
294.2
274.8
7.0
%
% of sales
12.2
%
12.4
%
11.7
%
12.7
%
FASTBin/FASTVend sales
$
2,330.2
1,988.8
17.2
%
$
827.2
703.6
17.6
%
% of sales
32.6
%
31.8
%
33.0
%
32.6
%
FMI sales
$
3,203.8
2,766.0
15.8
%
$
1,121.3
978.4
14.6
%
FMI daily sales
$
16.8
14.5
$
17.5
15.3
% of sales
44.8
%
44.3
%
44.8
%
45.3
%
eBusiness sales
$
2,082.2
1,868.3
11.4
%
$
721.5
628.7
14.8
%
% of sales
29.1
%
29.9
%
28.8
%
29.1
%
Less: eBusiness and FMI sales overlap
$
884.7
817.8
8.2
%
$
306.4
283.3
8.2
%
% of sales
12.4
%
13.1
%
12.2
%
13.1
%
Digital Footprint sales
$
4,401.2
3,816.5
15.3
%
$
1,536.5
1,323.8
16.1
%
% of sales
61.5
%
61.1
%
61.4
%
61.3
%
(1)
Our eBusiness includes eProcurement activities, which are integrated transactions, including electronic data interchange (EDI), and eCommerce (transactional website sales).
(2)
Digital Footprint is a combination of our sales through FMI (FASTStock, FASTBin, and FASTVend) plus that portion of our eBusiness sales that does not represent billings of FMI services.
(3)
Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings and installations reflect the percent change compared to the same period in the prior year.
Gross Profit
Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, decreased approximately 40 basis points to 44.8% in the third quarter of 2026 from 45.3% in the third quarter of 2025. A continued shift in customer mix toward larger customers reduced gross margin by approximately 50 basis points. While these relationships typically carry lower gross margins, they generate higher absolute profit dollars and are accretive to operating margin through fixed-cost leverage, higher volumes, and operating efficiencies. Price/cost reduced gross margin by approximately 30 basis points, an improvement of approximately 10 basis points from the second quarter of 2026. Gross margin benefited from several factors, including direct sourcing savings, supplier rebates, and tariff refunds. Approximately 20 basis points of the benefit reflected favorable timing.
Our gross margin decreased approximately 75 basis points in the second quarter of 2026 to 44.6% of net sales, from 45.3% in the second quarter of 2025. Gross margin improved from the second quarter of 2026 to the third quarter of 2026.
SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 23.3% in the third quarter of 2026 versus 24.6% in the third quarter of 2025, an improvement of 130 basis points.
Employee-related expenses, which typically represent 70% to 75% of total SG&A expenses, improved 90 basis points as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the third quarter of 2025. Base pay leveraged through increased labor productivity, while bonuses and commissions grew faster than sales as a result of improved business activity and financial performance versus the same period in the prior year.
Occupancy-related expenses, which typically represent 14% to 19% of total SG&A expenses, improved 50 basis points as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the third quarter of 2025, driven mainly by fixed cost leverage.
Combined, all other SG&A expenses, which typically represent 10% to 15% of total SG&A expenses, increased 10 basis points as a percentage of net sales when compared to the third quarter of 2025. This slight increase was driven mainly by higher fuel and general insurance expense, partially offset by increased joint marketing efforts with our suppliers.
Operating Income
Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 21.5% in the third quarter of 2026, compared to 20.7% in the third quarter of 2025.
Net Interest
Net interest income was $0.4 in the third quarter of 2026, compared to net interest expense of $0.9 in the third quarter of 2025, primarily from lower debt balances.
Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expense of $129.6 in the third quarter of 2026, or 24.4% of income before income taxes. Income tax expense was $105.1 in the third quarter of 2025, or 23.9% of income before income taxes. We believe our ongoing tax rate, absent any discrete tax items or broader changes to tax law, will be approximately 24.6%.
Net Income
Net income was $401.6 in the third quarter of 2026, an increase of 19.7% compared to the third quarter of 2025. Diluted net income per share was $0.35 compared to $0.29 in the third quarter of 2025.
CASH FLOW AND BALANCE SHEET
Net cash provided by operating activities was $421.6 in the third quarter of 2026, an increase of 9.0% from the third quarter of 2025. Cash flow from operations represented 105.0% of net income, compared to 115.3% in the third quarter of 2025 and our five-year third quarter average of 101.1%. The decline as a percentage of net income compared to last year was primarily driven by a larger use of cash for accounts receivable and inventory, reflecting strong sales growth. This is a common dynamic for a distribution business. This was partially offset by higher accounts payable balances mainly attributable to an increase in inventory spending and an increase in accrued expenses related to incentive compensation and customer rebates from improved business performance.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,065.7 in the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 14.9% from the first nine months of 2025, representing 94.8% of net income versus 96.2% in the first nine months of 2025 and the most recent five-year average of 96.4%. The decrease in operating cash flow, as a percent of net income, primarily reflects increased working capital associated with accounts receivable, which was partially offset by inventory efficiencies and higher payable balances due to increased purchasing activity.
The dollar and percentage change in accounts receivable, net, inventories, and accounts payable as of September 30, 2026 when compared to September 30, 2025 were as follows:
September 30
Twelve-month Dollar Change
Twelve-month Percentage Change
2026
2025
2026
2026
Accounts receivable, net
$
1,615.2
1,347.3
$
267.9
19.9
%
Inventories
1,776.6
1,722.8
53.8
3.1
%
Accounts payable
445.8
344.8
101.0
29.3
%
Trade working capital, net
$
2,946.0
2,725.3
$
220.8
8.1
%
Net sales in last three months
$
2,463.3
2,133.3
$
330.0
15.5
%
The increase in our accounts receivable balance in the third quarter of 2026 was mainly attributable to sales growth, including relative growth with larger customers that tend to carry longer payment terms.
The slight increase in our inventory balance in the third quarter of 2026, despite double-digit sales growth, reflects disciplined inventory management.
The increase in our accounts payable balance in the third quarter of 2026 was mainly attributable to an increase in inventory spending to support growth.
During the third quarter of 2026, our investment in property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales, was $71.8 (2.9% of net sales), which was an increase from $54.7 (2.6% of net sales) in the third quarter of 2025. The investment was directed toward facility construction and upgrades, industrial vending equipment, and information technology (IT) spend. Our five- and ten-year annual average as a percent of net sales was 2.5% and 3.1%, respectively.
For 2026, we continue to expect our investment in property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales, to be between $310.0 and $330.0, an increase from $230.6 in 2025. The expected growth on a year-over-year basis reflects three items. First, we expect increased spending to replace our Atlanta hub facility and improve our picking capacity and efficiency across our hub network. Second, we expect elevated IT spending as projects that were expected in 2025 experienced delays and are expected to continue throughout 2026. Third, we expect increased trucking spend.
During the third quarter of 2026, we returned $328.4, or 81.8% of net income, to our shareholders in the form of dividends ($298.2) and share repurchases ($30.2), compared to the third quarter of 2025 when we returned $252.5, or 75.3% of net income, in the form of dividends. Over the past five years, we have returned an average of 76.0% of net income to shareholders in the third quarter.
Total debt on our balance sheet was $100.0 at the end of the third quarter of 2026, or 2.4% of total capital (the sum of stockholders' equity and total debt), compared to $195.0, or 4.8% of total capital, at the end of the third quarter of 2025.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
During the last twelve months, we increased our total full-time equivalent (FTE; based on 40 hours per week) employee headcount by 181. Our total FTE selling personnel decreased by 82, primarily driven by a drop in hours worked by part-time selling personnel. We increased our distribution and transportation FTE personnel by 105 to support increased product throughput at our distribution facilities. We increased our remaining FTE personnel by 158, which related primarily to personnel investments in supply chain support.
The table below summarizes our absolute and FTE employee headcount at the end of the periods presented and the percentage change compared to the end of the prior periods.
Change
Since:
Change
Since:
Change
Since:
Q3
2026
Q2
2026
Q2
2026
Q4
2025
Q4
2025
Q3
2025
Q3
2025
Selling personnel - absolute employee headcount
17,117
17,340
-1.3
%
17,166
-0.3
%
17,196
-0.5
%
Selling personnel - FTE employee headcount
15,332
15,796
-2.9
%
15,439
-0.7
%
15,414
-0.5
%
Total personnel - absolute employee headcount
24,679
24,795
-0.5
%
24,489
0.8
%
24,438
1.0
%
Total personnel - FTE employee headcount
21,749
22,230
-2.2
%
21,602
0.7
%
21,568
0.8
%
CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS QUARTERLY RESULTS
As we previously disclosed, we will host a conference call today to review the quarterly results, as well as current operations. This conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet at 9:00 a.m., central time. To access the webcast, please go to our Investor Relations website at
https://investor.fastenal.com/events.cfm
.
ADDITIONAL MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY INFORMATION
We publish on the 'Investor Relations' page of our website at
www.fastenal.com
both our monthly consolidated net sales information and the presentation for our quarterly conference call (which includes information, supplemental to that contained in our earnings announcement, regarding results for the quarter). We expect to publish the consolidated net sales information for each month, other than the third month of a quarter, at 6:00 a.m., central time, on the fourth business day of the following month. We expect to publish the consolidated net sales information for the third month of each quarter and the conference call presentation for each quarter at 6:00 a.m., central time, on the date our earnings announcement for such quarter is publicly released.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this document do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. As such, they are considered 'forward-looking statements' that provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as anticipate, believe, should, estimate, expect, intend, may, will, plan, goal, project, hope, trend, target, opportunity, continue, outlook, potential, would, could, and similar words or expressions, or by references to typical outcomes. Any statement that is not a historical fact, including estimates, projections, future trends, and the outcome of events that have not yet occurred, is a forward-looking statement. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our expectations and beliefs regarding the business environment in which we operate, our projections of future performance, our perceived marketplace opportunities, our strategies, goals, mission, and vision, and our expectations about future capital expenditures, future investment in property and equipment, future tax rates, future inventory levels, the declaration and payment of dividends, pricing, weighted FMI device signings, the impact of inflation on our cost of goods sold or SG&A expenses, the impact of price increases on overall sales growth or margin performance, and our ability to grow our business through the enhancement of sales through our Digital Footprint. Readers should understand that forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown (including risks disclosed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports), and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those detailed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date. FAST-E
FASTENAL COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information)
(Unaudited)
Assets
September 30,
2026
December 31,
2025
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
211.9
276.8
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $6.2 and $5.3, respectively
1,615.2
1,245.3
Inventories
1,776.6
1,748.0
Prepaid income taxes
9.3
20.1
Other current assets
215.8
181.9
Total current assets
3,828.8
3,472.1
Property and equipment, net
1,188.2
1,131.6
Operating lease right-of-use assets
343.4
309.0
Other assets
134.1
140.2
Total assets
$
5,494.4
5,052.9
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt
$
50.0
25.0
Accounts payable
445.8
316.8
Accrued expenses
335.5
264.7
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
113.5
106.1
Income taxes payable
29.4
3.0
Total current liabilities
974.2
715.6
Long-term debt
50.0
100.0
Operating lease liabilities
238.2
210.8
Deferred income taxes
65.9
67.4
Other long-term liabilities
16.9
15.5
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
—
—
Common stock: $0.01 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 1,147,264,610 and 1,148,057,473 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
11.5
11.5
Additional paid-in capital
60.0
115.5
Retained earnings
4,142.8
3,867.7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(65.0
)
(51.1
)
Total stockholders' equity
4,149.2
3,943.6
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
5,494.4
5,052.9
FASTENAL COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Amounts in millions except income per share)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Net sales
$
7,051.9
6,173.1
$
2,463.3
2,133.3
Cost of sales
3,900.6
3,380.6
1,358.6
1,167.5
Gross profit
3,151.3
2,792.5
1,104.7
965.8
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
1,671.1
1,521.1
573.9
524.3
Operating income
1,480.2
1,271.4
530.8
441.5
Interest income
4.3
4.3
1.2
0.7
Interest expense
(2.9
)
(5.3
)
(0.8
)
(1.6
)
Income before income taxes
1,481.6
1,270.4
531.2
440.6
Income tax expense
357.4
306.0
129.6
105.1
Net income
$
1,124.2
964.4
$
401.6
335.5
Basic net income per share
$
0.98
0.84
$
0.35
0.29
Diluted net income per share
$
0.98
0.84
$
0.35
0.29
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
1,147.6
1,147.4
1,147.2
1,147.9
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
1,150.4
1,150.3
1,150.1
1,151.0
FASTENAL COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
1,124.2
964.4
$
401.6
335.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment
126.9
126.7
42.1
42.3
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
0.1
(2.6
)
(0.1
)
(1.0
)
Bad debt expense
4.2
3.5
0.9
1.6
Deferred income taxes
(1.4
)
(6.1
)
0.2
(7.4
)
Stock-based compensation
7.8
6.2
2.6
2.1
Amortization of intangible assets
8.2
8.0
2.8
2.7
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net
(379.1
)
(233.2
)
(58.9
)
(26.8
)
Inventories
(34.2
)
(66.3
)
(41.9
)
1.4
Other current assets
(34.4
)
5.9
(36.8
)
(19.8
)
Accounts payable
127.5
50.3
43.4
25.6
Accrued expenses
77.4
35.4
48.7
5.4
Income taxes
37.2
34.8
13.0
22.3
Other
1.4
0.8
3.9
3.0
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,065.7
927.8
421.6
386.9
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(197.0
)
(185.3
)
(74.0
)
(60.3
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
7.0
12.5
2.2
5.6
Other
(2.1
)
(0.3
)
(0.2
)
(0.1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(192.1
)
(173.1
)
(72.0
)
(54.8
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt obligations
722.0
1,040.0
315.0
365.0
Payments against debt obligations
(747.0
)
(1,045.0
)
(335.0
)
(400.0
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
17.5
23.9
7.2
6.6
Purchases of common stock
(80.8
)
—
(30.5
)
—
Cash dividends paid
(849.1
)
(751.6
)
(298.2
)
(252.5
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(937.4
)
(732.7
)
(341.5
)
(280.9
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1.1
)
10.3
(1.0
)
(0.9
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(64.9
)
32.3
7.1
50.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
276.8
255.8
204.7
237.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
211.9
288.1
$
211.9
288.1
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest
$
2.9
5.7
$
0.9
1.5
Net cash paid for income taxes
$
317.4
274.4
$
114.4
89.1
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
$
122.0
109.5
$
58.9
36.4
Dray Schreiber
Accounting Manager
507.313.7324
Source: Fastenal Company
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7c8d381d95· 2026-10-15 04:35 · doubao / doubao-seed-evolving-latest-version · 策略包2226518bfdee当前