Fastenal Company (FAST)

Fastenal topped EPS expectations while revenue came in line, based on preliminary results for the third fiscal quarter of 2026 ended September 30, 2026 and reported October 14, 2026. Revenue rose 15.5% to about $2.5 billion (up from roughly $2.1 billion a year ago), with the U.S. reportable segment generating about $2.0 billion and growing 13.7% year over year. On profitability, gross margin was 44.8% and operating margin was 21.5%, as gross profit came in at about $1.1 billion and operating income was roughly $530.8 million. EPS of $0.35 topped the $0.34 estimate (+3%) and was up from $0.29 a year ago, while net income increased 19.7% to about $401.6 million (up from roughly $335.5 million a year ago). The company generated about $421.6 million of operating cash flow, repurchased about $30.5 million of stock, and paid roughly $298.2 million in dividends. For the next period, consensus calls for EPS of $0.31 on revenue of $2.319 billion.