Shares of Fastenal Company (NASDAQ: FAST) experienced a decline on Tuesday following the release of its fourth-quarter financial results for the period ending December 31, 2025. The industrial and construction supplies distributor posted mixed outcomes, delivering solid improvements in earnings and operating margins but falling slightly short of revenue expectations.
During the final quarter of 2025, Fastenal achieved an 11.1% increase in net sales year-over-year, amounting to $2.03 billion. While this reflected substantial growth, the figure marginally missed the analyst consensus estimate that anticipated $2.044 billion. For the entire fiscal year, net sales rose by 8.7% to $8.20 billion.
Despite the revenue miss, net income for the quarter advanced by 12.2% to reach $294.1 million, translating to 26 cents on a diluted per-share basis. This compares favorably against $262.1 million and 23 cents per diluted share reported in the same quarter of 2024. The fourth-quarter earnings per share aligned with market consensus estimates. On a full-year basis, Fastenal posted net income of $1,258.4 million or $1.09 per diluted share, up from $1,150.6 million and $1.00 per diluted share, respectively, in 2024.
From a profitability perspective, gross profit during the quarter amounted to $898.7 million, reflecting 44.3% of sales, a slight decline from 44.8% in the prior corresponding period. Operating income increased to $384.3 million, representing 19.0% of sales, compared to 18.9% a year earlier, indicating a modest improvement at the operating level.
Management attributed the revenue performance to positive momentum stemming from improved customer contract signings initiated since the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, favorable foreign exchange movements contributed marginally to sales growth, adding approximately 20 basis points to fourth-quarter revenues.
Operationally, Fastenal highlighted that it signed 5,966 weighted FASTBin and FASTVend devices during the quarter and 25,892 for the full year, in line with its 2025 objectives. For 2026, the company set a target to increase this figure to between 28,000 and 30,000 MEUs (Managed Equipment Units), signaling ongoing investment in automated inventory solutions.
Cash flow metrics remained robust with operating cash flow recorded at $368.1 million for the quarter and $1,295.9 million for the full year. The firm ended 2025 with $276.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, while total debt stood at $125.0 million.
Inventory levels increased during the period, which Fastenal attributed in part to the combined impacts of tariffs and ongoing general inflation pressures, leading to higher inventory valuations. Looking ahead, the company forecasted capital expenditures for 2026 in the range of $310.0 million to $330.0 million.
Fastenal's stock price closed down 4.82% at $41.63 at the time of reporting Tuesday, reflecting market reactions to the quarterly data and outlook. While earnings and margins showed progress, the slight revenue shortfall and broader industrial production sluggishness appeared to weigh on investor sentiment.