Fastenal (FAST) Q3 2026 Earnings: Daily Sales Up 15.5%, Operating Margin Widens

Fastenal reported third-quarter 2026 results on October 14. Its release shows net sales of $2.46 billion, up 15.5% from $2.13 billion a year earlier, with both quarters having 64 business days.

Growth drivers#

The company attributed the increase to contract signings since early 2024, product pricing, and a modest improvement in industrial production this year. Gross margin slipped to 44.8% from 45.3% on customer mix, but selling, general and administrative expenses fell to 23.3% of sales from 24.6%, so operating margin widened to 21.5% from 20.7%.

Profit and cash#

Operating income rose 20.2% to $530.8 million. Net income was $401.6 million, up 19.7%, and diluted EPS was $0.35 versus $0.29. Operating cash flow was $422 million, or 105% of net income. Dividends and buybacks returned $328 million to shareholders, 82% of net income.

What to compare next#

For readers following FAST, the question raised by the quarter is how much of the 15.5% growth is price versus volume, since the release names pricing actions as a driver. Daily sales growth against the prior year, reported monthly, is the quickest way to see whether the pace holds into the fourth quarter.

Published October 21, 2026. Informational reporting, not investment advice. Figures come from the company's own release unless stated; forward-looking guidance is management's current forecast and can change.