Fastenal (FAST) posted strong top-line trends in the quarter that carry positive read-across implications for the broader industrial group, though margin pressure from price/cost dynamics could weigh on the shares, UBS Securities said.

Average daily sales in June came in 120 basis points ahead of normal seasonality, marking the third straight month of sales exceeding seasonality by more than 100 basis points, which UBS said points to improving market conditions and is a positive indicator for the broader industrial sector.

The investment firm said in a note Tuesday that Q2 results came in about 1% ahead of consensus, with average daily sales growth of 14.7% year over year, implying volume growth of about 12%, up from 9% in the prior quarter.

UBS said lower margins partly offset the stronger sales performance, with operating margin coming in below its estimate due to negative price/cost dynamics as well as transportation costs and customer rebates.

The firm has a neutral rating and a $49 price target on the stock.

Shares of Fastenal were down nearly 2% in Wednesday trading.

Price: 44.86, Change: -0.89, Percent Change: -1.93