By Nicholas G. Miller

Fastenal reported higher fourth-quarter sales, boosted by spending from its largest customers and higher prices.

The fastener and tool distributor posted net income of $294.1 million, or 26 cents a share, up from $262.1 million, or 23 cents a share, the year prior. Analysts expected 26 cents a share, according to FactSet.

Sales rose 11% to $2.03 billion. Wall Street expected $2.04 billion.

The company said it saw growth in the number of customer sites spending $10,000 or more and that the impact of higher prices on net sales was a boost of 310 to 340 basis points.

Building products suppliers have been hurt by weak housing and industrial markets, which have dragged down new construction activity. But analysts have said Fastenal has been able to outperform the broader industry by focusing on its largest customers, which are continuing to spend, while tariffs have allowed it to raise prices.

"Our manufacturing end markets outperformed primarily 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 company said.

Write to Nicholas G. Miller at nicholas.miller@wsj.com.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 20, 2026 07:09 ET (12:09 GMT)

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