Fastenal (Nasdaq: FAST) reported earnings on Oct. 11. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Fastenal met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew and GAAP earnings per share expanded.

Gross margins shrank, operating margins grew, net margins grew.

Revenue details
 Fastenal reported revenue of $802.6 million. The 11 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for revenue of $804.8 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 10% higher than the prior-year quarter's $726.7 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $0.37. The 12 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.37 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.37 for Q3 were 12% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.33 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 51.6%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 21.9%, 60 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 13.6%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $780.4 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.35.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.16 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.45.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Fastenal is hold, with an average price target of $43.29.