Fastenal (Nasdaq: FAST) reported earnings on Jan. 17. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Fastenal met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Fastenal tallied revenue of $757.2 million. The 10 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see revenue of $759.7 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 8.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $697.8 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 $0.33. The 12 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.33 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.33 for Q4 were 10% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.30 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%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.9%, 70 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 13.0%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $835.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.39.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.54 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.66.

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 $45.38.

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