(By Balachander) Fastenal Co. (NASDAQ:FAST), which sells industrial and construction supplies, reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings, helped by jump in sales.
Earnings per share increased 19 percent to 38 cents, topping market expectations by a penny for the second quarter.
Net sales grew 15 percent to $805 million, in line with Wall Street view.
Gross profit margin shrank to 51.6 percent from 52.2 percent a year ago, but improved from 51.3 percent over the first quarter.
In the first quarter, Fastenal earned 34 cents a share on sales of $769 million.
The Winona, Minnesota-based company provides fastener product line, including threaded fasteners such as bolts, nuts, screws, studs, and related washers that are used in manufactured products and building projects. As of June 30, 2012, it operated 2,635 stores.
The stock, which has been trading in the 52-week range of $29.14 to $55.05, closed Wednesday's regular trading at $39.81.