Fastenal posted fourth-quarter earnings that grew + 9.6% year-over-year to 34 cents a share. While Bloomberg News' survey consensus expectation was 33 cents a share, FactSet's survey indicated forecast of 35 cents.
Revenue increased to $1.36 billion from $1.28 billion.
According to the company, revenue growth was due to continued demand for personal protective equipment and sanitizer products to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, support resumption of manufacturing and construction activity, and support sales to new customers.
For the fourth quarter, Fastenal paid out its regular dividend of 25 cents a share plus a special dividend of 40 cents, with the latter reflecting "high cash balances and favorable financial outlook."
For the first quarter, Fastenal announced a dividend of 28 cents a share, payable March 3 to holders of record Feb. 3.