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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| | | | | |
| ☒ | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023, or
| | | | | |
| ☐ | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission file number 0-16125
FASTENAL COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | | | | | | |
| Minnesota | | 41-0948415 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | | | | | | | |
2001 Theurer Boulevard, Winona, Minnesota | | 55987-1500 |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
| | | | | | | | |
| (507) 454-5374 | |
| (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) | |
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| | | | | | | | |
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common stock, par value $.01 per share | FAST | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files.) Yes ý No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Large Accelerated Filer | | ý | | Accelerated Filer | | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated Filer | | ☐ | | Smaller Reporting Company | | ☐ |
| | | | Emerging Growth Company | | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ý
As of October 11, 2023, there were approximately 571,413,165 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.
FASTENAL COMPANY
INDEX
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in millions except share information)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Unaudited) | | |
| Assets | September 30,
2023 | | December 31,
2022 |
| Current assets: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 297.5 | | | 230.1 | |
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $6.6 and $8.3, respectively | 1,171.0 | | | 1,013.2 | |
| Inventories | 1,513.8 | | | 1,708.0 | |
| Prepaid income taxes | 15.3 | | | 8.1 | |
| Other current assets | 150.0 | | | 165.4 | |
| Total current assets | 3,147.6 | | | 3,124.8 | |
| | | |
| Property and equipment, net | 1,011.7 | | | 1,010.0 | |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 274.0 | | | 243.0 | |
| Other assets | 163.3 | | | 170.8 | |
| | | |
| Total assets | $ | 4,596.6 | | | 4,548.6 | |
| | | |
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | |
| Current portion of debt | $ | 60.0 | | | 201.8 | |
| Accounts payable | 275.1 | | | 255.0 | |
| Accrued expenses | 235.8 | | | 241.1 | |
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 97.0 | | | 91.9 | |
| Total current liabilities | 667.9 | | | 789.8 | |
| | | |
| Long-term debt | 200.0 | | | 353.2 | |
| Operating lease liabilities | 181.9 | | | 155.2 | |
| Deferred income taxes | 79.3 | | | 83.7 | |
| Other long-term liabilities | 0.9 | | | 3.5 | |
| | | |
| Stockholders' equity: | | | |
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding | — | | | — | |
Common stock: $0.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 571,404,311 and 570,811,674 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 5.7 | | | 5.7 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 24.6 | | | 3.6 | |
| Retained earnings | 3,507.8 | | | 3,218.7 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (71.5) | | | (64.8) | |
| Total stockholders' equity | 3,466.6 | | | 3,163.2 | |
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 4,596.6 | | | 4,548.6 | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Amounts in millions except earnings per share)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) |
| Nine Months Ended
September 30, | | Three Months Ended
September 30, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net sales | $ | 5,588.1 | | | 5,285.0 | | | $ | 1,845.9 | | | 1,802.4 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cost of sales | 3,033.0 | | | 2,837.6 | | | 998.3 | | | 975.9 | |
| Gross profit | 2,555.1 | | | 2,447.4 | | | 847.6 | | | 826.5 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Operating and administrative expenses | 1,380.2 | | | 1,326.7 | | | 460.9 | | | 447.3 | |
| Operating income | 1,174.9 | | | 1,120.7 | | | 386.7 | | | 379.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Interest income | 1.8 | | | 0.4 | | | 0.8 | | | 0.2 | |
| Interest expense | (8.9) | | | (9.3) | | | (2.1) | | | (4.1) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Earnings before income taxes | 1,167.8 | | | 1,111.8 | | | 385.4 | | | 375.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Income tax expense | 279.2 | | | 270.5 | | | 89.9 | | | 90.7 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Net earnings | $ | 888.6 | | | 841.3 | | | $ | 295.5 | | | 284.6 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Basic net earnings per share | $ | 1.56 | | | 1.46 | | | $ | 0.52 | | | 0.50 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Diluted net earnings per share | $ | 1.55 | | | 1.46 | | | $ | 0.52 | | | 0.50 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 571.1 | | | 574.7 | | | 571.4 | | | 573.0 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 572.9 | | | 576.6 | | | 573.1 | | | 574.7 | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Amounts in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) |
| | Nine Months Ended
September 30, | | Three Months Ended
September 30, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net earnings | $ | 888.6 | | | 841.3 | | | $ | 295.5 | | | 284.6 | |
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $0.0 in 2023 and 2022) | (6.7) | | | (56.4) | | | (14.6) | | | (32.7) | |
| Comprehensive income | $ | 881.9 | | | 784.9 | | | $ | 280.9 | | | 251.9 | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(Amounts in millions except per share information)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) |
| Nine Months Ended
September 30, | | Three Months Ended
September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Common stock | | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 5.7 | | | 5.8 | | | $ | 5.7 | | | 5.8 | |
| Balance at end of period | 5.7 | | | 5.8 | | | 5.7 | | | 5.8 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of period | 3.6 | | | 96.2 | | | 19.9 | | | 55.7 | |
| Stock options exercised | 15.4 | | | 7.8 | | | 2.9 | | | 2.0 | |
| Purchases of common stock | — | | | (105.6) | | | — | | | (56.3) | |
| Stock-based compensation | 5.6 | | | 4.4 | | | 1.8 | | | 1.4 | |
| Balance at end of period | 24.6 | | | 2.8 | | | 24.6 | | | 2.8 | |
| Retained earnings | | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of period | 3,218.7 | | | 2,970.9 | | | 3,412.1 | | | 3,171.6 | |
| Net earnings | 888.6 | | | 841.3 | | | 295.5 | | | 284.6 | |
| Cash dividends paid | (599.5) | | | (534.4) | | | (199.8) | | | (177.5) | |
| Translation adjustment upon merger of foreign subsidiary | — | | | 0.9 | | | — | | | — | |
| Purchases of common stock | — | | | (39.0) | | | — | | | (39.0) | |
| Balance at end of period | 3,507.8 | | | 3,239.7 | | | 3,507.8 | | | 3,239.7 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of period | (64.8) | | | (30.7) | | | (56.9) | | | (54.4) | |
| Other comprehensive loss | (6.7) | | | (56.4) | | | (14.6) | | | (32.7) | |
| Balance at end of period | (71.5) | | | (87.1) | | | (71.5) | | | (87.1) | |
| Total stockholders' equity | $ | 3,466.6 | | | 3,161.2 | | | $ | 3,466.6 | | | 3,161.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cash dividends paid per share of common stock | $ | 1.05 | | | 0.93 | | | $ | 0.35 | | | 0.31 | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) |
| | Nine Months Ended
September 30, | | Three Months Ended
September 30, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
| Net earnings | $ | 888.6 | | | 841.3 | | | $ | 295.5 | | | 284.6 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation of property and equipment | 126.1 | | | 123.8 | | | 42.1 | | | 41.4 | |
| (Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment | (2.7) | | | 1.2 | | | (1.5) | | | (1.1) | |
| Bad debt expense (recoveries) | 1.4 | | | (0.9) | | | 1.2 | | | (1.3) | |
| Deferred income taxes | (4.4) | | | 4.3 | | | (5.0) | | | 3.8 | |
| Stock-based compensation | 5.6 | | | 4.4 | | | 1.8 | | | 1.4 | |
| Amortization of intangible assets | 8.0 | | | 8.1 | | | 2.6 | | | 2.7 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
| Trade accounts receivable | (159.5) | | | (222.9) | | | (4.5) | | | (13.6) | |
| Inventories | 191.7 | | | (176.9) | | | 46.1 | | | (26.3) | |
| Other current assets | 15.4 | | | 15.9 | | | (8.3) | | | (43.0) | |
| Accounts payable | 21.7 | | | 44.1 | | | 11.8 | | | (14.6) | |
| Accrued expenses | (4.7) | | | (15.9) | | | 6.6 | | | 13.7 | |
| Income taxes | (7.2) | | | 5.3 | | | (0.6) | | | 3.3 | |
| Other | (1.3) | | | 7.3 | | | 0.3 | | | 6.9 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,078.7 | | | 639.1 | | | 388.1 | | | 257.9 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
| Purchases of property and equipment | (136.5) | | | (131.0) | | | (46.9) | | | (48.0) | |
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 8.8 | | | 10.1 | | | 4.0 | | | 3.6 | |
| Other | (0.5) | | | (0.7) | | | (0.1) | | | (0.1) | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (128.2) | | | (121.6) | | | (43.0) | | | (44.5) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from debt obligations | 790.0 | | | 1,390.0 | | | 155.0 | | | 695.0 | |
| Payments against debt obligations | (1,085.0) | | | (1,225.0) | | | (245.0) | | | (645.0) | |
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 15.4 | | | 7.8 | | | 2.9 | | | 2.0 | |
| Purchases of common stock | — | | | (144.6) | | | — | | | (95.3) | |
| Cash dividends paid | (599.5) | | | (534.4) | | | (199.8) | | | (177.5) | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (879.1) | | | (506.2) | | | (286.9) | | | (220.8) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (4.0) | | | (16.0) | | | (4.3) | | | (9.0) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 67.4 | | | (4.7) | | | 53.9 | | | (16.4) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 230.1 | | | 236.2 | | | 243.6 | | | 247.9 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 297.5 | | | 231.5 | | | $ | 297.5 | | | 231.5 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Supplemental information: | | | | | | | |
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 10.3 | | | 9.2 | | | $ | 2.1 | | | 4.2 | |
| Net cash paid for income taxes | $ | 288.0 | | | 257.3 | | | $ | 94.3 | | | 81.9 | |
| Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $ | 96.3 | | | 74.0 | | | $ | 32.0 | | | 18.4 | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information and where otherwise noted)
September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
(1) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Fastenal Company and subsidiaries (collectively referred to as 'the company', 'Fastenal', or by terms such as 'we', 'our', or 'us') have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. They do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. However, except as described herein, there has been no material change in the information disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact our financial statements and do not believe that there are any other new pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
(2) Revenue
Revenue Recognition
Net sales include products and shipping and handling charges, net of estimates for product returns and any related sales incentives. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring products. All revenue is recognized when or as we satisfy our performance obligations under the contract. We recognize revenue by transferring control of the promised products to the customer, with the majority of revenue recognized at the point in time the customer obtains control of the products. We recognize revenue for shipping and handling charges at the time the products are delivered to or picked up by the customer. We estimate product returns based on historical return rates. Using probability assessments, we estimate sales incentives expected to be paid over the term of the contract. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation and are short term in nature. Sales taxes and value added taxes in foreign jurisdictions that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from net sales. Revenues are attributable to countries based on the selling location from which the sale occurred.
Disaggregation of Revenue
Our revenues related to the following geographic areas were as follows for the periods ended September 30:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine-month Period | | Three-month Period |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| United States | $ | 4,675.0 | | | 4,445.1 | | | $ | 1,544.6 | | | 1,516.7 | |
| % of revenues | 83.7 | % | | 84.1 | % | | 83.7 | % | | 84.1 | % |
| Canada and Mexico | 744.5 | | | 666.5 | | | 245.7 | | | 228.1 | |
| % of revenues | 13.3 | % | | 12.6 | % | | 13.3 | % | | 12.7 | % |
| North America | 5,419.5 | | | 5,111.6 | | | 1,790.3 | | | 1,744.8 | |
| % of revenues | 97.0 | % | | 96.7 | % | | 97.0 | % | | 96.8 | % |
| All other foreign countries | 168.6 | | | 173.4 | | | 55.6 | | | 57.6 | |
| % of revenues | 3.0 | % | | 3.3 | % | | 3.0 | % | | 3.2 | % |
| Total revenues | $ | 5,588.1 | | | 5,285.0 | | | $ | 1,845.9 | | | 1,802.4 | |
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information and where otherwise noted)
September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
The percentages of our sales by end market were as follows for the periods ended September 30:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine-month Period | | Three-month Period |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Manufacturing | 74.6 | % | | 72.0 | % | | 74.3 | % | | 72.9 | % |
| Non-residential construction | 9.2 | % | | 10.4 | % | | 9.1 | % | | 10.2 | % |
| Other | 16.2 | % | | 17.6 | % | | 16.6 | % | | 16.9 | % |
| 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
The percentages of our sales by product line were as follows for the periods ended September 30:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine-month Period | | Three-month Period |
| Type | Introduced | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Fasteners (1) | 1967 | 32.8 | % | | 34.3 | % | | 32.1 | % | | 34.1 | % |
| Tools | 1993 | 8.5 | % | | 8.3 | % | | 8.5 | % | | 8.4 | % |
| Cutting tools | 1996 | 5.3 | % | | 5.0 | % | | 5.2 | % | | 5.0 | % |
| Hydraulics & pneumatics | 1996 | 6.7 | % | | 6.6 | % | | 6.7 | % | | 6.6 | % |
| Material handling | 1996 | 5.6 | % | | 5.7 | % | | 5.6 | % | | 5.6 | % |
| Janitorial supplies | 1996 | 8.3 | % | | 8.0 | % | | 8.5 | % | | 8.1 | % |
| Electrical supplies | 1997 | 4.6 | % | | 4.4 | % | | 4.6 | % | | 4.5 | % |
| Welding supplies | 1997 | 4.1 | % | | 3.8 | % | | 4.0 | % | | 3.9 | % |
| Safety supplies | 1999 | 20.8 | % | | 20.6 | % | | 21.4 | % | | 20.5 | % |
| Other | | 3.3 | % | | 3.3 | % | | 3.4 | % | | 3.3 | % |
| | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
(1) The fasteners product line represents fasteners and miscellaneous supplies.
(3) Stockholders' Equity
Dividends
On October 11, 2023, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share of common stock to be paid in cash on November 24, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 26, 2023.
The following table presents the cash dividends either paid previously or declared by our board of directors for future payment on a per share basis:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| First quarter | $ | 0.35 | | | $ | 0.31 | |
| Second quarter | 0.35 | | | 0.31 | |
| Third quarter | 0.35 | | | 0.31 | |
| Fourth quarter | 0.35 | | | 0.31 | |
| Total | $ | 1.40 | | | $ | 1.24 | |
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information and where otherwise noted)
September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
Stock Options
The following tables summarize the details of options granted under our stock option plans that were outstanding as of September 30, 2023, and the assumptions used to value those grants. All such grants were effective at the close of business on the date of grant.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Options
Granted | | Option Exercise
Price | | Closing Stock Price on Date
of Grant | | September 30, 2023 |
| Date of Grant | | | | Options
Outstanding | | Options
Exercisable |
| January 3, 2023 | 1,071,943 | | | $ | 48.00 | | | $ | 47.400 | | | 1,023,837 | | | 70,562 | |
| January 3, 2022 | 713,438 | | | $ | 62.00 | | | $ | 61.980 | | | 630,718 | | | 53,355 | |
| January 4, 2021 | 741,510 | | | $ | 48.00 | | | $ | 47.650 | | | 623,549 | | | 228,275 | |
| January 2, 2020 | 902,263 | | | $ | 38.00 | | | $ | 37.230 | | | 709,736 | | | 361,582 | |
| January 2, 2019 | 1,316,924 | | | $ | 26.00 | | | $ | 25.705 | | | 836,512 | | | 520,618 | |
| January 2, 2018 | 1,087,936 | | | $ | 27.50 | | | $ | 27.270 | | | 614,407 | | | 491,475 | |
| January 3, 2017 | 1,529,578 | | | $ | 23.50 | | | $ | 23.475 | | | 615,307 | | | 515,809 | |
| April 19, 2016 | 1,690,880 | | | $ | 23.00 | | | $ | 22.870 | | | 401,641 | | | 343,901 | |
| April 21, 2015 | 1,786,440 | | | $ | 21.00 | | | $ | 20.630 | | | 189,501 | | | 189,501 | |
| Total | 10,840,912 | | | | | | | 5,645,208 | | | 2,775,078 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Date of Grant | Risk-free
Interest Rate | | Expected Life of
Option in Years | | Expected
Dividend
Yield | | Expected
Stock
Volatility | | Estimated Fair
Value of Stock
Option |
| January 3, 2023 | 4.0 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.6 | % | | 29.58 | % | | $ | 11.62 | |
| January 3, 2022 | 1.3 | % | | 5.00 | | 1.7 | % | | 28.52 | % | | $ | 13.68 | |
| January 4, 2021 | 0.4 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.0 | % | | 29.17 | % | | $ | 9.57 | |
| January 2, 2020 | 1.7 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.4 | % | | 25.70 | % | | $ | 6.81 | |
| January 2, 2019 | 2.5 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.9 | % | | 23.96 | % | | $ | 4.40 | |
| January 2, 2018 | 2.2 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.3 | % | | 23.45 | % | | $ | 5.02 | |
| January 3, 2017 | 1.9 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.6 | % | | 24.49 | % | | $ | 4.20 | |
| April 19, 2016 | 1.3 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.6 | % | | 26.34 | % | | $ | 4.09 | |
| April 21, 2015 | 1.3 | % | | 5.00 | | 2.7 | % | | 26.84 | % | | $ | 3.68 | |
All of the options in the tables above vest and become exercisable over a period of up to eight years. Generally, each option will terminate approximately 10 years after the grant date.
The fair value of each share-based option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation method that uses the assumptions listed above. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life of the option at the time of grant. The expected life is the average length of time over which we expect the employee groups will exercise their options, net of forfeitures, which is based on historical experience with similar grants. The dividend yield is estimated over the expected life of the option based on our current dividend payout, historical dividends paid, and expected future cash dividends. Expected stock volatilities are based on the movement of our stock price over the most recent historical period equivalent to the expected life of the option.
Compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value is recognized for all of these awards over the vesting period. The stock-based compensation expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $5.6 and $4.4, respectively, while the third quarter of 2023 and 2022 was $1.8 and $1.4, respectively. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested stock options as of September 30, 2023 was $18.6 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.31 years. Any future changes in estimated forfeitures will impact this amount.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information and where otherwise noted)
September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
Earnings Per Share
The following tables present a reconciliation of the denominators used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share and a summary of the options to purchase shares of common stock which were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine-month Period | | Three-month Period |
| Reconciliation | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 571,145,110 | | | 574,667,188 | | | 571,368,442 | | | 573,019,381 | |
| Weighted shares assumed upon exercise of stock options | 1,726,310 | | | 1,912,011 | | | 1,731,267 | | | 1,724,550 | |
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 572,871,420 | | | 576,579,199 | | | 573,099,709 | | | 574,743,931 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine-month Period | | Three-month Period |
| Summary of Anti-dilutive Options Excluded | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Options to purchase shares of common stock | 1,831,551 | | | 1,343,160 | | | 1,598,463 | | | 1,340,567 | |
| Weighted average exercise prices of options | $ | 53.05 | | | 55.23 | | | $ | 53.65 | | | 55.22 | |
Any dilutive impact summarized above related to periods when the average market price of our stock exceeded the exercise price of the potentially dilutive stock options then outstanding.
(4) Income Taxes
We file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction, all states, and various local and foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to income tax examinations by taxing authorities for taxable years before 2020 in the case of United States federal examinations, and with limited exception, before 2017 in the case of foreign, state, and local examinations. During the third quarter of 2023, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $3.9 due to the lapse of statute of limitations, of which, $3.8 impacted the effective tax rate. There were no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the first half of 2023.
(5) Operating Leases
Certain operating leases for pick-up trucks contain residual value guarantee provisions which would generally become due at the expiration of the operating lease agreement if the fair value of the leased vehicles is less than the guaranteed residual value. The aggregate residual value guarantee related to these leases was approximately $109.0. We believe the likelihood of funding the guarantee obligation under any provision of the operating lease agreements is remote.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information and where otherwise noted)
September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
(6) Debt Commitments
Credit Facility, Notes Payable, and Commitments
Debt obligations and letters of credit outstanding at the end of each period consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Average Interest Rate at September 30, 2023 | | | | Debt Outstanding |
| | Maturity
Date | | September 30,
2023 | | December 31,
2022 |
| Unsecured revolving credit facility | 6.35 | % | | September 28, 2027 | | $ | — | | | 225.0 | |
| Senior unsecured promissory notes payable, Series C | 3.22 | % | | March 1, 2024 | | 60.0 | | | 60.0 | |
| Senior unsecured promissory notes payable, Series D | 2.66 | % | | May 15, 2025 | | 75.0 | | | 75.0 | |
| Senior unsecured promissory notes payable, Series E | 2.72 | % | | May 15, 2027 | | 50.0 | | | 50.0 | |
| Senior unsecured promissory notes payable, Series F | 1.69 | % | | June 24, 2023 | | — | | | 70.0 | |
| Senior unsecured promissory notes payable, Series G | 2.13 | % | | June 24, 2026 | | 25.0 | | | 25.0 | |
| Senior unsecured promissory notes payable, Series H | 2.50 | % | | June 24, 2030 | | 50.0 | | | 50.0 | |
| Total | | | | | 260.0 | | | 555.0 | |
| Less: Current portion of debt | | | | | (60.0) | | | (201.8) | |
| Long-term debt | | | | | $ | 200.0 | | | 353.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Outstanding letters of credit under unsecured revolving credit facility - contingent obligation | | | | | $ | 32.7 | | | 36.3 | |
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
We have an $835.0 committed unsecured revolving credit facility (Credit Facility) with an uncommitted accordion option to increase the aggregate revolving commitment by an additional $365.0 for a total amount of $1,200.0. The Credit Facility includes a committed letter of credit subfacility of $55.0. Any borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility for which we have the ability and intent to pay using cash within the next 12 months will be classified as a current liability. The Credit Facility contains certain financial and other covenants, and our right to borrow under the Credit Facility is conditioned upon, among other things, our compliance with these covenants. We are currently in compliance with these covenants.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility generally bear interest at a rate per annum equal to Daily Simple SOFR plus a 0.10% spread adjustment plus 0.95%. We pay a commitment fee for the unused portion of the Credit Facility. This fee is either 0.10% or 0.125% per annum based on our usage of the Credit Facility.
Senior Unsecured Promissory Notes Payable
We have issued senior unsecured promissory notes under our master note agreement (the Master Note Agreement) in the aggregate principal amount of $260.0 as of September 30, 2023. Our aggregate borrowing capacity under the Master Note Agreement is $900.0; however, none of the institutional investors party to that agreement are committed to purchase notes thereunder. There is no amortization of these notes prior to their maturity date and interest is payable quarterly. The notes currently issued under our Master Note Agreement, including the maturity date and fixed interest rate per annum of each series of note, are contained in the table above. The Master Note Agreement contains certain financial and other covenants and we are currently in compliance with these covenants.
(7) Legal Contingencies
The nature of our potential exposure to legal contingencies is described in our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As of September 30, 2023, there were no litigation matters that we consider to be probable or reasonably possible to have a material adverse outcome.
FASTENAL COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in millions except share and per share information and where otherwise noted)
September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
(8) Subsequent Events
We evaluated all subsequent event activity and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, with the exception of the dividend declaration disclosed in Note 3 'Stockholders' Equity'.
ITEM 2 — MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors which have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Dollar amounts are stated in millions except for share and per share amounts and where otherwise noted. Throughout this document, percentage and dollar change calculations, which are based on non-rounded dollar values, may not be able to be recalculated using the dollar values in this document due to the rounding of those dollar values. References to daily sales rate (DSR) change may reflect either growth (positive) or contraction (negative) for the applicable period.
Business
Fastenal is a North American leader in the wholesale distribution of industrial and construction supplies. We distribute these supplies through a network of approximately 3,400 in-market locations. Most of our customers are in the manufacturing and non-residential construction markets. The manufacturing market includes sales of products for both original equipment manufacturing (OEM), where our products are consumed in the final products of our customers, and manufacturing, repair and operations (MRO), where our products are consumed to support the facilities and ongoing operations of our customers. The non-residential construction market includes general, electrical, plumbing, sheet metal, and road contractors. Other users of our products include farmers, truckers, railroads, oil exploration companies, oil production and refinement companies, mining companies, federal, state, and local governmental entities, schools, and certain retail trades. Geographically, our branches, Onsite locations, and customers are primarily located in North America, though we continue to grow our non-North American presence as well.
Our motto is Growth Through Customer Service® and our tagline is Where Industry Meets Innovation™. We are a customer- and growth-centric organization focused on identifying unique technologies, capabilities, and supply chain solutions that get us closer to our customers and reduce the total cost of their global supply chain. We believe this close-to-the-customer, 'high-touch, high-tech' partnership approach is differentiated in the marketplace and allows us to gain market share in what remains a fragmented industrial distribution market.
Executive Overview
The following table presents a performance summary of our results of operations for the nine-month and three-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
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| | Nine-month Period | | Three-month Period |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | Change | | 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
| Net sales | $ | 5,588.1 | | | 5,285.0 | | | 5.7 | % | | $ | 1,845.9 | | | 1,802.4 | | | 2.4 | % |
| Business days | 191 | | | 192 | | | | | 63 | | | 64 | | | |
| Daily sales | $ | 29.3 | | | 27.5 | | | 6.3 | % | | $ | 29.3 | | | 28.2 | | | 4.0 | % |
| Gross profit | $ | 2,555.1 | | | 2,447.4 | | | 4.4 | % | | $ | 847.6 | | | 826.5 | | | 2.6 | % |
| % of net sales | 45.7 | % | | 46.3 | % | | | | 45.9 | % | | 45.9 | % | | |
| Operating and administrative expenses | $ | 1,380.2 | | | 1,326.7 | | | 4.0 | % | | $ | 460.9 | | | 447.3 | | | 3.0 | % |
| % of net sales | 24.7 | % | | 25.1 | % | | | | 25.0 | % | | 24.8 | % | | |
| Operating income | $ | 1,174.9 | | | 1,120.7 | | | 4.8 | % | | $ | 386.7 | | | 379.2 | | | 2.0 | % |
| % of net sales | 21.0 | % | | 21.2 | % | | | | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % | | |
| Earnings before income taxes | $ | 1,167.8 | | | 1,111.8 | | | 5.0 | % | | $ | 385.4 | | | 375.3 | | | 2.7 | % |
| % of net sales | 20.9 | % | | 21.0 | % | | | | 20.9 | % | | 20.8 | % | | |
| Net earnings | $ | 888.6 | | | 841.3 | | | 5.6 | % | | $ | 295.5 | | | 284.6 | | | 3.8 | % |
| Diluted net earnings per share | $ | 1.55 | | | 1.46 | | | 6.3 | % | | $ | 0.52 | | | 0.50 | | | 4.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Note – Daily sales are defined as the total net sales for the period divided by the number of business days (in the United States) in the period. |
The table below summarizes our absolute and full time equivalent (FTE; based on 40 hours per week) employee headcount, our investments related to in-market locations (defined as the sum of the total number of branch locations and the total number of active Onsite locations), and weighted Fastenal Managed Inventory (FMI) devices at the end of the periods presented and the percentage change compared to the end of the prior periods.
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| | | | Change
Since: | | | Change
Since: | | | Change
Since: |
| Q3
2023 | | Q2
2023 | Q2
2023 | | Q4
2022 | Q4
2022 | | Q3
2022 | Q3
2022 |
| Total selling personnel - absolute employee headcount | 16,261 | | | 16,302 | | -0.3 | % | | 15,898 | | 2.3 | % | | 15,662 | | 3.8 | % |
| Total selling personnel - FTE employee headcount | 14,750 | | | 14,993 | | -1.6 | % | | 14,476 | | 1.9 | % | | 14,284 | | 3.3 | % |
| Total personnel - absolute employee headcount | 22,862 | | | 22,913 | | -0.2 | % | | 22,386 | | 2.1 | % | | 22,025 | | 3.8 | % |
| Total personnel - FTE employee headcount | 20,284 | | | 20,631 | | -1.7 | % | | 19,854 | | 2.2 | % | | 19,519 | | 3.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of branch locations | 1,615 | | | 1,635 | | -1.2 | % | | 1,683 | | -4.0 | % | | 1,716 | | -5.9 | % |
| Number of active Onsite locations | 1,778 | | | 1,728 | | 2.9 | % | | 1,623 | | 9.6 | % | | 1,567 | | 13.5 | % |
| Number of in-market locations | 3,393 | | | 3,363 | | 0.9 | % | | 3,306 | | 2.6 | % | | 3,283 | | 3.4 | % |
| Weighted FMI devices (MEU installed count) | 110,191 | | | 107,115 | | 2.9 | % | | 102,151 | | 7.9 | % | | 99,409 | | 10.8 | % |
During the last twelve months, we increased our total FTE employee headcount by 765. This reflects an increase in our total FTE selling personnel of 466 to support growth in the marketplace and sales initiatives targeting customer acquisition. We had an increase in our distribution and transportation FTE personnel of 95 to support increased product throughput at our facilities and to expand our local inventory fulfillment terminals (LIFTs). We had an increase in our remaining FTE personnel of 204 that relates primarily to personnel investments in information technology, manufacturing, and operational support, such as purchasing and product development.
The table below summarizes the number of branches opened and closed, net of conversions, as well as the number of Onsites activated and closed, net of conversions during the periods presented.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine-month Period | | Three-month Period |
| 2023 | 2022 | | 2023 | 2022 |
| Branch openings | 8 | | 11 | | | 3 | | 3 | |
| Branch closures, net of conversions | (76) | | (88) | | | (23) | | (24) | |
| | | | | |
| Onsite activations | 252 | | 230 | | | 79 | | 92 | |
| Onsite closures, net of conversions | (97) | | (79) | | | (29) | | (26) | |
In any period, the number of closings tends to reflect normal churn in our business, whether due to redefining or exiting customer relationships, the shutting or relocation of customer facilities that host our locations, or a customer decision, as well as our ongoing review of underperforming locations. Our in-market network forms the foundation of our business strategy, and we will continue to open or close locations as is deemed necessary to sustain and improve our network, support our growth drivers, and manage our operating expenses.
THIRD QUARTER OF 2023 VERSUS THIRD QUARTER OF 2022
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth condensed consolidated statement of earnings information (as a percentage of net sales) for the periods ended September 30:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three-month Period |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net sales | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
| Gross profit | 45.9 | % | | 45.9 | % |
| Operating and administrative expenses | 25.0 | % | | 24.8 | % |
| Operating income | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % |
| Net interest expense | -0.1 | % | | -0.2 | % |
| Earnings before income taxes | 20.9 | % | | 20.8 | % |
| | | |
| Note – Amounts may not foot due to rounding difference. | | | |
Sales
The table below sets forth net sales and daily sales for the periods ended September 30, and changes in such sales from the prior period to the more recent period:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three-month Period |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net sales | $ | 1,845.9 | | | 1,802.4 | |
| Percentage change | 2.4 | % | | 16.0 | % |
| Business days | 63 | | | 64 | |
| Daily sales | $ | 29.3 | | | 28.2 | |
| Percentage change | 4.0 | % | | 16.0 | % |
| Daily sales impact of currency fluctuations | -0.1 | % | | -0.6 | % |
Net sales increased $43.5, or 2.4%, in the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the third quarter of 2022. There was one fewer selling day in the quarter relative to the prior year period and, taking this into consideration, our net daily sales growth increased 4.0% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2022. We experienced higher unit sales in the third quarter of 2023 that was primarily due to growth at our Onsite locations, particularly those opened in the last two years. This more than offset the impact of softer end market demand on our manufacturing customers and lower revenues to construction and reseller customers. Foreign exchange negatively affected sales in the third quarter of 2023 by approximately 10 basis points.
The impact of product pricing on net sales in the third quarter of 2023 was modestly positive, consistent with historical trends, as compared to the impact of product pricing on net sales in the third quarter of 2022 of 550 to 580 basis points. Incremental pricing actions over the past twelve months have been of modest scope, resulting in mostly stable price levels through the third quarter of 2023.
From a product standpoint, we have three categories: fasteners, safety supplies, and other products, the latter of which includes eight smaller product categories, such as tools, janitorial supplies, and cutting tools. We experienced increasing divergence in the performance of our fastener versus our non-fastener product lines in the third quarter of 2023, which we believe relates to two factors. First, fasteners are more heavily oriented toward production of final goods than maintenance, which results in greater susceptibility to weaker manufacturing end markets. Second, pricing for fasteners has decelerated at a faster pace than non-fastener products. The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| DSR Change
Three-month Period | | % of Sales
Three-month Period |
| 2023 | 2022 | | 2023 | 2022 |
| Fasteners | -2.0 | % | 18.2 | % | | 32.1 | % | 34.1 | % |
| Safety supplies | 9.2 | % | 12.4 | % | | 21.4 | % | 20.5 | % |
| Other | 6.8 | % | 15.4 | % | | 46.5 | % | 45.4 | % |
Our end markets consist of manufacturing, non-residential construction, reseller, and other, the latter of which includes government/education and transportation/warehousing. We continued to experience a significant divergence in the performance of our manufacturing end market versus our non-manufacturing end markets in the third quarter of 2023. We are growing relatively faster with key account customers, particularly Onsites, with significant managed spend where our service model and technology is particularly impactful, which disproportionately benefits manufacturing customers. The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
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| DSR Change
Three-month Period | | % of Sales
Three-month Period |
| 2023 | 2022 | | 2023 | 2022 |
| Heavy manufacturing | 9.0 | % | 25.4 | % | | 43.2 | % | 41.3 | % |
| Other manufacturing | 2.5 | % | 19.1 | % | | 31.1 | % | 31.6 | % |
| Non-residential construction | -7.2 | % | 5.2 | % | | 9.1 | % | 10.2 | % |
| Reseller | -6.9 | % | 3.7 | % | | 5.8 | % | 6.5 | % |
| Other end markets | 8.1 | % | -4.3 | % | | 10.8 | % | 10.4 | % |
We report our customers in two categories: national accounts, which are customers with a multi-site contract, and non-national accounts, which include large regional customers, small local customers, and government customers. We continued to experience a significant divergence in the performance of our national account customers versus our non-national account customers, which relates to the relative growth of our sales through Onsite locations and larger, key accounts. The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
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| DSR Change
Three-month Period | | % of Sales
Three-month Period |
| 2023 | 2022 | | 2023 | 2022 |
| National accounts | 8.6 | % | 20.8 | % | | 60.8 | % | 58.0 | % |
| Non-national accounts | -1.9 | % | 9.9 | % | | 39.2 | % | 42.0 | % |
Growth Drivers
•We signed 93 new Onsite locations (defined as dedicated sales and service provided from within, or in proximity to, the customer's facility) in the third quarter of 2023, resulting in 268 year-to-date signings of new Onsite locations. We had 1,778 active sites on September 30, 2023, which represented an increase of 13.5% from September 30, 2022. Daily sales through our Onsite locations, excluding sales transferred from branches to new Onsites, grew at a low double-digit rate in the third quarter of 2023 over the third quarter of 2022. This growth is primarily due to contributions from Onsites activated and implemented in 2022 and 2023. Based on the signings in the first nine months of 2023, we currently expect to sign approximately 350 new Onsite locations for the full year of 2023.
•FMI Technology is comprised of our FASTStock℠ (scanned stocking locations), FASTBin® (infrared, RFID, and scaled bins), and FASTVend® (vending devices) offering. FASTStock's fulfillment processing technology is not embedded, is relatively less expensive and highly flexible in application, and delivered using our proprietary mobility technology. FASTBin and FASTVend incorporate highly efficient and powerful embedded data tracking and fulfillment processing technologies. Prior to 2021, we reported exclusively on the signings, installations, and sales of FASTVend. Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, we began disclosing certain statistics around our FMI offering. The first statistic is a weighted FMI® measure which combines the signings and installations of FASTBin and FASTVend in a standardized machine equivalent unit (MEU) based on the expected output of each type of device. We do not include FASTStock in this measurement because scanned stocking locations can take many forms, such as bins, shelves, cabinets, pallets, etc., that cannot be converted into a standardized MEU. The second statistic is revenue through FMI Technology which combines the sales through FASTStock, FASTBin, and FASTVend. A portion of the growth in sales experienced by FMI, particularly FASTStock and FASTBin, reflects the migration of products from less efficient non-digital stocking locations to more efficient, digital stocking locations.
The table below summarizes the signings and installations of, and sales through, our FMI devices.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three-month Period |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
| Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings (MEUs) | 5,969 | | | 5,187 | | | 15.1 | % |
| Signings per day | 95 | | | 81 | | | |
| Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend installations (MEUs; end of period) | 110,191 | | | 99,409 | | | 10.8 | % |
| | | | | |
| FASTStock sales | $ | 234.2 | | | 215.9 | | | 8.5 | % |
| % of sales | 12.5 | % | | 11.8 | % | | |
| FASTBin/FASTVend sales | $ | 526.2 | | | 456.9 | | | 15.2 | % |
| % of sales | 28.2 | % | | 25.1 | % | | |
| FMI sales | $ | 760.4 | | | 672.8 | | | 13.0 | % |
| FMI daily sales | $ | 12.1 | | | 10.5 | | | 14.8 | % |
| % of sales | 40.7 | % | | 36.9 | % | | |
Our goal for weighted FASTBin and FASTVend device signings in 2023 remains between 23,000 to 25,000 MEUs.
•Our eCommerce business includes sales made through an electronic data interface (EDI), or other types of technical integrations, and through our web verticals. Daily sales through eCommerce grew 41.3% in the third quarter of 2023 and represented 24.5% of our total sales in the period.
Our digital products and services are comprised of sales through FMI (FASTStock, FASTBin, and FASTVend) plus that proportion of our eCommerce sales that do not represent billings of FMI services (collectively, our Digital Footprint). We believe the data that is created through our digital capabilities enhances product visibility, traceability, and control that reduces risk in operations and creates ordering and fulfillment efficiencies for both ourselves and our customers. As a result, we believe our opportunity to grow our business will be enhanced through the continued development and expansion of our digital capabilities.
Our Digital Footprint in the third quarter of 2023 represented 57.1% of our sales, an increase from 49.5% of sales in the third quarter of 2022.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was unchanged at 45.9% in the third quarter of 2023 from 45.9% in the third quarter of 2022. Customer and product mix had a negative effect on our gross profit percentage. We continued to experience relatively strong growth from Onsite customers and non-fastener products, each of which tend to have a lower gross profit percentage than our business as a whole. This was offset by a number of favorable variables. First, we continue to experience favorable freight costs, which reflects elevated domestic freight revenue leveraging what are relatively stable costs to support our captive fleet, lower expenses related to external freight providers, and lower fuel costs. Second, in the third quarter of 2022 we had a $3.4 write-down of pandemic-related gloves that did not recur in the third quarter of 2023. Third, we experienced slightly positive price-cost. This reflects moderating product costs, as we took no meaningful pricing actions in the period, and an easy comparison, as it largely recaptures the price-cost deficit experienced in the third quarter of 2022.
Operating Income
Our operating income, as a percentage of net sales, was unchanged at 21.0% in the third quarter of 2023 from 21.0% in the third quarter of 2022.
Operating and Administrative Expenses
Our operating and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 25.0% in the third quarter of 2023 from 24.8% in the third quarter of 2022. This largely reflects an increase, as a percentage of net sales, in other operating and administrative expenses. Our ability to leverage was adversely impacted by slow sales growth, which made it difficult to leverage spending on certain business initiatives and investments. Our ability to leverage was also limited by having one less selling day in the third quarter of 2023 than we had in the third quarter of 2022, as most of our operating expenses will not vary based on the number of selling days in a given period.
The percentage change in employee-related, occupancy-related, and all other operating and administrative expenses compared to the same periods in the preceding year, is outlined in the table below.
| | | | | | | | |
| Approximate Percentage of Total Operating and Administrative Expenses | Three-month Period |
| 2023 |
| Employee-related expenses | 70% to 75% | 1.6 | % |
| Occupancy-related expenses | 15% to 20% | 3.7 | % |
| All other operating and administrative expenses | 10% to 15% | 11.0 | % |
Employee-related expenses include: (1) payroll (which includes cash compensation, stock option expense, and profit sharing), (2) health care, (3) personnel development, and (4) social taxes.
In the third quarter of 2023, our employee-related expenses increased when compared to the third quarter of 2022. We experienced an increase in employee base pay due to higher average FTE during the period and, to a lesser degree, higher average wages. We also experienced higher healthcare-related costs. This was partly offset by bonus and commission payments declining to reflect the impact of slower sales and profit growth versus the prior year.
The table below summarizes our FTE headcount at the end of the periods presented and the percentage change compared to the end of the prior periods:
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| | | Change
Since: | | | Change
Since: |
| Q3
2023 | Q2
2023 | Q2
2023 | | Q3
2022 | Q3
2022 |
Total selling personnel (1) | 14,750 | | 14,993 | | -1.6 | % | | 14,284 | | 3.3 | % |
| Distribution/Transportation personnel | 2,984 | | 3,053 | | -2.3 | % | | 2,889 | | 3.3 | % |
| Manufacturing personnel | 704 | | 723 | | -2.6 | % | | 671 | | 4.9 | % |
Organizational support personnel (1) | 1,846 | | 1,862 | | -0.9 | % | | 1,675 | | 10.2 | % |
| Total personnel | 20,284 | | 20,631 | | -1.7 | % | | 19,519 | | 3.9 | % |
(1) Of our Total Selling Personnel, 80%-85% are attached to a specific in-market location. Organizational support personnel consists of: (1) Sales & Growth Driver Support personnel (approximately 35% of category), which includes sourcing, purchasing, supply chain, product development, etc.; (2) Information Technology personnel (35% to 40% of category); and (3) Administrative Support personnel (25% to 30% of category), which includes human resources, Fastenal School of Business, accounting and finance, senior management, etc.
Occupancy-related expenses include: (1) building rent and depreciation, (2) building utility costs, (3) equipment related to our branches and distribution locations, and (4) industrial vending equipment and bins utilized as part of our FMI services (we consider this hardware to be a logical extension of our in-market operations and classify the depreciation and repair costs as occupancy expenses).
In the third quarter of 2023, our occupancy-related expenses increased when compared to the third quarter of 2022. We continue to experience rising rent costs for our buildings due to inflation and upsizing of branches. At the same time, slowing in the pace of branch closings is resulting in a moderating level of incremental cost reduction to offset these increases. We also had higher costs for FMI hardware as we continue to expand our installed base of such hardware.
All other operating and administrative expenses include: (1) selling-related transportation, (2) information technology (IT) expenses, (3) general corporate expenses, which consists of legal expenses, general insurance expenses, travel and marketing expenses, etc., and (4) sales of property and equipment.
Combined, all other operating and administrative expenses increased in the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the third quarter of 2022. The increase in other operating and administrative expenses relates primarily to higher spending on information technology, higher bad debt expense, and higher general insurance costs.
Net Interest Expense
Our net interest expense was $1.3 in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $3.9 in the third quarter of 2022. We had higher interest income, reflecting higher cash balances through the period and higher rates paid on those balances. We also had lower interest expense, reflecting lower average borrowings through the period, as well as slightly lower average interest rates.
Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expense of $89.9 in the third quarter of 2023, or 23.4% of earnings before income taxes. During the third quarter of 2023, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $3.9 due to the lapse of statute of limitations, of which $3.8 impacted the effective tax rate. Income tax expense was $90.7 in the third quarter of 2022, or 24.2% of earnings before income taxes. We believe our ongoing tax rate, absent any discrete tax items or broader changes to tax law, will be approximately 24.5%.
Net Earnings
Our net earnings during the third quarter of 2023 were $295.5, an increase of 3.8% compared to the third quarter of 2022. Our diluted net earnings per share were $0.52 during the third quarter of 2023, which increased from $0.50 during the third quarter of 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flow activity was as follows for the periods ended September 30:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three-month Period |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 388.1 | | | 257.9 | | | 50.5 | % |
| Percentage of net earnings | 131.3 | % | | 90.6 | % | | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | 43.0 | | | 44.5 | | | -3.4 | % |
| Percentage of net earnings | 14.6 | % | | 15.6 | % | | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | 286.9 | | | 220.8 | | | 29.9 | % |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $130.2 in the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the third quarter of 2022. The improvement in operating cash flow, as a percent of net earnings, reflects working capital being a source of cash in the third quarter of 2023, as opposed to a use of cash in the third quarter of 2022. This reflects the normalization of global supply chains versus the prior year and, to a lesser degree, slower business activity, which combine to reduce the rate of working capital expansion necessary to support our customers' growth.
The dollar and percentage change in accounts receivable, net, inventories, and accounts payable as of September 30, 2023 when compared to September 30, 2022 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | September 30 | Twelve-month Dollar Change | Twelve-month Percentage Change |
| | | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2023 |
| Accounts receivable, net | | $ | 1,171.0 | | | 1,110.6 | | | $ | 60.3 | | | 5.4 | % |
| Inventories | | 1,513.8 | | | 1,678.1 | | | (164.3) | | | -9.8 | % |
| Trade working capital | | $ | 2,684.8 | | | 2,788.7 | | | $ | (104.0) | | | -3.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
| Accounts payable | | $ | 275.1 | | | 277.2 | | | $ | (2.0) | | | -0.7 | % |
| Trade working capital, net | | $ | 2,409.7 | | | 2,511.5 | | | $ | (101.9) | | | -4.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net sales in last three months | | $ | 1,845.9 | | | 1,802.4 | | | $ | 43.5 | | | 2.4 | % |
Note - Amounts may not foot due to rounding difference.
The increase in our accounts receivable balance in the third quarter of 2023 is primarily attributable to two factors. First, our receivables increased as a result of growth in sales to our customers. Second, we continue to experience a shift in our mix due to relatively stronger growth from national account customers, which tend to carry longer payment terms than our non-national account customers.
The decrease in our inventory balance in the third quarter of 2023 is primarily attributable to the absence of supply disruptions from the prior year. Our response at the time was to deepen our inventory as a means of maintaining high service to our customers, particularly for imported inventory. Dissipation of these disruptions has allowed us to shorten our product ordering cycle. It is also likely that slower business activity is reducing the level of inventory our customers require us to maintain to meet their production needs.
The decrease in our accounts payable balance in the third quarter of 2023 is primarily attributable to the dissipation of supply disruptions from the prior year. That allowed us to gradually begin to shorten our product ordering cycle and reduce the volume of product purchases in the third quarter of 2023 versus the third quarter of 2022.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $1.5 in the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the third quarter of 2022. This was due to lower net capital expenditures (purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales of property and equipment) in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2022.
Our capital spending will typically fall into six categories: (1) purchases related to industrial vending, (2) purchases of property and equipment related to expansion of and enhancements to distribution centers, (3) spending on software and hardware for our information processing systems, (4) the addition of fleet vehicles, (5) expansion, improvement or investment in certain owned or leased branch properties, and (6) the addition of manufacturing and warehouse equipment. Proceeds from the sales of property and equipment, typically for the planned disposition of pick-up trucks as well as distribution vehicles and trailers in the normal course of business, are netted against these purchases and additions. During the third quarter of 2023, our net capital expenditures were $42.9, which is a decrease from $44.4 in the third quarter of 2022.
Cash requirements for capital expenditures were satisfied from cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents, our borrowing capacity, and the proceeds of disposals. For the full year of 2023, we expect our investment in property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales, to be within a range of $180.0 to $190.0. This is a decline from our prior range of $210.0 to $230.0 reflecting a deferral of several distribution center-related projects. This new range represents an increase from $162.4 in 2022, due primarily to investments in fleet equipment to support our network of heavy trucks and an increase in spending on information technology.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased $66.1 in the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the third quarter of 2022. This is primarily related to a reduction in our debt obligations, versus an increase in our debt obligations in the third quarter of 2022, which reflected strong operating cash generation in the period. This was only partly offset by a reduction in the third quarter of 2023 of total capital returned to shareholders compared to the third quarter of 2022.
During the third quarter of 2023, we returned $199.8 to our shareholders in the form of dividends, compared to the third quarter of 2022 when we returned $272.8 to our shareholders in the form of dividends ($177.5) and purchases of our common stock ($95.3).
During the third quarter of 2023, we did not repurchase any of our common stock. During the third quarter of 2022, we purchased 2,000,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of approximately $47.68 per share.
We have authority to purchase up to 6,200,000 additional shares of our common stock under the July 12, 2022 authorization. This authorization does not have an expiration date.
Total debt on our balance sheet was $260.0 at the end of the third quarter of 2023, or 7.0% of total capital (the sum of stockholders' equity and total debt). This compares to $555.0, or 14.9% of total capital, at the end of the third quarter of 2022. This decrease is due to applying operating cash generated to the reduction of total borrowings on the balance sheet.
Our material cash requirements for known contractual obligations include capital expenditures, debt, and lease obligations, which are discussed in more detail earlier in this report in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and in our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K.
An overview of our cash dividends paid or declared in 2023 and 2022 is contained in Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 VERSUS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth condensed consolidated statement of earnings information (as a percentage of net sales) for the periods ended September 30:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine-month Period |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net sales | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
| Gross profit | 45.7 | % | | 46.3 | % |
| Operating and administrative expenses | 24.7 | % | | 25.1 | % |
| Operating income | 21.0 | % | | 21.2 | % |
| Net interest expense | -0.1 | % | | -0.2 | % |
| Earnings before income taxes | 20.9 | % | | 21.0 | % |
| | | |
| Note – Amounts may not foot due to rounding difference. | | | |
Sales
The table below sets forth net sales and daily sales for the periods ended September 30, and changes in such sales from the prior period to the more recent period:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine-month Period |
| | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net sales | $ | 5,588.1 | | | 5,285.0 | |
| Percentage change | 5.7 | % | | 18.0 | % |
| Business days | 191 | | | 192 | |
| Daily sales | $ | 29.3 | | | 27.5 | |
| Percentage Change | 6.3 | % | | 17.4 | % |
| Daily sales impact of currency fluctuations | -0.4 | % | | -0.4 | % |
Net sales increased $303.1, or 5.7%, in the first nine months of 2023 when compared to the first nine months of 2022. There was one fewer selling day in the first nine months of 2023 relative to the prior year period and, taking this into consideration, our net daily sales growth increased 6.3% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the first nine months of 2022. We experienced higher unit sales during the period that contributed to the increase in net sales in the period. This was primarily due to growth at our Onsite locations, with the strongest contribution from those sites opened in the last two years and a more modest contribution from more mature locations. This more than offset the impact of softer end market demand on our manufacturing customers and lower revenues to construction and reseller customers. Foreign exchange negatively affected sales in the first nine months of 2023 by approximately 40 basis points. We estimate that adverse weather in the first quarter of 2023 reduced our growth by approximately 10 basis points during the nine-month period.
The overall impact of product pricing on net sales was 190 to 220 basis points during the first nine months of 2023. While product pricing has been positive throughout 2023, the impact was greatest in the first two quarters of the period. This reflects the carryover of broad actions taken in the first quarter of 2022 and targeted actions taken in the first quarter of 2023 to mitigate the effects of higher transportation and material costs for our products, as well as the impact of general inflationary conditions in the marketplace over the past twelve months. The impact of product pricing on net sales was 600 to 630 basis points during the first nine months of 2022.
From a product standpoint, we have three categories: fasteners, safety supplies, and other products, the latter of which includes eight smaller product categories, such as tools, janitorial supplies, and cutting tools. In the first nine months of 2023, fastener daily sales grew at a slower rate than our other product categories, which we believe relates to two factors. First, fasteners are more heavily oriented toward production of final goods than maintenance, which results in greater susceptibility to weaker manufacturing end markets. Second, pricing for fasteners has decelerated at a faster pace than non-fastener products. The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| DSR Change Nine-month Period | | % of Sales Nine-month Period |
| 2023 | 2022 | | 2023 | 2022 |
| Fasteners | 1.6 | % | 21.2 | % | | 32.8 | % | 34.3 | % |
| Safety supplies | 7.6 | % | 13.8 | % | | 20.8 | % | 20.6 | % |
| Other | 9.6 | % | 15.7 | % | | 46.4 | % | 45.1 | % |
Our end markets consist of manufacturing, non-residential construction, reseller, and other, the latter of which includes government/education and transportation/warehousing. We continued to experience a significant divergence in the performance of our manufacturing end market versus our non-manufacturing end markets in the first nine months of 2023. We are growing relatively faster with key account customers, particularly Onsites, with significant managed spend where our service model and technology is particularly impactful, which disproportionately benefits manufacturing customers. The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| DSR Change Nine-month Period | | % of Sales Nine-month Period |
| 2023 | 2022 | | 2023 | 2022 |
| Heavy manufacturing | 13.1 | % | 26.1 | % | | 43.2 | % | 40.7 | % |
| Other manufacturing | 6.5 | % | 19.5 | % | | 31.3 | % | 31.3 | % |
| Non-residential construction | -6.2 | % | 9.8 | % | | 9.2 | % | 10.4 | % |
| Reseller | -7.1 | % | 4.2 | % | | 5.9 | % | 6.7 | % |
| Other end markets | 1.5 | % | 0.9 | % | | 10.4 | % | 10.9 | % |
We report our customers in two categories: national accounts, which are customers with a multi-site contract, and non-national accounts, which include large regional customers, small local customers, and government customers. We continued to experience a significant divergence in the performance of our national account customers versus our non-national account customers, which relates to the relative growth of our sales through Onsite locations and larger, key accounts. The DSR change when compared to the same period in the prior year and the percent of sales in the period were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| DSR Change Nine-month Period | | % of Sales Nine-month Period |
| 2023 | 2022 | | 2023 | 2022 |
| National accounts | 10.8 | % | 22.1 | % | | 59.8 | % | 57.5 | % |
| Non-national accounts | 0.6 | % | 11.6 | % | | 40.2 | % | 42.5 | % |
Growth Drivers
The table below summarizes the signings and installations of, and sales through, our FMI devices.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine-month Period |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
| Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend signings (MEUs) | 18,664 | | | 16,005 | | | 16.6 | % |
| Signings per day | 98 | | | 83 | | | |
| Weighted FASTBin/FASTVend installations (MEUs; end of period) | 110,191 | | | 99,409 | | | 10.8 | % |
| | | | | |
| FASTStock sales | $ | 708.6 | | | 621.7 | | | 14.0 | % |
| % of sales | 12.5 | % | | 11.6 | % | | |
| FASTBin/FASTVend sales | $ | 1,550.6 | | | 1,302.2 | | | 19.1 | % |
| % of sales | 27.4 | % | | 24.4 | % | | |
| FMI sales | $ | 2,259.2 | | | 1,923.9 | | | 17.4 | % |
| FMI daily sales | $ | 11.8 | | | 10.0 | | | 18.0 | % |
| % of sales | 39.9 | % | | 36.0 | % | | |
Daily sales through eCommerce grew 44.6% in the first nine months of 2023 and represented 23.2% of our total revenues in the period.
Our Digital Footprint in the first nine months of 2023 represented 55.5% of our sales, an increase from 48.2% of sales in the first nine months of 2022.
Gross Profit
In the first nine months of 2023, our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, declined to 45.7% from 46.3% in the first nine months of 2022. The change in our gross profit percentage primarily reflected three items. First, customer and product mix reduced our gross profit percentage. We continued to experience relatively strong growth from Onsite customers and non-fastener products, each of which tend to have a lower gross profit percentage than our business as a whole. This impact widened on a sequential basis. Second, higher organizational/overhead costs reduced our gross profit percentage, primarily due to higher inbound freight costs and working capital needs being relieved from inventory and generating higher period costs. Third, favorable freight expenses partially offset the negative impacts of mix and organizational/overhead costs. This reflected strong domestic freight revenue over the period, which leveraged what are relatively stable costs to support our captive fleet, lower expenses related to external freight providers, and lower fuel costs.
Operating Income
Our operating income, as a percentage of net sales, declined to 21.0% in the first nine months of 2023 from 21.2% in the first nine months of 2022. The operating leverage we achieved during the period was not sufficient to offset the decline in our gross profit percentage.
Operating and Administrative Expenses
Our operating and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, improved to 24.7% in the first nine months of 2023 from 25.1% in the first nine months of 2022. This is due to a decline, as a percentage of net sales, in payroll-related expenses.
The percentage change in employee-related, occupancy-related, and all other operating and administrative expenses compared to the same periods in the preceding year, is outlined in the table below.
| | | | | | | | |
| Approximate Percentage of Total Operating and Administrative Expenses | Nine-month Period |
| 2023 |
| Employee-related expenses | 70% to 75% | 2.8 | % |
| Occupancy-related expenses | 15% to 20% | 5.4 | % |
| All other operating and administrative expenses | 10% to 15% | 9.6 | % |
In the first nine months of 2023, our employee-related expenses increased when compared to the first nine months of 2022. We experienced an increase in employee base pay due to higher average FTE and average wages during the period, as well as higher healthcare costs and, to a lesser degree, profit sharing costs. This was only partly offset by a decrease in bonus and commission payments reflecting the impact of slower sales and profit growth versus the prior year.
The table below summarizes our FTE headcount at the end of the periods presented and the percentage change compared to the end of the prior period:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Change
Since: |
| Q3
2023 | | Q4
2022 | Q4
2022 |
Total selling personnel (1) | 14,750 | | | 14,476 | | 1.9 | % |
| Distribution/Transportation personnel | 2,984 | | | 2,971 | | 0.4 | % |
| Manufacturing personnel | 704 | | | 696 | | 1.1 | % |
Organizational support personnel (1) | 1,846 | | | 1,711 | | 7.9 | % |
| Total personnel | 20,284 | | | 19,854 | | 2.2 | % |
(1) Of our Total Selling Personnel, 80%-85% are attached to a specific in-market location. Organizational support personnel consists of: (1) Sales & Growth Driver Support personnel (approximately 35% of category), which includes sourcing, purchasing, supply chain, product development, etc.; (2) Information Technology personnel (35% to 40% of category); and (3) Administrative Support personnel (25% to 30% of category), which includes human resources, Fastenal School of Business, accounting and finance, senior management, etc.
In the first nine months of 2023, our occupancy-related expenses increased when compared to the first nine months of 2022. The most significant contributor to this increase was higher cost for FMI hardware as we continue to expand our installed base of such hardware. We also have experienced rising rent costs for our buildings due to inflation and the upsizing of branches, even as the slowing pace of branch closings is resulting in a moderating level of incremental cost reduction to offset these increases.
Combined, all other operating and administrative expenses increased in the first nine months of 2023 when compared to the first nine months of 2022. The increase in other operating and administrative expenses relates primarily to higher spending on information technology, higher general insurance costs, increased expenses for travel and supplies, and higher bad debt expense.
Net Interest Expense
Our net interest expense was $7.1 in the first nine months of 2023, compared to $8.9 in the first nine months of 2022. We had higher interest income, reflecting higher cash balances through the period and higher rates paid on those balances. We also had lower interest expense, reflecting lower average borrowings through the period, as well as slightly lower average interest rates.
Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expense of $279.2 in the first nine months of 2023, or 23.9% of earnings before income taxes. During the third quarter of 2023, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $3.9 due to the lapse of statute of limitations, of which $3.8 impacted the effective tax rate. Income tax expense was $270.5 in the first nine months of 2022, or 24.3% of earnings before income taxes.
Net Earnings
Our net earnings during the first nine months of 2023 were $888.6, an increase of 5.6% when compared to the first nine months of 2022. Our diluted net earnings per share were $1.55 during the first nine months of 2023, which increased from $1.46 during the first nine months of 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flow activity was as follows for the periods ended September 30:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine-month Period |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,078.7 | | | 639.1 | | | 68.8 | % |
| Percentage of net earnings | 121.4 | % | | 76.0 | % | | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | 128.2 | | | 121.6 | | | 5.4 | % |
| Percentage of net earnings | 14.4 | % | | 14.5 | % | | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | 879.1 | | | 506.2 | | | 73.7 | % |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $439.6 in the first nine months of 2023 when compared to the first nine months of 2022. The improvement in operating cash flow, as a percent of net earnings, reflects working capital being a source of cash in the first nine months of 2023, as opposed to a significant use of cash in the first nine months of 2022. This reflects the normalization of global supply chains versus the prior year and, to a lesser degree, slower business activity, which combine to reduce the working capital necessary to support our customers' growth.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $6.6 in the first nine months of 2023 when compared to the first nine months of 2022. This was primarily due to an increase in net capital expenditures (purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales of property and equipment) in the first nine months of 2023 compared to in the first nine months of 2022.
During the first nine months of 2023, our net capital expenditures were $127.7, which is an increase from $120.9 in the first nine months of 2022. For the full year of 2023, we expect our investment in property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales, to be within a range of $180.0 to $190.0. This is a decline from our prior range of $210.0 to $230.0 reflecting a deferral of several distribution center-related projects. This new range represents an increase from $162.4 in 2022, due primarily to investments in fleet equipment to support our network of heavy trucks and an increase in spending on information technology.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $372.9 in the first nine months of 2023 when compared to the first nine months of 2022. This is primarily related to a reduction in our debt obligations, versus an increase in our debt obligations in the first nine months of 2022, which reflected strong operating cash generation in the period. This was only partly offset by a reduction in the first nine months of 2023 of total capital returned to shareholders compared to the first nine months of 2022.
During the first nine months of 2023, we returned $599.5 to our shareholders in the form of dividends, compared to the first nine months of 2022 when we returned $679.0 to our shareholders in the form of dividends ($534.4) and purchases of our common stock ($144.6).
During the first nine months of 2023, we did not repurchase any of our common stock. During the first nine months of 2022, we purchased 3,000,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of approximately $48.22 per share.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – A discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates is contained in our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements – A description of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements, if any, is contained in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain Risks and Uncertainties – Certain statements contained in this document do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. As such, they are considered 'forward-looking statements' that provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as anticipate, believe, should, estimate, expect, intend, may, will, plan, goal, project, hope, trend, target, opportunity, and similar words or expressions, or by references to typical outcomes. Any statement that is not a purely historical fact, including estimates, projections, trends, and the outcome of events that have not yet occurred, is a forward-looking statement. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our expectations and beliefs regarding the business environment in which we operate, our projections of future performance, our perceived marketplace opportunities, our strategies, goals, mission and vision, our expectations related to future capital expenditures, future tax rates, future inventory levels, pricing, Onsite and weighted FMI device signings, the impact of inflation on our cost of goods or operating costs, the impact of price increases on overall sales growth or margin performance, and our ability to grow our business through the enhancement of sales through our Digital Footprint. You should understand that forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, economic downturns, weakness in the manufacturing or commercial construction industries, competitive pressure on selling prices, changes in our current mix of products, customers, or geographic locations, changes in our average branch size, changes in our purchasing patterns, changes in customer needs, changes in fuel or commodity prices, inclement weather, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, difficulty in adapting our business model to different foreign business environments and the challenges of operating in foreign business environments, failure to accurately predict the market potential of our business strategies, the introduction or expansion of new business strategies, weak acceptance or adoption of our FMI offering or Onsite business models, increased competition in FMI or Onsite, difficulty in maintaining installation quality as our FMI business expands, the leasing to customers of a significant number of additional FMI devices, the failure to meet our goals and expectations regarding branch openings, branch closings, or expansion of our FMI offering or Onsite operations, changes in the implementation objectives of our business strategies, challenges in developing and expanding our digital capabilities, difficulty in hiring, relocating, training, or retaining qualified personnel, difficulty in controlling operating expenses, difficulty in collecting receivables or accurately predicting future inventory needs, dramatic changes in sales trends, changes in supplier production lead times, changes in our cash position or our need to make capital expenditures, credit market volatility, changes in tax law or the impact of any such changes on future tax rates, changes in tariffs or the impact of any such changes on our financial results, changes in the availability or price of commercial real estate, changes in the nature, price, or availability of distribution, supply chain, or other technology (including software licensed from third parties) and services related to that technology, cyber-security incidents, potential liability and reputational damage that can arise if our products are defective, difficulties measuring the contribution of price increases on sales growth, acts of war, and other risks and uncertainties detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual and quarterly reports. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date.
ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to certain market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity steel pricing, commodity energy prices, and interest rates. Changes in these factors cause fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows. We evaluate and manage exposure to these market risks as follows:
Import shipping costs – We import a significant quantity of our products, particularly fasteners and private label products, from foreign suppliers, primarily in Asia. As a result, we incur costs related to shipping charges, duties, harbor fees, and sundry other expenses involved in the movement of product for sale in North America and our other global locations. These costs are embedded in our product values, and significant fluctuations can affect our product gross profit depending on what mitigating actions might be taken. The most significant contributor to these fluctuations is the cost of overseas shipping containers. During the first nine months of 2023, the cost of overseas shipping containers was below the prior year. We estimate the effect on our net earnings related to import shipping costs was $15.0 to $20.0 in the first nine months of 2023.
Commodity steel prices – We buy and sell various types of steel products; these products consist primarily of different types of fasteners and related hardware. We are exposed to the impacts of commodity steel pricing and our related ability to pass through the impacts to our end customers. During the first nine months of 2023, the price of steel as reflected in many market indexes was below the prior year, though in most cases price levels have been stable and the rate of decline is moderating. Due to our long supply chain, changes in the cost of steel can take a number of quarters to be reflected in our financial results. Further, the cost of the raw material is generally a small part of the total value of the steel products that we sell, which can also diminish the impact of cost changes for the raw material. We estimate the effect on our net earnings related to commodity steel prices was immaterial in the first nine months of 2023.
Commodity energy prices – We have market risk for changes in prices of oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity. As reflected in many market indexes, energy prices during the first nine months of 2023 were generally below prior year levels, which contributed to lower costs for fuel consumed in our vehicles and lower utility costs at our facilities. Total direct fuel consumption is a relatively minor cost to the company and, as a result, we estimate the effect on our net earnings related to commodity energy prices was immaterial in the first nine months of 2023.
Fossil fuels are also often a key feedstock for chemicals and plastics that comprise a key raw material for many products that we sell. During the first nine months of 2023, prices for fossil fuels were generally below prior year levels. The cost of the raw material is generally a small part of the total value of the products that we sell, which can diminish the impact of cost changes for the raw material. As a result, we estimate the effect on our net earnings related to materials for which fossil fuels are a feedstock was immaterial in the first nine months of 2023.
Foreign currency exchange rates – Foreign currency fluctuations can affect our net investments, our operations in countries other than the U.S., and earnings denominated in foreign currencies. Historically, our primary exchange rate exposure has been with the Canadian dollar against the United States dollar. Our estimated net earnings exposure for foreign currency exchange rates was not material in the first nine months of 2023. We have not historically hedged our foreign currency risk given that exposure to date has not been material. We estimate the effect on our sales and net earnings related to changes in foreign exchange rates was $20.6 and immaterial, respectively, in the first nine months of 2023.
Interest rates - Loans under our Credit Facility bear interest at floating rates. As a result, changes in such rates can affect our operating results and liquidity to the extent we do not have effective interest rate swap arrangements in place. We have not historically used interest rate swap arrangements to hedge the variable interest rates under our Credit Facility. A one percentage point increase to our floating rate debt in the first nine months of 2023 would have resulted in approximately $0.5 of additional interest expense. A description of our Credit Facility is contained in Note 6 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures – As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Securities Exchange Act)). Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A description of our legal proceedings, if any, is contained in Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The description of legal proceedings, if any, in Note 7 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS
The significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results are described in Item 2 of Part I above and in our most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K under Forward-Looking Statements and Item 1A – Risk Factors.
ITEM 2 — UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The table below sets forth information regarding purchases of our common stock during the third quarter of 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) |
| Period | Total Number of
Shares
Purchased | Average Price
Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) |
| July 1-31, 2023 | | 0 | | | $0.00 | | | 0 | | | 6,200,000 | |
| August 1-31, 2023 | | 0 | | | $0.00 | | | 0 | | | 6,200,000 | |
| September 1-30, 2023 | | 0 | | | $0.00 | | | 0 | | | 6,200,000 | |
| Total | | 0 | | | $0.00 | | | 0 | | | 6,200,000 | |
| | | | | |
(1) | As of September 30, 2023, we had remaining authority to repurchase 6,200,000 shares under the July 12, 2022 authorization. This authorization does not have an expiration date. |
ITEM 5 — OTHER INFORMATION
None of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Securities Exchange Act) adopted, modified, or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Securities Exchange Act or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K) during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023.
ITEM 6 — EXHIBITS
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| | | | | | | | |
| Exhibit Number | | Description of Document |
| | |
| 3.1 | | |
| | |
| 3.2 | | |
| | |
| 31 | | |
| | |
| 32 | | |
| | |
| 101 | | The following financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| | |
| 104 | | The cover page from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL. |
| | |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | FASTENAL COMPANY |
| | |
| | | |
| Date: October 17, 2023 | By: | | /s/ Holden Lewis |
| | | Holden Lewis |
| | | Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| | | (Principal Financial Officer) |
| | | |
| | |
| | | |
| Date: October 17, 2023 | By: | | /s/ Sheryl A. Lisowski |
| | | Sheryl A. Lisowski |
| | | Executive Vice President - Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer |
| | | (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |