Fastenal Tumbles 1.5% Despite $350M Volume Rank 360th as Insiders Sell and Institutions Split

On August 1, 2025, Fastenal (FAST) fell 1.50% to $45.37, with a trading volume of $350 million, ranking 360th in market activity. The stock has gained 29.09% year-to-date but underperformed its 1.50% intraday decline amid mixed institutional activity and insider transactions.

Recent developments highlight Fastenal’s mixed institutional ownership shifts. Abacus Wealth Partners LLC acquired 6,166 shares in Q1, while insiders sold 73,116 shares valued at $3.07 million. Despite a Q2 earnings beat with $2.08 billion in revenue and 8.6% year-over-year growth, analyst sentiment remains cautious. Morgan Stanley set a $40 target price, while others maintained “hold” ratings, reflecting uncertainty over margin pressures and tariff risks.

Fastenal’s second-quarter performance included record revenue driven by digital expansion and contract customer growth, with 84 new contracts boosting 73% of total revenue. However, CEO Daniel Forness noted limited signs of U.S. manufacturing repatriation, and short-term guidance remains cautious. The company’s 15.30% net margin and 32.56% return on equity contrast with insider selling and elevated institutional ownership (81.38%), signaling divergent investor views.

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