Fastenal Co.

Vending machines are one of the bright spots for the distributor.

Winona, Minn.-based Fastenal posted fourth-quarter net sales of $757.2 million, up 8.5% from the same three months in the prior year.

Winona, Minnesota-based Fastenal Company reported steady progress for the second quarter of 2014, with sales and earnings both positive.

Net sales for the three-month period ended June 30, 2014 were $949.9 million, up 12.1% from the same period in 2013.

Net earnings came in at $130.5 million, an increase of 7.9% from last year's $121.0 million in earnings.

The company largely attributed the boost to higher unit sales and its recent investment in leadership and training, as well as in distribution and internal manufacturing capabilities.

Sales were up, but earnings were down for the full year, during which employee and store count both fell for the company.

Fastenal Company has acquired certain assets of Av-Tech Industries, a wholesale distributor of aerospace fasteners, electronic components and aircraft parts.

"We feel there is a strong opportunity for our company to continue to grow within the aerospace market," said Fastenal president Lee Hein. "Av-Tech Industries will be a great asset in that mission and a great fit for the Fastenal team, sharing the same core values, commitment to quality, and culture of customer service."

HCN Index limps into the weekend...

 Manufacturer’s Supply Company (Mansco) is a regional distributor headquartered in Hudsonville, Michigan.

For the 30 publicly traded companies tracked by the HCN Stock Watch, the second quarter was better than the first, and the third quarter was better than the second.