Fastenal posts sales gains in Q1

Winona, Minn.-based Fastenal Co. reported net sales of $876.5 million in the first quarter ended March 31, an increase of 8.7% over the same period last year. 

Net earnings increased 2.6% to $111.9 million. 

Those gains came despite the weather. “In 2014, our sales growth was hampered in January and February due to a weak economy and foreign exchange rate fluctuations (primarily related to the Canadian dollar); however, the biggest impact was a severe winter in North America and its negative impact on our customers and our trucking network,” the company said. 

The company’s store count was 2,683, up from 2,660 in March of last year.