FAST (Fastenal Company NASDAQ): Trading at $43.74 ahead of Jan 20 Q4 results — key metrics to watch
Fastenal Company (FAST) trades at $43.74 USD intraday on the NASDAQ on 16 Jan 2026, up 3.10% today as investors reposition ahead of Q4 earnings due Jan 20, 2026. The focus keyword FAST stock is central to short-term moves. Volume sits at 7,079,892, near average, and Wall Street attention centers on sales growth, margins and inventory trends. We use Meyka AI data and market context to highlight the metrics likely to drive the report and intraday reaction.
FAST stock: What to expect before the Jan 20 Q4 earnings
Earnings release timing matters: Fastenal (FAST) reports Q4 results before the open on 20 Jan 2026. Analysts expect revenue near $2.05 billion and EPS around $0.26 to $0.29, with recent consensus centered on modest top-line gains. Market focus will be on gross margin, freight costs and digital sales growth, which influence short-term moves in FAST stock. Recent monthly sales data showed daily sales up about 11.8% year-over-year in November, a positive signal heading into results.
FAST stock: Key financials and valuation
Fastenal lists a trailing EPS of $1.06 and a trailing P/E of 41.07, indicating premium valuation for the Industrials distributor. Net margin is roughly 15.34% and return on equity is near 32.69%, showing profitability strength. Cash conversion and inventory metrics matter: days of inventory on hand are 143.34 and cash conversion cycle is 176.15, which can pressure working capital. These figures shape valuation talk for FAST stock amid a 52-week range of $35.31 to $50.63.
FAST stock: Intraday trade, technicals and liquidity
Price action today ranges between $43.23 and $43.83 with current price $43.74 and relative volume about 1.50x. Short-term indicators show neutral momentum: RSI 55.08 and ADX 19.85, suggesting no strong trend. The 50-day average is $41.09 and the 200-day average is $43.23, placing the stock near its longer-term trend. For active traders, watch volume spikes and the $43.23 intraday support for FAST stock entries or stops.
FAST stock: Analyst consensus, insider moves and market signals
Analyst coverage is mixed: consensus sits near a Hold, with an average price target of $48.73 and a range of $43.00 to $52.00. Institutional buying has been visible — Ritholtz and Nordea added shares — while insiders bought small blocks at prices between $39.60 and $49.58. Brokerage notes from UBS and Wolfe show divergent views, which can increase volatility around the Q4 print. These signals feed short-term sentiment for FAST stock.
FAST stock: Risks and opportunities for investors
Opportunity: Fastenal’s scale and rising digital sales can boost margins if freight and container costs ease, supporting FAST stock. Risk: high inventory days and exposure to manufacturing cycles could weigh on earnings if demand softens. Tariff and transportation cost volatility remain watch items. Position sizing should reflect potential earnings-driven swings and sector sensitivity in Industrials.
FAST stock: Meyka grade, technical view and forecast
Meyka AI rates FAST with a score out of 100: 73.97 (B+, BUY). This grade factors S&P 500 and sector comparisons, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a yearly price of $39.85 USD, versus the current $43.74 USD, implying a -8.87% difference. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees. For intraday traders, technical indicators and the earnings print will drive signals for FAST stock.
Final Thoughts
Fastenal Company (FAST) arrives at the Jan 20 Q4 report with the stock trading at $43.74 USD on NASDAQ and clear data points for investors to watch. The company shows strong margins and ROE, but valuation is rich with a trailing P/E of 41.07 and high inventory days. Analyst price targets average $48.73, but Meyka AI’s forecast model projects $39.85 USD for the year, implying -8.87% from the current price. Meyka AI rates FAST 73.97 (B+, BUY), reflecting solid fundamentals balanced by valuation risk. Short-term, monitor reported sales, gross margin commentary, and working-capital trends. For traders, intraday volume and the post-earnings reaction will set near-term direction for FAST stock. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees.
FAQs
When does Fastenal (FAST) report earnings and why does it matter for FAST stock?
Fastenal reports Q4 results before the open on Jan 20, 2026. The print matters for FAST stock because revenue, gross margin, and inventory commentary will drive immediate price moves and shape guidance expectations.
What are the main valuation metrics to watch for FAST stock?
Key metrics include trailing P/E 41.07, EPS $1.06, and price-to-sales near 6.23. These show premium valuation and help compare Fastenal to Industrials peers when evaluating FAST stock.
How does Meyka AI view FAST stock and its near-term forecast?
Meyka AI rates FAST 73.97 (B+, BUY) and its model projects a yearly price around $39.85 USD, indicating an implied downside versus today’s price. Forecasts are model-based and not guarantees.
What risks could push FAST stock lower after earnings?
Risks include weaker-than-expected sales, margin compression from freight costs, rising inventories, or negative guidance. Each could widen investor caution and pressure FAST stock price.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.
