UPDATE: Fastenal Posts Higher Q4 Earnings

reported a rise in its fourth-quarter earnings. The Winona, Minnesota-based company posted a quarterly profit of $118.4 million, or $0.40 per share, up from $99.2 million, or $0.33 per share, in the year-ago period. Its revenue rose 13.8% to $926.3 million in the period. However, analysts were estimating earnings of $0.39 per share on revenue of $935.84 million. During the quarter, the company generated $166,450 of operating cash flow. For the year, Fastenal's profit gained 10% to $494.2 million, or $1.66 per share. Its revenue surged 12% to $3.73 billion. On January 14, 2015, Fastenal's board declared a dividend of $0.28 per share. During 2014, the company purchased 1,200,000 shares of common stock at an average price of around $44.12 per share. Fastenal shares fell 2.07% to close at $44.93 yesterday.