Fastenal announced fourth-quarter results that missed analyst estimates
Shares of Fastenal Co (NASDAQ:FAST) are down 1.9% at $73.38 at last glance, after the industrial machinery name's disappointing fourth-quarter results, with earnings, revenue, and sales growth all missing estimates. The company cited a "soft manufacturing environment," with more production cuts than expected around the holidays.
Since the start of 2025, FAST has only had two negative sessions, though it's pacing for a third today. The $72 level, which provided pressure in July and September, appears to be moving in as support alongside the 200-day moving average. Year over year, the equity is up 9.5%.
Over in the options pits, Fastenal stock has seen 4,348 calls and 3,201 puts exchanged so far, which is 9 times its average daily options volume. The January 74.62 call is the most popular contract, and is also the top open interest (OI) position.
Options traders have been much more bullish than usual over the past 10 weeks, and an unwinding of some of this pessimism could provide headwinds for the stock. At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), FAST's 50-day call/put volume ratio of 3.50 ranks higher than 96% of readings from the past year.