Stock in Focus: Fastenal Company (NASDAQ:FAST)

[GlobeNewswire] Fastenal Company (NASDAQ:FAST) announced that it has acquired certain assets of Av-Tech Industries, a wholesale distributor of aerospace fasteners, electronic components, and miscellaneous 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."Stock PerformanceTaking a look at the company’s recent performance, Fastenal Company reported Second quarter earnings for fiscal 2014 on July 11^th. The company reported actual earnings per share of $0.44 against the consensus Street estimate of $0.44. This represents year over year growth of 6.82%. Fastenal Company posted revenue of $949.94 million against estimates of $952.95 million.Fastenal Company (FAST) is currently valued at $12.57 billion and closed the last trading session at $42.41. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $45.60 and a 200-day moving average of $47.67.

Is this a Buying Opportunity?There are currently eight analysts that we track that cover the stock. Of those eight, four have a Buy rating, three have a hold rating and one has a Sell rating. On a consensus basis this yields a score of 2.38 and a Hold. The combined price objective of these covering analysts is $45.00, which represents 2.22% downside difference to the last closing price.The most recent analyst activity consisted of Northcoast Research initiated coverage with Neutral stance on the company. On the date of the report, the stock closed at $46.10.Another research firm weighing in recently was Zacks who reiterated their neutral rating on the stock. On September 09^th Zacks boosted their price target on the stock at $47.00, or a 1.53% upside to the current price. On the day of the report, FAST shares closed at $46.29.Company ProfileFastenal Company (NASDAQ:FAST), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a wholesaler and retailer of industrial and construction supplies in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company offers fasteners and other industrial and construction supplies under the Fastenal name. Its fastener products include threaded fasteners, such as bolts, nuts, screws, studs, and related washers, which are used in manufactured products and building projects, as well as in the maintenance and repair of machines and structures; and miscellaneous supplies and hardware consisting of various pins and machinery keys, concrete anchors, metal framing systems, wire ropes, strut products, rivets, and related accessories.