>The Fastenal Company, Winona, MN reported net sales for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 totaled $431.7 million, an increase of 22.0% over net sales of $353.8 million in the first quarter of 2005. First quarter operating income increased from $59.4 million in 2005 to $76.9 million in 2006, an increase of 29.5%. Net earnings increased in the first quarter from $37.0 million in 2005 to $47.9 million in 2006, an increase of 29.2%.

>During the first three months of 2006, Fastenal opened 73 new store sites (Fastenal opened 74 news sites in the first quarter of 2005). These 73 new sites represent 4.2% additional stores since Dec. 31, 2005. There were 6,783 sales employees as of Mar. 31, 2006, an increase of 6.1% from Dec. 31, 2005.

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