Fastenal Company reported Q3 2026 earnings of 35 cents per share, beating consensus by 2.9% and growing 19.8% year-over-year, but net sales of $2.46 billion missed estimates by 1%. The company benefited from contract customer growth (18.8% daily sales increase), pricing actions (240 bps contribution), and operating margin expansion to 21.5%, though gross margin faced pressure from a mix shift toward larger customers. FAST stock declined 6.2% in pre-market trading following the announcement.

Fastenal is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 14 with EPS estimated at 34 cents, representing 17.2% year-over-year growth. August daily sales grew 16.6% to $38.7M, driven by strong manufacturing demand and direct fastener sales. While productivity gains and cost initiatives should support margins, unfavorable customer mix and higher freight costs present headwinds. The Zacks model does not predict an earnings beat.

Zacks Premium offers Style Scores (Value, Growth, Momentum, and VGM) that work alongside the Zacks Rank to help investors identify stocks with the highest probability of outperformance. The article explains how combining a #1 or #2 Zacks Rank with A or B Style Scores can maximize returns. Kennametal (KMT) is highlighted as a #3 Hold with a B VGM Score and strong momentum, having seen recent analyst upgrades.

EnerSys (ENS) is significantly outperforming its Industrial Products peers with a year-to-date return of 33.8% compared to the sector average of 14.6%. The company holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with improved analyst sentiment, as consensus earnings estimates have increased 10.8% in the past quarter. Kennametal (KMT) is also highlighted as an outperformer with a 14.8% year-to-date return and a stronger Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating.

In a comparison of two Manufacturing - Tools & Related Products stocks, Kennametal (KMT) emerges as the more attractive value investment option compared to Core & Main (CNM). KMT holds a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) with superior valuation metrics including a forward P/E of 6.44 versus CNM's 13.38, a PEG ratio of 0.31 versus 1.68, and a P/B ratio of 1.5 versus 3.75. KMT received a Value grade of A while CNM received a C grade.

Zacks.com highlights five stocks with low price-to-book ratios and strong growth potential: Banco Macro, Centene, EnerSys, Gibraltar Industries, and Kennametal. These companies are identified as potentially undervalued with attractive return prospects based on valuation metrics and projected earnings growth rates ranging from 15% to 32.4% over 3-5 years.

Five stocks with low price-to-book ratios have been identified as potentially undervalued investment opportunities. These companies—Banco Macro, Centene, EnerSys, Gibraltar Industries, and Kennametal—all meet key value-screening criteria with Zacks Rank #1 or #2 ratings and Value Scores of A or B. The stocks show projected 3-5-year EPS growth ranging from 15% to 32.4%, with Centene leading at 32.4% growth.

In a comparison of two Manufacturing - Tools & Related Products stocks, Kennametal (KMT) emerges as the superior value option over Lincoln Electric Holdings (LECO). KMT holds a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) with a forward P/E of 6.42 and Value grade of A, while LECO has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) with a forward P/E of 22.73 and Value grade of D. KMT's stronger earnings outlook and significantly lower valuation metrics make it the more attractive choice for value investors.

Brandes Investment Partners sold approximately $181 million worth of Kennametal shares (4.97 million shares) in Q1 2026, reducing its stake to 1.35% of its portfolio. The sale appears to be portfolio rebalancing rather than a bearish signal, as Kennametal shares have surged 50% over the past year driven by strong manufacturing demand and unprecedented tungsten pricing. The company recently reported strong Q3 results with 22% revenue growth and 65% EPS growth, prompting management to raise full-year guidance.

NOV Inc. announced the appointment of Sanjay Chowbey, President and CEO of Kennametal Inc., to its Board of Directors effective March 17, 2026. Chowbey brings over 20 years of experience in global manufacturing and industrial technology leadership, with previous roles at Flowserve Corporation, Danaher Corporation, and Arvin Meritor. He will serve on NOV's Audit Committee.

Kennametal stock surged up to 14.4% after reporting better-than-expected Q2 earnings with 10% year-over-year sales growth. The gains were driven by customers buying ahead of price increases as tungsten prices hit record highs, though it's unclear if this demand will persist. The company also benefits from improved aerospace & defense outlooks and data center growth, with recent ISM data suggesting U.S. manufacturing sector stabilization.

Kennametal reported Q1 fiscal 2026 results with sales of $498 million, a 3% increase from the previous year. The company raised its annual sales and earnings outlook, highlighting modest market improvements and share gains.