(Reuters) - Snap-On missed Wall Street estimates for first-quarter sales on Thursday, as vehicle service and repair technicians bought fewer tools and equipment made by the company, offsetting steady demand for its products from auto dealerships.

Higher tool prices are causing U.S. repair technicians to cut back on spending, denting demand for Snap-On's smaller wrenches and ratchets.

The Kenosha, Wisconsin-based company said sales in the tools segment declined about 7% to $500.1 million in the first quarter ended March 30, while operating earnings also fell to $117.3 million from $131.7 million a year ago.

Sales at the company's "Commercial & Industrial" division, which caters to critical industries such as transportation, military, aerospace and power generation, fell to $359.9 million in the quarter from $363.8 million last year due to weak demand for power tools.

Meanwhile, the company saw strong demand for undercar equipment from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealerships and independent repair shops, helping boost its profits.

Snap-On expects capital expenditures in 2024 to be $100 million to $110 million as it ramps up spending to tap into new customers, markets and geographic areas.

The company's total sales of $1.18 billion in the first quarter remained flat compared to last year, but came in below analysts' average estimate of about $1.20 billion, according to LSEG IBES data.

Snap-On, whose products include Blackhawk collision repair equipment, John Bean wheel balancers, and Williams hand tools, posted an adjusted profit of $4.75 per share, beating estimates of $4.64.