Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 5/6/22 Key Takeaway: The April seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) dipped to 52.6, lower m/m, primarily on softer selling conditions. The overwhelming theme among participants commentary and across the various components of the FDI was growth but slowing growth amid material […]
The old adage about people not leaving the fastener industry proves true again as reluctant highway pilot Tim “Action” Jackson returns. Back from an extended RV misadventure to report on the recent Pac-West conference, he sees the industry with the eye of an outsider coming back in (1:33:50). Likewise, the screw biz was never far […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 4/6/22 Key Takeaway: The March seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) saw a modest m/m improvement at 57.2 on better sales and employment levels. Despite a slightly weaker reading in the supplier deliveries index amid some manufacturing plant shutdowns in Asia and continued […]
There’s no hyperbole suggesting the fastener industry is moving at a hyperbolic rate, as world events impact supply and pricing at a dizzying pace. Star Stainless president, Tim Roberto Jr. describes “Rusty Monday”, shocking developments in the nickle and stainless markets (51:38). Counseling a pragmatic approach amid ongoing disruptions, Brighton Best International president Jun Xu […]
This edition of the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo was originally published March 17th, 2022 as “How tight is too tight for a Nylon Insert Locknut?” during episode 174 of Fully Threaded Radio. Hello everyone this is Carmen Vertullo with the Fastener Training Minute coming to you from the Fastener Training Institute and AIM […]
Read More… from FTM 174: How tight is too tight for a Nylon Insert Locknut?
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 3/7/22 Key Takeaway: The February Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) recovered nicely m/m, rebounding to 56.0, following January’s seasonal-adjustment driven down-tick. The recovery was broadly consistent with recovery seen in the ISM PMI and other macroeconomic data points as pandemic-related disruption eased. Respondent commentary […]
Strong sales and demand keep optimism alive, even as distributors come to terms with the new normal of outrageous delivery schedules. Meanwhile, major shipping concerns are deploying blockchain technology to manage global supply chains, despite the fastener industry’s apparent disinterest. AFC Industries CEO Kevin Godin weighs in on the situation and discusses his company’s recent […]
This edition of the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo was originally published February 16th, 2022 as “How do I install jam Nuts?” during episode 173 of Fully Threaded Radio. Well hi everyone, this is Carmen Vertullo with the Fastener Training Minute coming to you from the Fastener Training Institute and the AIM Testing Laboratory […]
Written by R.W.Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 2/7/22 Key Takeaway: The January seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) was slightly softer m/m at 52.7, although modest underlying improvement was seen in most metrics; the seasonal adjustment factor downwardly impacted results as January is normally the strongest month of the year […]
The new year brings continued business momentum, along with a full decade of data on which to measure it, as the Fastener Distributor Index marks its first full decade. Fastenal CFO, Holden Lewis returns to reflect on his role in the creation of the popular industry benchmark (20:36). 2022 also brings continued challenges, and Würth […]
