Indicators for 2002

John Wolz

� Profits � At 3.4 the FIN Survey Profit Projection Index indicates the fastener industry expects improvement in 2002. The 2001 results were just 2.6.
� Sales � After dropping from 3.6 for 2000 to 2.6 for 2001, the industry projects 3.7 for 2002.
� Costs � After the level of cost increases fell for 2001, the fastener industry is projecting somewhat higher cost increases in 2002, but not at the pace of the previous five years.
� Prices � More than one-third of fastener manufacturers predict moderate price increases for raw material in 2002, and 42.9% anticipate prices remaining about the same.
� Manufacturers � Finished goods on hand dropped during 2001 indicating demand could spur production. Nearly a quarter anticipate fastener price increases in the next six months.
� Capital Expenditures � After index levels dropped from 3.2 for 2000 to 2.7 for 2001 the industry projects a slight increase for 2002 at 2.9.
� Pay Raises � Fewer companies have planned pay raises for 2002, and at 4.6% the average increase is less than in recent years.
� Confidence � After a year of weaker sales and profits, confidence for 2002 is down. \ �2002 FastenerNews.com