FINdex Outperforms Industrials in 2012

The FIN Fastener Stock Index finished strong in the fourth quarter of 2012, solidifying a third-quarter rebound with a 7.3% increase in the final quarter and besting an index of related industrial stocks, which fell slightly. For the year, the FINdex finished 10.5% higher than 2011 — edging out the 10.4% gain recorded by an index of related industrial stocks. Nine of the companies tracked by the FINdex achieved double-digit stock gains in Q4, while six lost share value.
The clear winner for 2012 was H. Paulin & Co., whose stock nearly tripled in value during the year, including a 129.5% jump in stock price during the final quarter. Through the first nine months of 2012, Paulin stock gained 26.2% in value. But share value ballooned in Q4 on news that the Hillman Companies Inc. agreed to acquire Paulin.
Other public fastener companies achieving strong share gains in 2012 included B/E Aerospace (27.6%); Chicago Rivet (13.7%); ITW (30.2%); Park-Ohio (19.4%); Precision Castparts (15%); and TriMas (56%).
Fastener companies whose share value declined in 2012 included Barnes, Carpenter Technologies, Dorman, Lawson Products and Simpson Mfg.