Smash A Toyota, Boost the American Economy?

In her Nightly Business Report blog, Terri Cullen summarizes the potential economic impact of Toyota’s problems in “Toyota Recalls and the Economy.” In this article, Cullens suggests that what is bad for Toyota (TM) might be good for the U.S.: “The Toyota recalls may turn out to have a positive impact on the U.S. auto … Read more

Toyota’s Stock Tries to Bottom Again

The drama with Toyota (TM) has intensified this week with sharp and skeptical Congressional scrutiny. I have been impressed at how (relatively) well Toyota’s stock has held up through the negative news flow. As Toyota’s president Akio Toyoda pleaded for mercy on Wednesday – “My name is on every car…You have my personal commitment that … Read more

Fastenal Still Reporting Weakness in Non-Residential Construction

Looking for signs of life in the commercial real-estate (CRE) business has now become an earnings season ritual for me. If construction activity serves as a leading indicator of CRE’s future health, then Fastenal’s report on fourth quarter and annual earnings demonstrates once again that CRE continues to deteriorate, not improve. Fastenal (FAST) reported “…continued … Read more