MDM-Baird 4Q11 Survey: Things Are Looking Up
Results from the fourth quarter 2011 MDM-Baird survey, benchmarking revenues, pricing and gross margins across sectors, were a breath of fresh air. Gone was the cautious optimism of recent quarters. Many of the respondents were outwardly optimistic, with expectations that 2012 will be a year of growth for them.
| We
Deliver Distribution News to Your Inbox Sign up below to receive MDM Update, your free weekly distribution news update by email. |
The results – compiled from more than 600 responses from distributors and manufacturers – showed fourth quarter 2011 overall was up on average 7.4 percent.
The greatest growth came from Pipes, Valves and Fittings distributors and manufacturers in the survey, which reported sales rose on average 14.2 percent in the fourth quarter. One segment saw revenues decline in the final quarter of the year – Janitorial/Sanitation, which saw a decrease of 1 percent. Other companies that saw flat or low growth were all serving construction markets.
Respondents on average expect growth to continue in the first quarter 2012, despite tougher comparisons, with a 4.5 percent increase. Revenues are expected to grow 4.6 percent overall in 2012.
Pricing was up 1.3 percent in the fourth quarter 2011 on average, and gross margins fell on average 40 basis points.
Inventory levels were consistent with expectations for moderate growth – in the first quarter 2012, about a third of respondents expect to increase inventories, with just 16 percent expecting to decrease.
Read the full results of the latest joint survey with Baird in the latest issue of MDM, out today.
 |
|
| View the Top Distributors in 12 Sectors: | |
| 2011 Distribution Landscape Report: Access Now | |
| Nominate your company for the 2012 Market Leaders report | |
Join MDM's Independent Distributor
Network 
Follow MDM on Twitter
Sponsored Links
- Cloud ERP, the next innovation in distribution software. Learn more.
- Get better eCommerce, an easier back-end, and increase revenue.
- Free GCommerce whitepaper: How to reduce transaction costs, streamline special orders
- Cloud ERP, the next innovation in distribution software. Learn more.
- Protect your revenue and grow your business with Cortera PulseTM
- NSK's P4Y precision-class universal bearings' multiple configurations reduce inventory
- Resources and training tools for distributor sales, management and more in the MDM Store
MDM Digital
 Keys to EffectiveCatalog Marketing Jonathan Bein & Jim Tenzillo discuss how the best marketing should include a catalog strategy. Watch now. iPad users: click here to view. |
 Economic Update:State of U.S. Manufacturing MAPI Chief Economist Dan Meckstroth analyzes recent economic reports and what they might mean for manufacturing in 2012-2013. Watch now. |
 Online Marketing Tipsfrom Bob DeStefano Many companies make the same mistake on their company websites. Do you? Find out. |
More Audio and Video Features from MDM: |
Think About It: |
Upcoming Programs
|
|
Training Resources
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
|
Featured Article: Regulatory Action a Top Concern for Distributors $34.95 |
Management Tips from Modern Distribution Management $49.95 |
Inventory Management Best Practices with Jon Schreibfeder: DVD + Book $119.00 |
Benchmarks & Best Practices: The Answer Book for Growth-Minded CFOs & Controllers $249.00 |
| Title | Company | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Branch Managers - Hose Distributor | McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc. | Southern New England |
| Inside Sales / Customer Service - Hose Distributor | McGill Hose & Coupling, Inc. | Southern New England |
| Territory Manager - Industrial Division | Streamlight, Inc. | The successful candidate must live in MI, IN, OH or IL |
| Energy Sales Specialist | Crescent Electric Supply Company | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Energy Sales Specialist | Crescent Electric Supply Company | Davenport, IA |
| Energy Sales Specialist | Crescent Electric Supply Company | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| Energy Sales Specialist | Crescent Electric Supply Company | Dubuque, IA |
| View ALL Wholesale Distribution Job Listings |
|
|
Industry Topics sponsored by
Distribution Trends
|
Economy
|
Management/Strategy
|
Interviews
|
Operations
|
Technology
|
Mergers/Acquisitions
|
Case Studies
|
Sales & Marketing
|
MDM Calendar
Mobile Technologies for Distributors with Steve Epner
Featured Products
Benchmarks & Best Practices: The Answer Book for Growth-Minded CFOs & Controllers
2011 MDM Market Leaders and Distribution Landscape Report
The B-to-B Online Marketing Toolkit:
A Step-by-Step Plan for Distributors and Manufacturers to Leverage Online Marketing
for Bottom Line Results
Leave a Comment