July 25, 2015 - Modern Distribution Management

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July 25, 2015

MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Headwinds Intensify

Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of about 500 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here is a summary of second-quarter results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2015.

This article includes:

  • Revenue, inventory and pricing expectations
  • Sector breakdown
  • Analysis of trends affecting sales and operating performance

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index
  • Market Analysis: Plastics Consumption in North America
  • 2Q2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples

MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Headwinds Intensify Read More »

Commentary: Distributors Remain Leery of Amazon – for Good Reason

Distributors still view Amazon as a threat, despite the company’s overture to them as a B2B e-commerce option.

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Amazon’s B2B Move Reduces Threat
  • The Cost of Not Providing E-Commerce
  • Is Your Company Disrupter or Disrupted?

Commentary: Distributors Remain Leery of Amazon – for Good Reason Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2015

This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the First Quarter 2015 report here.

These product groups provide a snapshot of inflation trends based on the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Second quarter 2014 pricing levels are compared with second quarter 2015 and first quarter 2015 with second quarter 2015.

To view this report, log-in and click on download link below the product listing to access the print-ready PDF.

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Industrial

  • Abrasives
  • Adhesives & Sealants
  • Metal Cutting Machine Tools
  • Metal Forming Machine Tools
  • Pumps, Compressors, & Eqmt
  • Ind. Material Handling Eqmt
  • Rubber & Plastic Hose
  • Rubber & Plastic Belts & Belting
  • Ind. Rubber Products, nec
  • Metal Valves (not fluid power)
  • Personal Safety Equipment & Clothing
  • Steel Mill Products

Construction

  • Softwood Lumber
  • Hardwood Lumber
  • General Millwork
  • Gypsum Products
  • Hardboard, Particlebd, Fiberbd
  • Plywood
  • Plastic Construction Products
  • Wood Ties, Siding, Shingles,
  • Shakes

Electrical

  • Electrical Machinery & Eqmt
  • Electronic Components & Accs
  • Integrating and Measuring Instruments
  • Motors & Generators
  • Wiring Devices
  • Transformers & Power Regulators
  • Switchgear, Switchboard, etc., Eqmt
  • Communications & Related Eqmt
  • Electric Lamp Bulbs & Parts

Other Related Electrical

  • Lighting Fixtures
  • Nonferrous Wire & Cable
  • Fabricated Ferrous Wire & Cable

Power Transmission/Bearing

  • Mechanical Power Transmission Eqmt
  • Ball & Roller Bearings
  • Plain Bearings & Bushings
  • Speed Changers, Drives & Gears

Fluid Power

  • Fluid Power Eqmt
  • Fluid Power Valves
  • Fluid Power Hose/ Tube Fittings
  • Fluid Power Pumps & Parts
  • Fluid Power Actuators/ Accum/ Cylinders

Plastics

  • Plastic Resins & Materials
  • Plastic Products (Overall)

Fasteners

  • Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Rivets, Washers (overall)
  • Aircraft Fasteners
  • Externally Threaded Fasteners
  • Internally Threaded Fasteners
  • Nonthreaded Metal Fasteners

Hardware

  • Hardware (overall)
  • Builders’ Hardware

Tools

  • Hand & Edge Tools
  • Power-Driven Hand Tools
  • Tools, Dies, Jigs, Molds, Fixtures
  • Cutting Tools & Accs (overall)
  • Precision Measuring Tools
  • Small Cutting Tools

Gases/Welding

  • Industrial Gases
  • Welding Machinery/ Equipment

Paper

  • Pulp, Paper & Allied Products (overall)
  • Sanitary Paper Products
  • Boxes
  • Packaging Products from Plastic

HVACR/Plumbing

  • Air Cond. & Refrigeration Eqmt
  • Heating Eqmt
  • Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings

To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2015 Read More »

Global Companies Pose Threat in U.S.

International manufacturers have their eye on the U.S. market, especially as the economy continues to strengthen, but an extensive investment in technology and services could give them a competitive edge.

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • M&A Competition Heating Up
  • Destination: Mexico
  • Good News, Bad News for U.S. Economy

Global Companies Pose Threat in U.S. Read More »

Second Quarter 2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples

In this two-page report, available to download in PDF after log-in, we feature data on merger and acquisition trends and financial metrics for the largest publicly traded distributors across diverse sectors in the second quarter of 2015.

In partnership with Houlihan Lokey, an investment banking firm, the report includes data on M&A activity trends across all industries (not just distribution), as well as valuation multiples for deals in all industries.

Second Quarter 2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: June 2015

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Second Quarter 2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
  • Offshoring Debate Continues in Wake of Productivity Study
  • Market Analysis: Plastics Consumption in North America

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: June 2015 Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: July 25, 2015

This is the PDF of this issue of Modern Distribution Management.

Table of Contents:

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Headwinds Intensify
  • Commentary: Distributors Remain Leery of Amazon for Good Reason
  • Global Companies Pose Threat in U.S.
  • MDM Second-Quarter Pricing Trends Report
  • Second Quarter 2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
  • Monthly Wholesale Trade Date: May 2015
  • MDM Inflation Index: June 2015
  • News Digest

Are you a subscriber? Simply log-in to view this issue.

Download this Issue in PDF: July 25, 2015 Read More »

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