January 25, 2018 - Modern Distribution Management

January 25, 2018

Commentary: 2018 is an Inflection Point – Are You Ready?

MDM held its 2018 Distribution Industry Outlook webcast in January, including the latest economic outlook, financial and trend indicators, and MDM’s thesis that 2018 is an inflection point of several multi-year trends.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:

  • Millennials in Distribution: No Magic in US LUMBERs Strategy
  • Endgame Strategy: A Must for Distributors
  • Graingers Pricing Initiative, pt 2: The Quest for Optimization

Commentary: 2018 is an Inflection Point – Are You Ready? Read More »

Fourth Quarter & Annual 2017 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 fourth quarter and year-end of 2017.

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.

Fourth Quarter & Annual 2017 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples Read More »

MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Distribution Gains Momentum

Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of more than 500 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here is a summary of fourth-quarter 2017 results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2018.

This article includes:

  • Fourth-quarter and annual revenue & pricing trends for wholesale distribution
  • Revenue forecasts for 2018
  • Sector-specific trends for 19 sectors
  • Inventory levels
  • Economic outlook for 2018

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:

  • Millennials in Distribution: No Magic in US LUMBERs Strategy
  • Endgame Strategy: A Must for Distributors
  • Graingers Pricing Initiative, pt 2: The Quest for Optimization

MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Distribution Gains Momentum Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter & Annual 2017

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Third Quarter 2017 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. Fourth quarter 2017 pricing levels are compared with third quarter 2017 and fourth quarter 2016. Year-end 2017 levels are compared to year-end 2016 levels.

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

Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for immediate access.

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: Fourth Quarter & Annual 2017 Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2017

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:

  • Distribution M&A Playbook, pt. 3: Integration Best Practices
  • Grainger’s Pricing Initiative, pt 2: The Quest for Optimization
  • Commentary: Harvey’s Stark Reminder on Disaster Planning

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2017 Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: January 25, 2018

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

Table of Contents:

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Distribution Gains Momentum
  • Commentary: 2018 is an Inflection Point Are You Ready?
  • Fourth Quarter & Annual 2017 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter & Annual 2017
  • Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: November 2017
  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2017
  • MDM News Digest 4802

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

Download this Issue in PDF: January 25, 2018 Read More »

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