July 25, 2018 - Modern Distribution Management

July 25, 2018

MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Momentum Continues in 2Q18

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 are the latest indicators on revenue and pricing, based on second-quarter results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for third-quarter and full-year 2018. Respondents also provided their perspective on the impact of higher freight costs.

This article includes:

  • Sector Performance
  • Freight Costs on the Rise
  • Is Amazon Business a Threat?

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

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Storms Stunt Distributor Growth
  • Distributors Up Search Marketing Efforts
  • Amazon Business: The Burning E-Platform

MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Momentum Continues in 2Q18 Read More »

Commentary: Plan Now for Price Inflation

Financial indicators – including the quarterly survey results in this issue (which MDM has now published in partnership with Baird for eight years) – indicate that the second quarter has an increasing probability to be the peak for 2018. The tea leaves point to moderating growth, but still growth. The end result will likely be a record year for many distributors.

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

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Storms Stunt Distributor Growth
  • Distributors Up Search Marketing Efforts
  • Amazon Business: The Burning E-Platform

Commentary: Plan Now for Price Inflation Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2018

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the First Quarter 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 2018 pricing levels are compared with first quarter 2018 and second quarter 2017.

To view this report, log-in and click on the 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 2018 Read More »

Second Quarter 2018 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 2018.

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 2018 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: June 2018

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: June 2018 Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: July 25, 2018

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

Table of Contents:

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Momentum Continues in 2Q18
  • Commentary: Plan Now for Price Inflation
  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2018
  • Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: May 2018
  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index: June 2018
  • Second Quarter 2018 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
  • MDM News Digest 4814

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

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

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