January 25, 2019 - Modern Distribution Management

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January 25, 2019

Revenue Growth Well Above Expectations as Pricing Moderates

Since 2010, Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, has conducted quarterly surveys of distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the industry. This quarter’s survey polled approximately 500 industry leaders to determine the latest indicators on revenue and pricing based on fourth-quarter 2018 results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for first-quarter and full-year 2019.

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Revenue Growth Well Above Expectations as Pricing Moderates Read More »

Outlook for 2019: a Soft Landing Ahead?

A year ago, at the beginning of 2018, all indicators suggested that the economic and stock market fundamentals were in place for a year of solid growth in the U.S. economy. And while that turned out to be the case for the first three quarters of the year, as 2018 ended the economic signals became more mixed, suggesting that the economy might be entering a period of slowdown. However, whether we are in for a soft landing or something more painful remains to be seen and depends on a number of moving parts.

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Outlook for 2019: a Soft Landing Ahead? Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter & Annual 2018

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Third Quarter 2018 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 2018 pricing levels are compared with third quarter 2018 and fourth quarter 2017. Year-end 2018 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.

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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: Fourth Quarter & Annual 2018 Read More »

Commentary: Preparing for a Turbulent Year

This issue features the results of our first Baird/MDM quarterly survey of 2019. Though the picture it paints is far from crystal clear and there are still many reasons to be optimistic about the industrys immediate future, its looking more likely that in 2019 well be reaching the end point of the current business cycle and heading into some unsettled times economically.

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Commentary: Preparing for a Turbulent Year Read More »

Fourth 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 fourth 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.

Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 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.

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2018 Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: January 25, 2019

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

Table of Contents:

  • Revenue Growth Well Above Expectations as Pricing Moderates
  • Commentary: Preparing for a Turbulent Year
  • Outlook for 2019: a Soft Landing Ahead?
  • 2019 Outlook for Distribution
  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter & Annual 2018
  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2018
  • Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
  • MDM News Digest 4902

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

Download this Issue in PDF: January 25, 2019 Read More »

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