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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORTS
This comprehensive NAW 3Q26 Forecast is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories. Its economic indicator data is updated through July 17.
This comprehensive MDM 2Q26 Forecast is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories. Its economic indicator data is updated through May 15.
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Market Insight Reports
See our updated monthly deal counts; a year-to-date breakdown of M&A activity by product category; the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 27 publicly traded industrial distributors; our latest M&A-led Premium article; and our detailed recap of dealmaking activity during April-June, which saw decelerated but still healthy activity.
See our breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 27 publicly traded industrial distributors; our latest Premium articles, which take deep dives into the M&A strategies of two prominent companies; and our detailed recap of dealmaking activity during January-March, which was the busiest three-month stretch since May-July 2024.
Case Studies
This MDM Case Study examines how Stellar Industrial Supply built a differentiated growth model around documented customer savings, service-first selling and digital execution — turning measurable value creation into a durable platform for customer loyalty, expansion and operational excellence.
How has Singer Industrial grown into a 55-plus-company platform while preserving local leadership and culture? This MDM Case Study explores the industrial rubber, fluid power and automation distributor’s coordinated autonomy model, acquisition strategy and technology investments that are helping drive scale, efficiency and long-term growth.
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This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
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This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
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This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).
Fourth quarter sales decrease 8.6 percent year-over-year.
For business leaders to get better, they must disrupt their own businesses, engage more deeply with employees and continually innovate. This article shows how they can achieve these steps and others on the path to transforming their leadership skills.
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:
- Chasing Profitability
- MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
- The 2016 Strategy Playbook
Distributors cant rely on what works today to get them through tomorrow. Being proactive is key to future success.
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:
- The 2016 Strategy Playbook
- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
- MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
The MDM Market Analysis, based on data from MDM Analytics, includes consumption of HVACR supplies by end user in the U.S., plus the top end users by 6-digit NAICS.
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:
- MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015
- Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States
- Top Trends for 2016
Acquisition strengthens and complements company's portfolio.
Electronics distributor spends big to reach key audiences.
Sales for the fourth quarter decreased 11.1 percent year-over-year.
The distribution industry is due for a remodel. What has worked for decades still works, but it is far less effective now for businesses that want to grow. MDMs team has identified key areas that distributors need to focus on in 2016 to build the adaptive model that changing market conditions require.
This article includes:
- Bridging the cycle gap
- Investing on the Down Side
- Finding Balance & Focus
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:
- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
- Top Trends for 2016
- Chasing Profitability
Distributors that invest wisely in talent, technology or other areas of their business will gain a competitive advantage and market share when economic conditions improve. This article explains why strategic investment is critical and provides tips on where and how to devote resources.
This article includes:
- Reasons to remodel
- Areas to invest
- Pitfalls to avoid
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:
- Rebranding Road Map
- 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
- Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change
This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.
This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Third 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. Fourth quarter 2014 pricing levels are compared with fourth quarter 2015, third quarter 2015 with fourth quarter 2015, and end of year 2014 with end of year 2015.
To view this report, log-in and click on 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.
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:
- MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015 and Annual
- 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
- Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States
Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in November 2015.
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 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.
Distributors must create their own opportunities in a disrupted market.
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:
- Preventing Predictable Disruptions
- Top Trends for 2016
- MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
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 2015 results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2016.
This article includes:
- Revenue, inventory and pricing expectations
- Sector breakdown
- Analysis of trends affecting sales and operating performance
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:
- 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
- Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States
- 4Q2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
Coincident Economic Index and Lagging Economic Index increased 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.
HVAC distributor names Aaron (A.J.) Nahmad as company president.
Continuous adaptation is the new continuous improvement.
Fourth quarter sales decrease 8.6 percent year-over-year.
For business leaders to get better, they must disrupt their own businesses, engage more deeply with employees and continually innovate. This article shows how they can achieve these steps and others on the path to transforming their leadership skills.
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:
- Chasing Profitability
- MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
- The 2016 Strategy Playbook
Distributors cant rely on what works today to get them through tomorrow. Being proactive is key to future success.
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:
- The 2016 Strategy Playbook
- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
- MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
The MDM Market Analysis, based on data from MDM Analytics, includes consumption of HVACR supplies by end user in the U.S., plus the top end users by 6-digit NAICS.
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:
- MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015
- Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States
- Top Trends for 2016
Acquisition strengthens and complements company's portfolio.
Electronics distributor spends big to reach key audiences.
Sales for the fourth quarter decreased 11.1 percent year-over-year.
The distribution industry is due for a remodel. What has worked for decades still works, but it is far less effective now for businesses that want to grow. MDMs team has identified key areas that distributors need to focus on in 2016 to build the adaptive model that changing market conditions require.
This article includes:
- Bridging the cycle gap
- Investing on the Down Side
- Finding Balance & Focus
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:
- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
- Top Trends for 2016
- Chasing Profitability
Distributors that invest wisely in talent, technology or other areas of their business will gain a competitive advantage and market share when economic conditions improve. This article explains why strategic investment is critical and provides tips on where and how to devote resources.
This article includes:
- Reasons to remodel
- Areas to invest
- Pitfalls to avoid
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:
- Rebranding Road Map
- 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
- Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change
This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.
This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Third 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. Fourth quarter 2014 pricing levels are compared with fourth quarter 2015, third quarter 2015 with fourth quarter 2015, and end of year 2014 with end of year 2015.
To view this report, log-in and click on 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.
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:
- MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015 and Annual
- 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
- Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States
Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in November 2015.
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 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.
Distributors must create their own opportunities in a disrupted market.
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:
- Preventing Predictable Disruptions
- Top Trends for 2016
- MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
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 2015 results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2016.
This article includes:
- Revenue, inventory and pricing expectations
- Sector breakdown
- Analysis of trends affecting sales and operating performance
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:
- 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
- Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States
- 4Q2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
Coincident Economic Index and Lagging Economic Index increased 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.
HVAC distributor names Aaron (A.J.) Nahmad as company president.
Continuous adaptation is the new continuous improvement.
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