2015

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

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MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Headwinds Intensify Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2015

Economic Trends, Research & Analytics / MDM Staff

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.

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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

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Global Companies Pose Threat in U.S.

Economic Trends, Management, Research & Analytics, Strategy / Eric Smith

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

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Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: May 2015

Economic Trends, Research & Analytics / MDM Staff

Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in May 2015.

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Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: May 2015 Read More »

Second Quarter 2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples

Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions / MDM Staff

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.

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Second Quarter 2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples Read More »