2017

Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of more than 400 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here is a summary of third-quarter results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for fourth-quarter 2017 and full-year 2018.

This article includes:

Third-quarter revenue & pricing trends for wholesale distribution
Revenue forecasts for fourth quarter & 2017
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

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Storms Stunt Distributor Growth Read More »

Third Quarter 2017 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples

Uncategorized / 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 third quarter 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.

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Third Quarter 2017 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Third Quarter 2017

Uncategorized / MDM Staff

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Second Quarter 2016 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. Third quarter 2017 pricing levels are compared with second quarter 2017 and third quarter 2016.

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.

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Third Quarter 2017 Read More »

Durable Goods New Orders Up 2.2% in September

Economic Trends, Free, News, Research & Analytics / MDM Staff

This increase follows a 2 percent August increase, according to the advance report.

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Durable Goods New Orders Up 2.2% in September Read More »

Avoid Being Caught by Stupid

Human Resources in Wholesale Distribution, Millennials, Operations / William McCleave

While many distribution owners and managers are making their companies more “user-friendly” with better web tools, they aren’t investing at the same pace in the most critical part of their future – their employees. Here are four tips for talent development that will differentiate your company and strengthen its position against the threats that keep emerging daily.

This article includes:

Talking with employees about retirement plans
Building "expert systems"
Rethinking your talent acquisition strategy
employee management

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 LUMBER’s Strategy
Endgame Strategy: A Must for Distributors
Grainger’s Pricing Initiative, pt 2: The Quest for Optimization

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Avoid Being Caught by Stupid Read More »

Watsco Sales Down 1% in 3Q

Companies, Free, HVACR, News, Plumbing Products & PVF Distribution, Top Distributor Sectors / MDM Staff

For the first nine months, sales were up 2.1 percent year-over-year.

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Watsco Sales Down 1% in 3Q Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: September 2017

Uncategorized / MDM Staff

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

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: September 2017 Read More »

Commentary: Data is Only Half the Story

Data & Analytics, Technology / Tom Gale

The power of analytics and data to improve company performance has grabbed everyones attention, and with extremely positive impacts overall, but too often we fixate on specific data points and then lose sight of the larger (and sometimes smaller) picture.

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: