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 first-quarter 2018 results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2018.

This article includes:

First-quarter revenue & pricing trends for wholesale distribution
Revenue forecasts for 2018
Sector-specific trends for 19 sectors
Inventory levels
How steel/aluminum tariffs will impact distributors

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Top Trends for 2018
When Good Distributors Do Bad Branding
Key Drivers for E-commerce Demand

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Research & Analytics

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Commentary: Shooting Stars of Distribution: Inflation, Pricing

Shooting stars can hurt you or help you.

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Top Trends for 2018
When Good Distributors Do Bad Branding
Key Drivers for E-commerce Demand

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MDM Pricing Trends Report: First Quarter 2018

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

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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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Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: February 2018

Wholesale revenues, inventories and ratios from February 2018

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Uncategorized

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MDM Industrial Inflation Index: March 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

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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

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Finance

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First 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 first 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.

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