The Proficiency
The Q2'22 reporting season is reaching a conclusion. Proficiency Index has analysed results to date and separated out the price inflation element from real volume performance. For example, Stora, Grainger, Navigator, IP, UPS, & Veritiv, all reported inflated profits fueled by high price hikes; a total of 80+ companies analysed to date...Updated
Healthy Hygiene
The #Paperless #Officeless #Touchless future is happening bigtime! Now hygiene is the #1 business supply category alongside tech. Progressive business suppliers: brand makers, dealers & MSP's have pivoted to sell customers hygiene, safety, foodservice & packaging, WFH-tech and wellness services.. We analyse Q2'22 reports, inc. this week Veritiv, KP Tissue & Suzano
Normal economic
"How this economic moment rewrites the rules. Jobs aplenty. Sizzling demand. If US headed for recession, it's taking an unusual route, with many markers of a boom" writes NY Times Ben Casselman. We discuss the article as it affects the business supply market...
Depot's deceitful
Beleaguered bigbox ODP Corp (aka-Office Depot-OfficeMax) reported another double-digit organic decline in Q2'22; -22% down on pre Covid 'norm' Q2'19; and down $5Bn since 2017. We analyse ceo Gerry 'Bizarro' Smith's deceptive report; the hollow and vague Varis&Veyer diversions plus his verbose BS commentary and Q&A session attended by the same one analyst again!
If Economy shaky,
Consumers are gloomy, but mostly working; the economy is slowing down to 2019 norms; the Fed wants it to keep slowing; and the recession obsessed Wall Street analysts are convinced the end is nigh. Meanwhile, strong profits are being reported in Q2'22 by Corporate America inc. business supply leaders, with optimistic outlooks for FY'22
Staples DEX Imgg
Staples acquired Dex Imaging in Feb'19. After an initial flurry of MPS reseller purchases it paused during Covid. Now along with the Top 8 US Managed Tech Services providers acquisition activity has accelerated.
Vulture Capitalists'
"As values crash, it's becoming clear that many VC firms simply got lucky once and have coasted ever since" writes The Telegraph's Matthew Lynn. We discuss and the article and analyse the traumatic experience endured by players in the business supplies industry this century
WallSt cries Wolf!
In their latest financial reports, Wells Fargo showed signs of trouble but Citigroup revealed results that were better than expected. Analysts' and media e.g. CNBC have been recession obsessed since January. How do the more reliable, leading economists view the market? We compare and comment on the US & UK economic outlooks...
Top 30 Women
Marketing to businesses by brandmakers & resellers has been dominated by men. Now the most successful businesses are increasingly inspired by women leaders. Proficiency Index lists the most prominent women marketers in business supply. We include new nominations from independent dealers. We publish the'Top 30 Women in Business Supply'at the half year to date
Novatech netsLeading US MPS provider Novatech has expanded its coverage and portfolio with the acquisition of another managed print services operator headquartered in Florida. Industry consolidation slowed during Covid,now its starting to revive in 2022...
Amazon axing
Amazon is slashing its private label ranges e.g. Basics amid weak sales. Is this a positive sign that its merchandising teams are listening rather than competing with original brand vendors? Is the bigbox players history of failure to meet consumer preferences coming home to roost e.g. Staples, Depot, wholesaler brands
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon released the results of its Prime Day 2022 event on Thursday, saying Prime subscribers purchased some 300 million items worldwide during the two-day sales event. Moreover, the Small Business supplies promotion was a huge success
Cintas' resilient
Cintas, the $8Bn uniform services specialist, continued its powerful sales recovery in Q4'22 results. CEO Todd Schneider (on left) plans to accelerate retired Scott Farmer's'Ready for the Workday' strategic direction shift towards higher profitability.
Computacenter
Computacenter's CEO Mike Norris said its acquisition of one of the "fastest growing" value-added resellers in the US is a "nice step in the right direction" following two previous major acquisitions...
Fastenal's growth
Fastenal, the $6Bn in sales, US reseller of MRO & vending supplies, powered ahead in Q2'22 with strong fastener sales and safety supplies in recovery aided by higher prices across the board, boosting profitability
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