H o w N o w
VOW, the leading UK OP wholesaler, part of the EVO Group, continued its 10yr long decline in 2021 in spite of acquisitions, the collapse of rival Spicers; and ignorantly missed, broadline business supply expansion opportunities. Moreover, losses continued. What happened to VC owner Endless' much lauded investment in growth initiatives?
Healthy Hygiene
Hygiene is now #1 business supply category alongside technology. Progressive business suppliers: brandmakers, dealers have pivoted into hygiene, safety, foodservice & packaging, WFH-tech & wellness services. Proficiency Index Q3'22 analysis is nearing completion with brands' volumes slowing, boosted by double digit price hikes. Complete
Can dealers pass
We've written exhaustively about the need for OP dealers to convert from 'transactional' product suppliers to 'personalised productivity services' providers inc. hygiene, foodservice & packaging. Amazon is winning the transactional battle with same day delivery of broadline business supplies to WFH users. Can dealers pass the 3pt conversion test? We discuss and highlight the best practice services providers? Complete
Industrial supply
Q3'22 financial reports for leading industrial supply distributors are nearing completion e.g. Fastenal, Motion, MSC, Grainger, Wesco, Arrow, Berry, DXP show double-digit sales growth boosted by price hikes; and higher profits. Proficiency Index reviews the performance of the Top 20 US distributors in 2022 with insightful analysis and discussion with leaders, progress and plans for 2023. Updated
'OPeless, OPaque
Proficiency Index is reaching the conclusion of Q3'22 reports analysis. It has become obvious that many OP market CEO's, who have failed to reinvent their companies, are in denial; and desperately trying to mislead the market over their incompetence. We highlight the Top 10 losers and contrast with Top 10 winners...
Foodservice fights
Foodservice supply leaders to business & restaurants Sysco & US Foods reported steady recoveries in their latest quarterly reports, boosted by higher price increases. Activist shareholders pressure at USF caused ceo to resign and be replaced by an interim ceo. We compare results...Updated today
Cascades Tissue
Cascades, the leading Canada based, tissue & packaging boardmaker reported inflation boosted results in Q2'22. CEO Mario Piourde's optimism was dented by Covid's negative affect on business tissue sales, but balanced by stronger packaging demand especially in foodservice
CCL label sales'
CCL Industries (inc. Avery), the $6Bn in sales specialist labelmaker, reported a sustained recovery in Q3'22. Sales were particularly strong in the food, health and personal care markets. CEO Geoff Martin commented on record results across all divisions boosted by double digit price increases.
KP Tissue's roll
KP Tissue (ex-Kruger) the Canada based international brand tissue maker, recovered from a huge drop in demand in both consumer & business supply markets during Covid, boosted by high 20%+ price inflation. We analyse ceo Dino Bianco's opaque Q3'22 report
PFG-Vistar: food
Performance Food Group inc Vistar, the leading US food & beverage services wholesaler reported a strong sales increase in Q1'23 as businesses & restaurants returned towards 'normal'. The major acquisition of convenience food leader boosted sales in addition to double-digit price hikes
Printermkrs salvage
The big 6 Japanese printer makers reported remarkably similar volume recovery rates in Q3'22 from pre Covid norm in Q3'19. So how can these major makers reinvent themselves? We analyse results and comment on their plans. Updated for final report from Brother today.
Exertis exerted in
International tech reseller Exertis' parent DCC Group released H1'23 results to 30Sep'22. Chief Tim Griffin reported declining sales volumes in a slowing hybrid working market. He described easing supply shortages impacting results and progress of the Almo acquisition
Veritiv speculation
Veritiv, the leading US paper & packaging wholesaler, recovered from its terminal tailspin boosted by price inflation. CEO Sal Abbate has driven a new packaging strategy to offset sinking printed paper demand. The 2yr 10X rise in market cap supports ongoing takeover speculation? Who's interested...the saga continues?
Acco skid masked
Acco Brands, ex-OP brand leader, reported even weaker results in Q3'22. Complacent ceo Boris Elisman still shows little grasp of the broader business supply market opportunities and continues to double down on the extinct OP segment or ancillary gaming distractions?
'OPeless, OPaque
Proficiency Index is reaching the conclusion of Q3'22 reports analysis. It has become obvious that many OP market CEO's, who have failed to reinvent their companies, are in denial; and desperately trying to mislead the market over their incompetence. We highlight the Top 10 losers and contrast with Top 10 winners...
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