WFH Winners
Amazon's amazing 40% growth to reach $10Bn in business supplies during the Covid quarter exposed the huge deficiencies in service levels from traditional OP dealers. Amazon became the default 'first call' supplier for 'Everything WFH supplies'. In spite of its dominance, many responsive progressive dealers pivoted powerfully to the new immediate market standards. We highlight the winners....Updated
Less means more
There's no doubt after 5mos of Covid lockdown & 'WFH' that future trends have been brought forward. Consider the acceleration in technology use by all ages: MCommerce, less commuting, Zoom meetings & conferences; hygiene, safety, health & wellness awareness; protective packaging. Moreover the shift towards a greener more sustainable world. We discuss the trends. Updated
Print/papermakers
Most leading OP, Paper & Print makers reported severe sales declines in Q2'20. Printer Paper demand is down 60%+ since 2008; another -30% in Q2;the shift to hygiene and packaging is huge. We analyse Q2 results. Updated today for Domtar
Deceitful Depot
Newly named ODP Corporation (ex-Office Depot-OfficeMax), sank at a deepening rate in Q2'20. OP core sales were crushed with hygiene essentials in retail & online softening the decline. We analyse CEO Gerry 'Smudger' Smith's hollow & misleading commentary and update on the 'white knight' life saver.
Will SPR investors
After many failed attempts Genuine Parts finally sold SPRichards to an Investor Group led by TSR's enterprising chief Yancey Jones (pic left). What's the plan? Will it continue a buying group bias or invest in broadline business supply to compete with Amazon? We review
Ecolab exerted
EcoLab the $14Bn in sales, cleaning & hygiene supplies giant to the health care and food services market, reported a big hit in institutional business in Q2'20. CEO Doug Baker commented on a commendable performance overall
Mondelez gains
Mondelez International, the $26Bn in sales, international brand snackmaker (e.g. Cadbury, Oreo), accelerated strong organic US sales in Q2'20. CEO Dirk van de Put reported on a satisfactory set of results during Covid.
Xerox sinks fast.
Xerox Corporation reported deeper sales declines in Q2'20 as Covid cleared offices. It's highly unlikely activist lead shareholder Chainsaw Carl Icahn's surrogate CEO John Visentin can turnaround the tailspinning old tech giant. Are HP still interested?
MMM masks up
The mighty 3M suffered big Covid hits in all divisions, showing resilience in safety and health care markets. The office sector, once powerful, has fallen well behind the growing business supply categories
Can Canon stopGiant printer & camera maker Canon reported sinking sales in Q1'20 with serious & accelerating double digit sales declines in printers and cameras. Can the old printer king stop the bleeding and re-invent its future? We discuss its plans
Amazon's single
Leading market researcher Forrester studied the economic impact of Amazon's business supply system by engaging with large & experienced C-level corporate executives. We examine the benefits, cost savings, automated processes and breadth of choice.
Rubbermaid: ♥️
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) has published the 2nd Phase findings of one of the largest ever studies into business recycling and waste management across Europe. We review their most welcome 'Love Recycling' initiatives beyond Covid
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison, the $6Bn labels & RFID tags maker, produced a commendable Q2'20 result, given the contrast of its strong 'essentials' labelling business against the retreat of security tags demand in retail stores
Cintas set back
Cintas, the uniform & business services specialist, posted commendable Q4'20 results during Covid and progressed with its 'Ready for the Workday' strategic direction shift at higher profitability....
Depot's disposal
Vulture capitalist Aurelius acquired Office Depot's $2Bn Euro operations in 2017 with a growth strategy fanfare. Sales in 2019 were down 50%; then Covid accelerated its death rattle. Disposals of Central Europe & Nordics; now Spain, next France, will destroy its dodgy commitment and rapid withdrawal
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