Bridgestone Corporation&nbsp;Business Reports

Sporting Goods Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US sporting goods manufacturing industry includes about 1,300 companies with combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Large companies include Callaway Golf Company; Easton-Bell Sports; the Spalding division of Russell Brands; ICON Health & Fitness; and Rawlings Sporting Goods (a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation). The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 60 percent of industry revenue.

SIC: 3482, 3949, 3484, 3751

NAICS: 332992, 339920, 332994, 336991

Sample Questions & Answers

How dependent is the company on US employment levels?

The sporting goods industry relies heavily on consumer disposable income. The industry depends on the general health of the US economy and the economies of key export markets in Europe and Asia. Factors, including unemployment levels, energy costs,...

How long are the company's product life cycles?

Due to shifting consumer interests and desire for increased innovation, sporting goods product life cycles can be quite short, often less than two years. A company's design and R&D departments are constantly challenged to predict consumer preferences...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Sporting Goods Manufacturing Industry Report

Chemical Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US chemicals industry includes about 10,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $700 billion. Major companies include Dow, DuPont, Eastman Chemical, ExxonMobil Chemical, and Huntsman. The US industry is concentrated: the 50 largest firms generate more than half of industry revenue.

SIC: 2823, 2824, 2833, 2834, 2835, 2836, 2841, 2842, 2843, 2844, 2851, 2861, 2865, 2869, 2873, 2874, 2875, 2879, 2891, 2892, 2893, 3087, 3861, 2822, 2821, 2819, 2812, 2813, 2816

NAICS: 325998, 325992, 325920, 325991, 325910, 325620, 325613, 325612, 325611, 325520, 325510, 325414, 325413, 325412, 325411, 325320, 325314, 325312, 325311, 325222, 325221, 325110, 325120, 325131, 325132, 325181, 325182, 325188, 325191, 325192, 325193, 325199, 325211, 325212

Sample Questions & Answers

How has the company been affected by recent changes in energy and raw material costs?

Because of the high energy requirements in chemical production, higher energy prices can greatly affect costs. Many manufacturers use natural gas as a source of heat, or natural gas or crude oil as feedstocks. Feedstocks and energy can account for...

How does the company track compliance with federal regulations?

Despite large investments to prevent air, water, and ground pollution, chemical companies have ongoing exposure to environmental and health issues, because regulations continue to tighten and past practices continue to result in large cleanup costs...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Chemical Manufacturing Industry Report

Tire Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US tire manufacturing industry consists of about 100 companies with combined annual revenue of about $15 billion. Major companies include Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin, and Cooper. The industry is highly concentrated: the top four companies generate more than 75 percent of revenue.

SIC: 3011

NAICS: 326211

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company adjust to cycles of lower demand?

Demand for tires depends on new car sales and highway-miles of driving, both which are affected by economic slowdowns. US new car production declined 40 percent during the late-2000s recession; US tire production dropped 14 percent.

How are imports from low-cost countries like China impacting the company?

Tire imports from low-cost countries have kept retail prices flat, despite higher costs for US producers. Foreign producers can use low-cost labor to assemble tires by hand. In the last five years, tire imports from China doubled. Imported tires hold...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Tire Manufacturing Industry Report

Motorcycle Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US motorcycle manufacturing industry includes about 70 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $4 billion. The industry, which is highly concentrated, is dominated by Harley-Davidson. Other industry participants include foreign-based companies with final assembly operations in the US, parts and accessories manufacturers, and custom builders who make built-to-order products for motorcycle enthusiasts.

SIC: 3751

NAICS: 336991

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the general economy affect the company's business?

Because motorcycles are considered a discretionary purchase, sales depend highly on disposable personal income. Consumers are likely to delay purchases of motorcycles during economic downturns. Motorcycle sales increased every year between 1992 and...

How do imports affect the company's business?

Imports make up about half of all US sales in the motorcycle industry. Japan is the leading exporter to the US market. US manufacturers market features, such as performance and customization, to avoid competing on price with imports.

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Motorcycle Manufacturing Industry Report

Plastic Resin & Synthetic Fiber Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US plastic resins and synthetic fibers manufacturing industry consists of about 1,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $100 billion. Major companies include Dow Chemical, DuPont, Chevron Phillips, Huntsman, Celanese, and Momentive Specialty Chemicals. The US industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies have more than 80 percent of the market.

SIC: 2824, 2823, 2822, 2821

NAICS: 325211, 325212, 325221, 325222

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage sharp swings in demand?

US production of products made from plastic resins can vary sharply from year to year, making demand difficult to predict in the plastic resins and synthetic fibers manufacturing industry. Resin production can change more than 10 percent a year for...

How does the company protect itself from higher raw material prices?

Resin manufacturers can be exposed to rapid changes in raw material inventory values, and may be unable to pass cost increases to customers. The major raw materials for resin manufacture are derived from oil and natural gas, and these costs can swing...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Plastic Resin & Synthetic Fiber Manufacturing Industry Report

Apparel Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US apparel manufacturing industry includes about 8,000 companies that have combined annual revenue of about $14 billion. Large companies include Levi Strauss, PVH, VF Corporation, and Warnaco. The industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies generate less than 40 percent of revenue. The industry includes knitting mills, but most apparel is cut and sewn.

SIC: 2353, 2341, 2371, 2381, 3021, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3149, 2369, 2339, 2337, 2335, 2331, 2326, 2325, 2323, 2322, 2321, 2311, 2254, 2253, 2252, 2251

NAICS: 315111, 315119, 315191, 315192, 315211, 315212, 315221, 315222, 315223, 315224, 315225, 315228, 315231, 315232, 315233, 315234, 315239, 315291, 315292, 315299, 315991, 315992, 315993, 315999, 316211, 316212, 316213, 316214, 316219

Sample Questions & Answers

How is the company managing competitive pressure from low-priced foreign imports?

About 85 percent of apparel sold in the US is made abroad because of lower labor costs and the high labor content of most products. Imports come from foreign apparel makers, but also from the foreign plants of US and contract manufacturers. Many US...

What steps is the company taking to better compete for the business of large retailers?

Many apparel manufacturers depend on a few customers for most revenue. Large clothing chains account for a large portion of industry sales. The growth of large chains also cuts smaller manufacturers out of large orders because they're unable to...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Apparel Manufacturing Industry Report

Footwear Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US footwear manufacturing industry consists of about 250 manufacturers with sales of about $2 billion. The major shoe companies in the US, including NIKE, Skechers USA, and Timberland, are mainly owners of brand names that "source" their shoes from independent manufacturers outside the US. Some large US producers, like New Balance, make a substantial share of their shoes in the US; some smaller operations manufacture all their shoes in the US.

SIC: 3149, 3143, 3142, 3021, 3144

NAICS: 316213, 316214, 316212, 316211, 316219

Sample Questions & Answers

What strategies does the company have to broaden its marketing efforts?

The profitability of US shoe companies depends on marketing skills, because competition from overseas tends to put downward pressure on prices. US producer prices for the industry rose by just 11 percent between 2004 and 2011. With only moderate...

How does the company manage shifts in consumer fashion trends?

Shoe manufacturers need to adequately anticipate and react to consumer demand, which can be difficult to understand or predict. The development cycle in the industry -- from initial shoe design to retail sale -- is about a year, long enough so that...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Footwear Manufacturing Industry Report