Leggett & Platt, Incorporated&nbsp;Business Reports

Furniture Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US furniture manufacturing industry includes about 20,000 companies with about $60 billion in combined annual revenue. Major companies include Steelcase, HNI, Herman Miller, La-Z-Boy, Sealy, and Furniture Brands International. Some segments, such as mattress manufacturing and office furniture manufacturing, are highly concentrated, but the industry as a whole is fragmented: the largest 50 companies generate less than 40 percent of revenue.

SIC: 2512, 2511, 2434, 2426, 2514, 2541, 2531, 2517, 2519, 2521, 2522

NAICS: 337124, 337122, 337121, 337110, 337125, 337215, 337214, 337127, 337129, 337211, 337212

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage declines in consumer and business spending on furniture?

Household and office furniture sales depend on the health of the US economy. Household furniture sales are strongly affected by home sales and new home construction. Office furniture sales are sensitive to job growth, corporate spending, and new...

How are low-cost imports affecting the company?

Despite the recent decrease in imports, US manufacturers face challenges from foreign competitors in the furniture market. Because of the high labor content of most furniture, manufacturers in low-cost countries such as Vietnam and China are able 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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Furniture Manufacturing Industry Report

Lighting Equipment Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US lighting equipment manufacturing industry includes about 1,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $11 billion. Major companies include Acuity Brands, Hubbell, OSRAM SYLVANIA (a subsidiary of Germany-based Siemens), and Philips Lighting. Divisions of large integrated companies such as General Electric also manufacture lighting equipment. The industry is concentrated: the largest 50 companies account for about 70 percent of revenue.

SIC: 3641, 3648, 3646, 3645

NAICS: 335110, 335129, 335122, 335121

Sample Questions & Answers

How dependent is the company on new construction spending?

About 80 percent of nonresidential lighting fixtures are sold for new construction or add-on projects; only 20 percent for renovation. This dependence on construction activity can result in manufacturing overcapacity during downturns in the...

What challenges does the company face in managing raw material costs?

Prices for metals, glass, and petroleum-based materials used to make lighting equipment can vary widely. Companies commonly obtain raw materials from outside the US, increasing their exposure to variables such as rising transportation costs. The...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Lighting Equipment Manufacturing Industry Report

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US fabricated metal product manufacturing industry includes about 55,000 companies with about $295 billion in combined annual revenue. Major companies in specialty segments include Ball Corporation, Flowserve, Mueller Industries, Snap-On, and The Timken Company. Because of the special manufacturing processes involved for individual parts, most companies make a limited range of products. The industry as a whole is fragmented: the largest 50 companies account for about 20 percent of revenue. But concentration can be high in industry segments such as boiler, cutlery, metal can, and spring manufacturing.

SIC: 3411, 3412, 3421, 3423, 3425, 3429, 3431, 3432, 3441, 3442, 3443, 3444, 3446, 3448, 3449, 3451, 3452, 3462, 3463, 3466, 3469, 3479, 3482, 3483, 3484, 3489, 3491, 3492, 3493, 3495, 3498, 3499, 3543, 3562, 3599, 3399, 3291, 3315, 3398

NAICS: 332111, 332112, 332114, 332115, 332116, 332117, 332211, 332212, 332213, 332214, 332311, 332312, 332313, 332321, 332322, 332323, 332410, 332420, 332431, 332439, 332510, 332611, 332612, 332618, 332710, 332721, 332722, 332811, 332812, 332813, 332911, 332912, 332913, 332919, 332991, 332992, 332993, 332994, 332995, 332996, 332997, 332998, 332999

Sample Questions & Answers

How cyclical are the markets that the company sells to?

Demand for fabricated metal parts is heavily driven by US manufacturing levels, especially for equipment and machinery. US production of fabricated metal products dropped more than 20 percent during the recession of the late 2000s. A greater reliance...

How are low-cost imports affecting the company's domestic market?

Imports of simple metal products have increased from nations such as China that have access to low-cost raw materials and labor. Imports of fabricated metal products from China rose by 40 percent between 2006 and 2011.

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing Industry Report

Plastic & Rubber Product Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US plastic and rubber products manufacturing industry includes about 10,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $190 billion. Major companies include Berry Plastics, Cooper Tire & Rubber, Goodyear, Newell Rubbermaid, and Pactiv.

SIC: 3061, 3052, 3011, 2673, 2671, 3069, 3081, 3082, 3083, 3084, 3085, 3086, 3088, 3089, 7534

NAICS: 326140, 326150, 326160, 326191, 326192, 326199, 326211, 326212, 326220, 326291, 326299, 326111, 326112, 326113, 326121, 326122, 326130

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage changes in demand?

Demand for most plastic and rubber products is closely linked to the US economy. Because most plastics and rubber products are intermediate components that go into final goods, demand rises or falls in tandem with manufacturing activity.

How does the company protect itself from the changing costs of raw materials like oil?

Because plastics and synthetic rubbers are derived mainly from oil and natural gas, price and availability of plastic and rubber products depend on the price of these feedstocks (raw materials). Manufacturers typically pass price increases along for...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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 & Rubber Product Manufacturing Industry Report

Machinery Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US machinery manufacturing industry includes more than 20,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $315 billion. Major companies include Applied Materials, Baker Hughes, Carrier, Caterpillar, Deere, Kennametal, and divisions of General Electric. The industry, which is fragmented overall, is made up of numerous segments that are concentrated.

SIC: 3569, 3578, 3581, 3582, 3586, 3589, 3593, 3594, 3596, 3827, 3861, 3568, 3567, 3566, 3563, 3564, 3565, 3561, 3559, 3556, 3555, 3554, 3553, 3552, 3433, 3443, 3511, 3519, 3523, 3524, 3531, 3532, 3533, 3535, 3537, 3541, 3542, 3544, 3545, 3546, 3547, 3548, 3549

NAICS: 333298, 333311, 333312, 333313, 333314, 333315, 333319, 333411, 333412, 333414, 333415, 333511, 333512, 333513, 333514, 333515, 333516, 333518, 333611, 333612, 333613, 333618, 333911, 333912, 333913, 333921, 333922, 333923, 333924, 333991, 333992, 333993, 333994, 333995, 333996, 333997, 333999, 333295, 333294, 333293, 333220, 333291, 333292, 333210, 333132, 333131, 333120, 333112, 333111

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company respond to shifting demand?

Demand for machinery can drop rapidly during periods of slow or declining economic growth. Limited availability of credit tends to hinder machinery sales. Because of the large international trade in machinery, US producers are also affected by...

How successful is the company at differentiating its products from foreign competition?

Machinery imports account for about 40 percent of the US market. China, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Mexico are major sources of imports. Imports of machinery components such as pumps and compressors from China have grown significantly.

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Machinery Manufacturing Industry Report

Retail Sector Industry Report

Overview

The US retail industry includes about 1 million outlets with combined annual revenue of about $4 trillion. Major companies include Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Kroger, Costco, and Target. While large companies dominate some retail sectors (such as mass merchandisers and grocery stores), other sectors (such as auto dealers and convenience stores) are fragmented. Many specialty retailers are single-store operations.

SIC: 5983, 5984, 5989, 5992, 5993, 5994, 5995, 5999, 7389, 5211, 5231, 5251, 5261, 5271, 5311, 5331, 5399, 5411, 5421, 5431, 5441, 5451, 5461, 5499, 5511, 5521, 5531, 5541, 5551, 5561, 5571, 5599, 5611, 5621, 5632, 5641, 5651, 5661, 5712, 5713, 5714, 5722, 5731, 5734, 5735, 5736, 5912, 5921, 5932, 5941, 5942, 5943, 5944, 5945, 5946, 5947, 5948, 5961, 5962

NAICS: 445299, 445310, 446110, 446120, 446130, 446191, 446199, 447110, 447190, 448110, 448120, 448130, 448140, 448150, 448190, 448210, 448310, 454319, 454390, 448320, 451110, 451120, 451130, 451140, 451211, 451212, 451220, 452111, 452112, 452910, 452990, 453110, 453210, 453220, 453310, 453910, 453920, 453930, 453991, 453998, 454111, 454112, 454113, 454210, 454311, 454312, 441110, 441120, 441210, 441221, 441222, 441229, 441310, 441320, 442110, 442210, 442291, 442299, 443111, 443112, 443120, 443130, 444110, 444120, 444130, 444190, 444210, 444220, 445110, 445120, 445210, 445220, 445230, 445291, 445292

Sample Questions & Answers

How sensitive is the company's business to the economy?

Economic factors, including personal income, consumer confidence, job growth, and interest rates, can greatly affect consumer spending and the retail sector. During recessionary periods, retail sales growth can slow drastically and even decline.

How does the company compete with large retailers?

In many retail segments, large companies dominate and hold the majority of the market. Even specialty retailers in fragmented markets must compete with mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs that offer a smaller selection of comparable merchandise at...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Retail Sector Industry Report

Primary Metals Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US primary metals industry includes about 3,500 companies with combined annual sales of about $250 billion. Large companies include Nucor and US Steel (steel); Alcoa (aluminum); and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold. The US industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate more than 60 percent of revenue.

SIC: 3316, 3317, 3321, 3324, 3325, 3331, 3334, 3339, 3341, 3351, 3353, 3354, 3355, 3356, 3363, 3364, 3365, 3366, 3369, 2819, 3312, 3313, 3315

NAICS: 331423, 331491, 331492, 331511, 331512, 331513, 331521, 331522, 331524, 331525, 331528, 331422, 331421, 331419, 331316, 331319, 331411, 331315, 331111, 331112, 331210, 331221, 331222, 331311, 331312, 331314

Sample Questions & Answers

What is the company's strategy for dealing with cyclical changes in metal demand?

Demand for primary metals depends on the health of the US manufacturing sector, particularly the manufacture of motor vehicles, metal products, and machinery, and commercial construction. Demand can be highly cyclical: during the late 2000s recession,...

How is foreign competition affecting the company?

Imports of primary metals, mainly raw steel and steel products, often depress US metals prices. Volume varies from year to year, but imports typically account for 30 percent or more of the US market. Import quotas and tariffs can be imposed when...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Primary Metals Manufacturing Industry Report