Monthly Summary of Industry Trends: July Sales Second-Best in 2013
Looking Up – July Sales Second-Best in 2013
The connector industry has been in a soft demand environment since October 2011. We now have recorded 22 consecutive months in which orders and sales have achieved small, single-digit year-over-year gains or losses. However, July YOY sales growth of +4.8% is encouraging and may signal a better second half of 2013.
July 2013 Bookings
| • | Sequential | -0.7% |
| • | Year over year | +3.3% |
| • | Year to date | -0.4% |
July 2013 Billings
| • | Sequential | -2.4% |
| • | Year over year | +4.8% |
| • | Year to date | -1.9% |
| July Book-to-Bill Ratio | 1.02 – Eighth consecutive month positive BTB |
| Pricing | Stable – minimal to no price erosion |
| Lead Times | Normal – 5 to 6 weeks |
| Profitability | Excellent – O.I. = 12.9%; N.I. = 9.6% |
| 2013 Full-Year Forecast | +2.5% – Expect modest YOY growth 2nd Half |
| Connector Confidence Index | 67.4 – Above 50.0 signals positive confidence |
Positives
- Stable pricing and no erosion
- Excellent industry profitability
- Strong automotive market
Negatives
- High unemployment and recessionary conditions in Europe
- Reduced military spending
- Softness in global GDP
Conclusions
The connector industry has experienced 22 months of soft demand with little visibility for future orders or solid indications of an upward turning point in demand. Industry leaders are closely watching for positive sequential growth in monthly orders, which would suggest improving demand. We expect a modest improvement in demand during the second half of 2013.
Mergers and Acquisitions
The connector industry continues to consolidate, with the large companies adding market share through acquisitions. Amphenol, TE Connectivity, and Molex, among others, have recently announced acquisitions.
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