Semper's Print Industry Survey Reveals Q4 Profitability

The most recent survey indicates mixed business trends:

• 79 percent of companies surveyed reported a profitable Q3. This represents a seven-point increase over last quarter.
• The number of companies reporting an increase in ‘recent’ sales (“in the last two weeks”) is down by three points. Compared to last quarter, there is almost no change in companies reporting a decrease in recent sales.
• 26 percent of companies expect sales to decrease through the remainder of Q1, 2013.
• The vast majority of respondents indicated that hiring levels would remain the same or increases. Just five percent of companies are planning to release employees. This is a decrease of seven points from last quarter.
• Nearly 60 percent of companies (nearly 12 points higher from last quarter) reported that healthcare is the labor cost component that increased the fastest last quarter. This has consistently been the case every quarter for the past year. Overtime, the next largest component, decreased five points from last quarter—perhaps a reflection of less work.
• The greatest competitive threat to printers remains largely unchanged from last quarter. The current economy (60 percent) is by far the biggest threat, growing pressures from lower-cost competitors (13 percent) and costs of upgrading technology (14 percent).
• Print buyers place the greatest pricing pressure on ink to substrate printing (47 percent). Pricing pressure on bindery is easing, down two points from last quarter.
• Referrals (43 percent) continue to be the most popular way to find employees. Online ads (29 percent) rose in popularity this quarter.
• Not surprising, nearly all respondents reported that they experienced anxiety and stress from the economy. They credit exercise (79 percent) with helping them mitigate the stress.

To participate in future surveys, please e-mail always@semperllc.com. More information is available at the Semper International Website: www.semperllc.com/index.cfm?page=president

About Semper International
Semper International is a temporary help placement firm founded and staffed by professionals who were raised and trained in the printing and graphic arts industry, and who understand the innate needs and demands of the profession. Semper has a thorough understanding of all the positions, equipment, and software essential to the business, which assures a perfect employee - employer match.