BENCHMARKS REPORT

Industry Measure: Business Segment Data

SIC:	5085
INDUSTRY:	INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES-WHSL

BENCHMARKS FOR THE INDUSTRY

NO. OF SEGMENTS REPORTING IN THE INDUSTRY:
6

1997 SALES FOR THE INDUSTRY:
$ 4225

(Total Sales in $Millions)

OPERATING MARGIN:
6.6
(Allocated Operating Profits (divided by) Segment Sales)

ASSET INTENSITY:
36.0
(Allocated Assets (divided by) Segment Sales)

SALES GROWTH:
7.1
(Compound 3-Year Growth Rate in Sales for the
Median Participant in the Industry)

BENCHMARKS FOR THE TOP FOUR COMPETITORS

ROA: Allocated Operating Profits (divided by) Allocated Operating Assets