BENCHMARKS REPORT

Industry Measure: Business Segment Data

SIC:	5070
INDUSTRY:	HARDWR, PLUMB, HEAT EQ-WHSL

BENCHMARKS FOR THE INDUSTRY

NO. OF SEGMENTS REPORTING IN THE INDUSTRY:
2

1997 SALES FOR THE INDUSTRY:
$ 2986

(Total Sales in $Millions)

OPERATING MARGIN:
0.4
(Allocated Operating Profits (divided by) Segment Sales)

ASSET INTENSITY:
33.7
(Allocated Assets (divided by) Segment Sales)

SALES GROWTH:
22.9
(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