Report on U.S. Commercial Printing Profits says 1Q 2009 'less worse'.(ink MARKET)

WhatTheyThink, a media organization serving the printing and publishing industry has released its most recent report, "U.S. Commercial Printing Profits, 1995 to Q1-2009," authored by Dr. Joe Webb.

The first quarter of 2009 was "less worse" than the fourth quarter of 2008, which was labeled "a profits disaster" at that time by Dr. Webb. He noted that the U.S. Department of Commerce recently revised the fourth quarter data to exceed $2 billion.

According to Dr. Webb, the depth of the printing downturn has been reflected in its employment. "About one in eight print workers has been idled as printers look to sidestep the sales and profits downdraft," said Dr. Webb. "It's not just the recession. Print has had eight consecutive quarters of decline, and some of its prime customers, banks and financial institutions, are not likely to return to their pre-crisis budgets levels soon. Even then, digital media alternatives are expanding their share of those budgets."

In this report, Dr. Webb analyzes the latest printing industry employment data and capacity data, and where they're likely to be headed for the next six months and in 2010.

The Printing Profits Report contains both current and inflation-adjusted analysis of commercial printing and print services shipments and profits from 1995 to the first quarter of 2009. The bonus audio file includes Dr. Webb's analysis, opinions and strategic outlook.

WhatTheyThink's Economics and Research Center contains a both free and premium content for graphic arts and publishing executives. "U.S. Commercial Printing Profits, 1995 to Q1-2009" can be purchased for $50 via the WhatTheyThink's online store (www.whattheythink.com).

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