Just How Well is the Printing Industry Performing Financially?

The following report was compiled and written by MargolisBecker and Printing Industries of America’s Ratios Study Program.

The Great Recession of 2007–2009 was a dramatic departure from the relatively mild recessions of the past two decades. The sluggish economy and slowing print markets picked up steam and reversed their trends in 2010. As reported, the industry incurred an average profit for 2010 of 1.4% for all printers participating the in the 2011–12 Ratios Survey. This is an increase of 2.8% from last year’s average loss of 1.4% and ends the three prior years of consecutive decreases. Looking back over the last 90 year history of the Ratio Studies, an astute business person could predict the reversal of the industries recessionary trends, as it has always happened. But with the ever changing environment, even the veteran industry leaders have expressed concern over the recovery.