Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM) is the world's largest wholesale distributor of computer hardware and software by net revenue. The company is a middle man between computer hardware / software companies and retail stores, which cater to the end-user. The business of transporting and distributing high tech electronic goods is extremely competitive. Distributors, such as Ingram, have no way to differentiate their products except through price.

The company's focus makes it vulnerable to slowdowns in PC sales. For instance, in 2002 when demand for computers dropped, Ingram lost $275 million.^[1] Given the weak economic climate in 2009, the domestic spending mood has had a significant impact on demand for computer products - which in turn impacts demand for IM's distribution services. As a result, total revenues for Ingram Micro have declined from $34.4 billion in 2008 to $29.5 billion in 2009.

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