2024 Industrial Conference Takeaways from Top CEOs
Baird's 54th annual Global Industrial Conference brought to light various dynamics that are top of mind for Industrial CEOs as we head into 2025 with overall sector recovery and impact of the U.S. election being key discussion topics. We hosted 312 presenting companies and 2,829 attendees in-person in Chicago as well as a virtual private company track.
Baird's Global Industrial Investment Banking team is pleased to share our top 9 takeaways from the conference and our outlook for 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Mixed end market demand – broad growth starting H2 2025
- Destocking driven downcycle nearly complete
- Industrial demand varies by region
- Record profitability despite industrial downcycle
- Newer secular growth themes drive outperformance
- Simplification is driving divestitures and spin-offs
- Proactive M&A to increase growth and quality
- “Pro-business” administration likely positive for M&A
- Uncertainty remains around broader impact of new tariffs
