ORLANDO, Fla. - Hughes Supply was named the second most admired distributor in the United States in the March 2004 issue of Fortune magazine. The award came in the "Wholesaler: Diversified Industry" category of the most admired companies in the country.

This was the third year in a row for the honor, according to a statement from Hughes.

"I believe it is testament to our continued growth and success, and our commitment to long-term goals of being the best in customer service, and the most efficient distributor," said Tom Morgan, Hughes president and chief executive officer.

The company says the rankings were compiled by the Hay Group, which took the 10 largest companies by revenue in 64 industries and had 10,000 executives, directors, and securities analysts rate the companies in their own industries on such criteria as innovation, employee talent, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment value, and quality of products and services.

Hughes, based in Orlando, has 489 locations in 38 states. It generates annual revenues in excess of $3 billion, the company says.

For more information, visit www.hughessupply.com.

Publication date: 05/24/2004