Itasca, Ill. – ASA member wholesaler-distributors reported a median sales growth of 6.3% for the month ending April 30, 2015, compared to the same month last year.  Calendar year-to-date, all respondents reported a median sales increase of 7.2%, and the median increase for the trailing twelve months is 5.2%. Inventory rose 3.6% compared to a year ago, and the median three-months average days sales outstanding edged up to 45.3 days. Nearly 54% of the respondents reported an increase in gross margin percentages, and company YTD profit before taxes increased for over 55% of the total sample. Two-thirds of respondents reported having more full-time equivalent employees compared to a year ago.

Performance for industrial pipe-valve-fitting segment paints a somewhat different picture. PVF distributors reported a median sales growth of only 2.0% for the month compared to the same last year. Calendar year-to-date, PVF respondents reported a median sales increase of 3.8%, and the median increase for the trailing twelve months is 1.5%. Inventory rose 8.3% compared to a year ago, and the median three-months average DSOs increased from 44.0 days in March to 47.0 in April.  PVF respondents reporting an increase in company YTD profit before taxes decreased from 50.0% in March to 46.7% in April.

Based on the number of respondents reporting, this installment of the report also provides additional detailed performance results by the various demographic categories, including sales volume, primary business emphasis, regions and 19 specific market areas.

ASA’s Monthly Pulse Report provides a regular snapshot of performance for the PHCP and PVF industry. For each month, the participation deadline for wholesaler-distributor members to submit data is typically on the 8th business day of the following month. The participation deadline for the May, 2015, report is June 10th.

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