American Supply Association member wholesaler-distributors reported a median sales increase of 10.0% for the month ending Nov. 30, 2016, compared to the same month last year. Calendar year-to-date, all respondents reported median sales growth of 4.2%, and the median increase for the trailing 12 months also is 4.2%. 

Inventory rose 2.1% compared to a year ago, and the median three-months average days sales outstanding increased to 44.0 days. Nearly two-thirds (62.7%) of respondents reported an increase in gross margin percentages for November 2016 vs. 2015, and company YTD profit before taxes increased for 54.4% of the total sample. 

For the first time in many months, less than one-half (45.8%) of respondents reported having more full-time equivalent employees compared to a year ago.

Industrial pipe-valve-fitting distributors reported a median sales increase of 8.5% for the month compared to the same last year. Calendar year-to-date, PVF respondents reported a median sales increase of 0.8%, but the median decrease for the trailing 12 months is -0.9%. Inventories grew 3.0% compared to a year ago, and the median three-months average DSOs increased from 42.2 days in October to 43.4 in November. PVF respondents reporting an increase in company YTD profit before taxes increased from 46.7% in October to 50.0% in November.