American Supply Association member wholesaler-distributors reported a median sales increase of 6.5% for the month ending July 31, compared to the same month in 2016. Calendar year-to-date, all respondents reported median sales growth of 7% and the median increase for the trailing 12 months is 7.5%. The June report showed a median sales increase of 7.5% compared to the previous year.

Inventory rose 4% compared to the prior year and the median three-months average days sales outstanding decreased from 45.1 to 44.9 days. 53.2% of respondents reported an increase in gross margin percentages for the month of July vs. 2016, and company year-to-date profit before taxes increased for 62.5% of the total sample. The percentage of respondents having more full-time-equivalent employees compared to a year ago declined from 64.6% in June to 63.8% in July.

Industrial PVF distributors reported a median sales increase of 7.8% for the month compared to July 2016. The June report showed an increase of 7.4% compared to the previous year.

Calendar year-to-date, PVF respondents reported a median sales increase of 7% and the median increase for the trailing 12 months is 7.6%. Inventories grew 1% compared to the prior year and the median three-months average DSOs dropped from 45.5 days in June to 43.5 days in July. PVF respondents reporting an increase in company YTD profit before taxes declined from 64.7% in June to 58.8% in July.