ASAmember distributor sales experienced the strongest February on record, according to ITR Economics data going back to 2003. ASA members enjoyed a 17.2% rise in sales above January 2016 levels. Typically, February sales are 7.8% above January, the associated noted.

The strong February helped lift sales over the past 12 months to a 4.1% growth year-over-year. ASA said these gains are in-line with analysts’ expectations of accelerating sales this year for member distributors. The association added the gains will come from the residential market, as many commercial construction markets are exhibiting weakness, with the exception being in the Southwest region.