For the third consecutive quarter and eighth consecutive month, the plumbing, heating and pipe, valve and fittings distributors have reported increased and growing revenues, showing a 6.7% improvement in per-workday revenues during the month of December 2010 as compared to the same month in 2009, and - for the first time this year - up 1.9% against 2008. These distributors are now ahead of last previous year-to-date by 2.6% on a per-day basis. As there was one additional workday in November 2010 than in 2009, and the same as 2008, the raw monthly revenues for the industry members were up 11.5% for the month vs. 2009, and up 1.1% as compared to two years ago.
The product segment breakout shows the industrial PVF firms entered and exited the downturn about 120 days later than the plumbing segment, but today both segments are in a 4% growth mode and poised to rebound nicely in 2012. On a regional basis, the far west remains in a downward trend, currently down 22% year to date since 2008. The Illinois, Indiana and Michigan markets have been the best performing markets over the last two year-to-date periods, showing a decrease of only 13.5% versus 2008 and up nearly 11% versus 2009 year-to-date. Size of the distributor does not show to be an indicator of rate of revenue growth; although the larger the distributor the more growth of profitability has been achieved. The national distributors that have reported have indicated their profitability has increased primarily driven by cost controls, similar to the large regional independent distributor.
Consistent throughout the fourth quarter of 2010, almost half of all distributors this month are again reporting reduced margins in 2010 as compared to 2009, with only about one-third reporting improving margins.
After 20 consecutive months of declining inventories, ASA members, for the third consecutive month, have put additional inventory on the shelves by adding 2.9% of inventory as compared to 2009, but still have reduced by 10.7% as compared to 2008. Inventory turns are also improving for the second consecutive month. In accounts receivable, days sales outstanding have made a big turn in December 2010 by switching from a large decrease in November to a small 0.1 increase in days versus 2009. The trend of reduced head count returned in December after taking two months off in October and November, after two continuous years of decline.
The PHCP industry recovery is trending positive and clearly gaining some momentum as most distributors continue to report improved profitability, as compared to 2009 when exactly the opposite was true.
For a full report containing statistical evaluation by regions of the country, market segments and distributor size, companies should contact Chris Murin atcmurin@asa.netor 312.464.0090 ext. 204.
