The American Supply Association’s Monthly Pulse Report shows member distributors for the month ending April 30, 2018 vs. 2017 reported a median sales increase of 12.3%.

For calendar year-to-date, respondents reported a median sales growth of 8.0%. For the trailing 12 months ending April 30, 2018, respondents reported a median sales growth of 8.9%.

Inventory rose 7.7% for April 2018 vs. 2017. The median three-months average days sales outstanding increased from 44 days in March to 45 days in April.

More than 53% of participants reported an increase in gross margin percentages for April 2018 vs. 2017. Company year-to-date profit before tax increased for 69% of respondents and half the respondents reported having more full-time equivalent employees vs. a year ago.