Interline Brands, Jacksonville, Ill., had sales of $743.9 million for its fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 16.2% above fiscal 2003. Fourth quarter sales of $195.5 million were 23% higher than the previous year's quarter, some of which was attributed to revenues from Florida Lighting, acquired in November 2003.
Gross profit increased to $75.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2004 vs. $61.3 million in 2003. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit improved by 10 basis points in the recent fourth quarter. The improvement in the gross profit percentage was due to better pricing and increased sales of private label products, offset by strong sales of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and water heaters, which generally carry lower gross margins, the company said.