Lawson Products reported sales, including fasteners, increased 0.25% to $276.6 million in 2016. Gross profit declined 0.6% to $168.1 million.

“Our business improved as 2016 came to a close,” stated CEO Michael DeCata.

“Fourth quarter average daily sales increased 5.4% from a year ago and also grew over the immediately preceding quarter. We are seeing evidence in our sales results that we are beginning to grow our way out of the previous downward cycle of the MRO marketplace. It appears the economic headwinds we have faced have begun to subside.”

Average daily sales increased 5.4% to $1.122 million in Q4. Total Q4 sales rose 3.6% to $67.3 million. Gross profit was 60.2%, unchanged from the fourth quarter a year ago.

Q4 sales benefited from growth in strategic, Kent Automotive and government accounts, as well as $800,000 contribution from 2016 acquisitions. Web: lawsonproducts.com