Private companies in the United States moved into their third straight quarter of strong performance, according to financial information company Sageworks. Looking at statements filed over the past year, these companies on average grew sales at a rate of 8.6 percent and saw net profit margins approach 7 percent.
With revenues growing at a solid pace and profit margins remaining strong, private U.S. firms are showing positive signs that echo the strength of the most recent GDP revision and the broader market performance this year. “This is a very positive report card,” said Sageworks Chairman Brian Hamilton. “Good performance from private companies is good news for the overall economic climate in the U.S.” Because of the large impact that private companies have on job creation and GDP growth, Hamilton noted, it’s not surprising that these figures coincide with strong economic indicators from elsewhere.
“The economy is making solid progress,” Hamilton said. “There are always concerns. We’re bumping up against the tail end of a bull market and expansionary period, and I’d like unemployment under 6 percent at this point.” But for now, he continued, nothing but positive signs from the country’s private firms.
In the analysis, Sageworks has identified the ten industries with the biggest jumps in profits over the past year. “Some industries have above average profit margins, and some are below average,” said Sageworks analyst Libby Bierman. “However, they’re all seeing profits rise at an extraordinary rate.”
- Lumber and Other Construction Materials Merchant Wholesalers
- Utility System Construction
- Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers
- Hardware, and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- Support Activities for Mining
- Other Specialty Trade Contractors
- Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Residential Building Construction
To read the full Sageworks report, click here.