PIA/GATF Ratios Show Printing Industry Profits Decreasing

PITTSBURGH, Pa.—Printing industry profits decreased slightly over the last year, according to the 2008 PIA/GATF Ratios reports. The sluggish economy and slowing print markets pulled down printers’ profitability during the last year (2007-08).

The average printer’s before-tax profit on sales was 3.1 percent during this past year. This was a decrease compared to 3.4 percent in the 2007 survey; it also is within the 3.0-3.4 percent range experienced from 1995 to 2001. This is the first decrease in profits in the last six years; at this rate the industry will earn approximately $5.4 billion in total profits over the course of the year.