WESCO International, Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2016. For the quarter, the company announced net sales of $1,793.3 million compared to $1,861.5 million for the same period a year ago. Income from operations was $82.1 million compared to $90.0 million for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $64.6 million compared to $80.1 million for the same period a year ago. Net income was $47.8 million compared to $48.6 million for the same period a year ago. Net income attributable to the company was $47.4 million compared to $48.4 million for the same period a year ago. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.96 compared to $1.03 for the same period a year ago. Cash flow provided by operations was $83.0 million compared to $107.1 million for the same period a year ago. Capital expenditures were $4.8 million compared to $5.5 million for the same period a year ago. Free cash flow was $78.2 million compared to $101.6 million for the same period a year ago.

For the full year, the company announced net sales of $7,336.0 million compared to $7,518.5 million for the same period a year ago. Income from operations was $332.0 million compared to $373.7 million for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $131.5 million compared to $303.9 million for the same period a year ago. Net income was $101.1 million compared to $208.4 million for the same period a year ago. Net income attributable to the company was $101.6 million compared to $210.7 million for the same period a year ago. Diluted earnings per common share were $2.10 compared to $4.18 for the same period a year ago. EBITDA was $398.9 million compared to $438.7 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted income before income taxes was $255.4 million compared to $303.9 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted net income attributable to the company was $184.3 million compared to $210.7 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted diluted earnings per common share were $3.80. Cash flow provided by operations was $300.2 million compared to $283.1 million for the same period a year ago. Capital expenditures were $18.0 million compared to $21.7 million for the same period a year ago. Free cash flow was $282.2 million compared to $261.4 million for the same period a year ago.

The company re-affirmed earnings guidance for the full year of fiscal 2017. The company reaffirmed its expectation of 2017 sales in the range of flat to up 4%, EPS of $3.60 to $4.00 per diluted share, and free cash flow generation of at least 90% of net income. The company expected operating margin in the range of 4.4% to 4.6%. The company anticipated an effective tax rate of approximately 30% and 49 million shares outstanding.

For the first quarter, the company expected a decrease in sales of down 3% to flat, reflecting gradual improvement in end markets. The first quarter is seasonally company's lightest quarter, with sales generally 5% to 7% lower than the other quarters. As a result, the first quarter is typically the lowest for operating margin, and accordingly, the company expected operating margin of 3.8% to 4.1%.