Analysts with GA Advisory and Valuation Services, LLC, a division of Great American Group, Inc., report that pricing has increased for a number of non-ferrous metals in recent months amid tight physical supplies, despite lackluster demand in certain segments. In particular, pricing for aluminum, zinc, and lead climbed higher than expected.

"Stockpiles are dwindling and supply deficits are expected for these metals," noted Michael Petruski, Executive Vice President of Great American Group's Advisory and Valuation Services division. "Zinc prices have jumped nearly 25% over the year, as zinc production is slated to fall short of demand for the first time in seven years."

According to Great American Group's newest Metals Monitor, the rising prices for many non-ferrous metals positively impacted recovery values for a number of recent appraisals valuing the related non-ferrous inventory. However, for certain aluminum companies, gross margins were squeezed by the tight spread between prime aluminum and scrap pricing.

Great American Group recognizes that the recent elevation in prices for base metals may be short-lived. "The recent upward trend was driven by tightness in the physical markets," explained Petruski. "But volumes of metals held inside and outside of official exchange warehouses can distort the physical markets in unpredictable ways."

Great American Group, which recently combined with B. Riley & Co. to create a diversified financial services firm, is a leading provider of asset disposition and auction solutions, advisory and valuation services, capital investment, and real estate advisory services for an extensive array of companies.