“HARDI distributors start 2017 at a fast clip,” said HARDI Market Research & Benchmarking Analyst Brian Loftus.  “The reported gain was helped by one extra billing day and being compared against a soft January 2016.”

“Pricing will, and likely already has, started to impact this number in a positive manner,” said HARDI Senior Economist Connor Lokar. “The US Producer Price Index contracted throughout much of 2015 and all of 2016, but rose 1.8% on average during the last three months. Essentially every raw material (agricultural commodities not included) is in a rising price trend.”

The Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), a measure of how quickly customers pay their bills, is now at 46.2 days. “This is the best report for this time of year for this economic expansion,” said Loftus. “Distributor customers are busy and paying their bills on time.”

HARDI members do not receive financial compensation in exchange for their monthly sales data and can discontinue their participation without prior notice or penalty. Participation is voluntary, and the depth of market coverage varies from region to region. An independent entity collects and compiles the data that can include products not directly associated with the HVACR industry.

ABOUT HARDI

HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International) is the single voice of wholesale distribution within the HVACR industry.

HARDI members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts and supplies. HARDI Distributor members serve installation and service/replacement contractors in residential and commercial markets, as well as commercial/industrial and institutional maintenance staffs. HARDI proudly represents more than 480 distributor members representing more than 5,000 branch locations, and close to 500 suppliers, manufacturer representatives and service vendors.