“A growth of 9.1 percent looks good because there was the same number of billing days as November 2016 when sales were up 10.9 percent,” said Brian Loftus, market research and benchmarking analyst, HARDI. “The comparison was not easy. Three of the regions produced double-digit growth despite being up against growth in the low teens last November.”

“That makes two consecutive months near-10 percent gains after the late summer swoon,” said Connor Lokar, senior economist, HARDI. “Demand early in the New Year will be supported by healthy consumer spending, but we are trimming our outlook for new housing construction.”

The Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), a measure of how quickly customers pay their bills, is now over 47 days.

“The DSO is up from the low 40s at the end of the summer and this is normal,” said Loftus. “A score of 47 is comparable to last year. We expect the ratio to remain in the 47-49 range the next couple months.”

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.

For more information, visit www.hardinet.org.

Publication date: 12/28/17

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