COLUMBUS, Ohio — HARDI released its monthly TRENDS (Targeted & Regional Economic News for Distribution Strategies) report, which provides distributor sales analysis. The average sales growth for reporting HVACR distributor members increased by 8.2 percent in October 2014, compared to the same period the previous year. The annualized growth through October was 6.4 percent, consistent with its range throughout 2014.

HARDI Senior Economist Danielle Marceau said, “Annual retail sales are up 2.6 percent from last year and the quarterly trends suggest a brief acceleration in the near-term. This will support additional upward momentum for members.”

“October had an excuse to fade after an impressive September showed 15 percent growth, but HARDI distributors had another strong month,” said HARDI Market Research and Benchmarking Analyst Brian Loftus. “Each of the seven reporting regions had positive results, and four of them reported double-digit gains. This October had the same number of billing days as October 2013, which also experienced good growth.”

The Days Sales Outstanding or DSO, a measure of how quickly customers pay their bills, was at 46.5 days, a bit shorter than the previous year at that time. The recent seasonal pattern indicates a gradual increase is likely to reach the low 50s by early spring.

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.

Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is a voice of wholesale distribution within the HVACR industry. HARDI members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts and supplies.

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