“With 80 companies responding, the PMPA Business Trends Index for November 2018 declined 11 points to 130,
which was (still) an all-time high for the month of November! Shops reporting sales declines outnumbered those reporting
gains by a ratio of 4:1- not at all unexpected considering the seasonality of shipments this time of year. The Business Trends
Sales Index remains on track to close the year up 8% over 2017.“- PMPA Business Trends Report for November 2018
Outlook for next three months:
- Net Sales: The sales outlook resumes positive expectations for the next three months despite seasonal
factors. - Lead Times: Eighty- six percent of respondents expect lead times to remain the same or increase in the
next three months. - Employment: Prospects for employment continue to be positive with ninety-seven percent (97%) expecting
level or increased opportunities for employment. - Profitability: Eighty-five percent of our respondents expect business and margins to remain strong for the
next three months, just a slight decline from the prior month.
In our April report we forecast that our index of sales would finish the year at 135, up 8% over calendar year 2017. As of this November report, we are at 135, up 8 percent over 2017 with just one month to go.
How is your shop’s performance compared to last year?