The third quarter 2017 Sales History & Outlook Report (SHOR) released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) showed the decline of 2016 is fading into memory as PTDA distributors total sales reached a record high (annual average basis) in the third quarter with sales up 4.2 percent from one year ago.
The 4Q2017 PTDA Business Index declined to a reading of 60.1 compared to the second quarter reading of 65.1. The decline in the PTDA Business Index is consistent with trends in the ISM’s U.S. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI®), which is generally declining following a tentative peak of 60.2 set in September 2017. However, both readings are above the five-year average of 57.3 and 53.9 respectively.
The PTDA Manufacturer Index declined for the third consecutive quarter to a reading of 60.6 in 4Q2017 from 64.0 in 3Q2017, signaling slowing growth. PTDA distributors also indicated a decline with a 59.4 reading in 4Q2017 versus a 66.5 reading in 3Q2017.
