The second quarter 2018 Sales History & Outlook Report (SHOR) released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) indicates the average PTDA distributors’ index for total sales during 2Q18 was up 6.5 percent from the year-ago level. PTDA manufacturers’ average index for total sales was also strong, up 8.9 percent from a year ago. While both indices are in an accelerating growth phase, evidence suggests a slowing growth trend by the end of 2018.

The 3Q2018 PTDA Business Index ticked down for the second quarter in a row, to a reading of 63.1 compared to the second quarter 2018 reading of 70.3 but still remains above ISM’s U.S. Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) of 57.7. The overall trend suggests slowing growth ahead for PTDA member sales.

PTDA members participating in SHOR receive the results and forecasts through 2020 at no charge approximately 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter. For more specifics on the forecast for power transmission/motion control sales through distribution as well as forecasts for manufacturer sales, purchase the 2Q2018 SHOR here.

 

The PTDA Business Index is modeled after the widely respected PMI and tracks change in business activity, new orders, employment, supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and backlog in the PT/MC industry to arrive at an overall index. The entire 3Q2018 PTDA Business Index report is available through PTDA’s website below.