HVACR distributor, Watsco Inc., reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012, and announced that revenues increased 15 percent to a record $1 billion. Gross profit increased 12 percent to a record $238 million. Operating income increased 14 percent to a record $86 million.
Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced average U.S. HVACR distributor sales were up 17.9 percent in May 2012. This is the highest month-over-month growth since November 2010, when the looming $1,500 federal tax credit expiration pulled sales forward.
Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced U.S. HVACR average distributor sales for April 2012 were up 8.3 percent.
Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced that North American HVACR average distributor sales were up 11.5 percent in March.
Even though the recession was technically over several years ago, and some economic indicators point to a modest recovery, HVAC contractors remain cautious, as evidenced by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)'s December Contractor Comfort Index (CCI), which measured 53. Weighted and averaged into one number, a CCI of 50 or above reflects anticipated growth. The number for December 2011 was lower than 12 months earlier, when the CCI was 61.
It’s a tough crowd of consumers out there these days, and
the uncertain economic climate is certainly playing a role in their behavior. According
to distributors, consumer behavior is leading to a drop-off in the replacement
market, as well as a drop-off in the high-end market. Yet despite these
worrisome trends, distributors are still seeing areas of growth and employing smart
tactics to keep their businesses in good shape.
