“Nauseating detail”: Credit index shows widespread carnage in manufacturing, service sectors
By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 1/5/2009 9:12:00 AM
Analysis and associated commentary has been issued from accounts receivable insurer Euler Hermes ACI following recent issue of the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) Credit Manager's Index, which recorded its fourth consecutive record low in December—hitting a level of 40.1.
"All 10 components of the index are below the 50 level, representing economic contraction, and six of the components are at record lows," explains Euler Hermes ACI Chief Economist Dan North, who claimed that the "carnage was widespread."
"The nation's credit managers delineated in nauseating detail the business conditions of an economy which has lost almost two million jobs in the last year, and one whose prospects are dismal," North says. "Deteriorating sales and payment patterns are the credit managers' main complaints, and those complaints are likely to strain cash flow and put businesses at risk."
North said that the grim news to end the year comes as no surprise. "Continuing difficulties in both the auto industry and the financial markets are putting a severe drag on the economy, and the housing market is still in decline," he says.
However, 2009 may offer signs of hope for the business landscape, as "it is possible that a change in administrations, super loose monetary policy, and a new stimulus package will help us out of the recession," North concluded. "But according to the credit managers, it's going to be a rough ride until then."
Analysis of the manufacturing and service sectors
Manufacturing Sector
The seasonally adjusted manufacturing index fell 1.4 to 41.0, its fourth consecutive record low. Sales fell a dramatic 11.7 to a record low 26.8, while dollar amount beyond terms fell a record 8.2 to a record low 31.8. Comments from the participants confirm the data:
"Customers are claiming they can't get work and don't have money to pay. Some are inviting us to `go ahead and shut them off' since they aren't working anyway. Also, many customers traditionally 'excellent pay' are now paying a month slow."
"In previous years I sent out about 3 lien/bond notices a year. Currently I send about three lien/bond notices a month."
"...mfg demand down 30%+ orders down 18%."
"Times are tough. We are waiting for them to get harder."
Service Sector
The seasonally adjusted service sector index fell 2.8 to a record low 39.2 For the first time since its inception in February of 2002, all 10 components of the index are below the 50 level indicating economic contraction Like in the manufacturing index, sales and dollar amount beyond terms are the worst components. Similarly, comments from the service sector participants focus on bad payment conditions.
"...customers tell us flat out- we do not have the money to pay more often;"
"...signs of the times...sales and collections are slowing even from solid, long term customers;" "Many customers who have paid very well in the past are dropping in the 60 to 90 day column." "Receivable(s) over 90 days past due continue to increase."
The full Credit Manager's Index report and archives may be viewed here.
