Special analysis from current month data

For the first time since we began tracking around two years ago we have seen more pull-outs from states, than expansions into new states.

So far this month (November) 20 companies pulled operations out of states versus 17 who have expanded into new states. Although this is the first time we saw an actual reduction of state expansion growth, we have noticed this slowing trend line during the past 4-6 months.

However, 131 companies have posted unit increases compared to 81 who had decreases.

Our synopsis is that; the above facts lend itself to the belief that companies are growing more in a
spoke and wheel development method within a region, while shedding far flung units that prove to be more difficult to operate without close physical corporate and peer contact.