flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Contractor optimism improves as ABC’s Construction Backlog inches up in December

Market Data

Contractor optimism improves as ABC’s Construction Backlog inches up in December

ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins, and staffing levels increased in December.


By AGC | January 13, 2021

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator rebounded modestly to 7.3 months in December, an increase of 0.1 months from November’s reading, according to an ABC member survey conducted from Dec. 18 to Jan. 5. Backlog is 1.5 months lower than in December 2019.

 

 

 

ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins, and staffing levels increased in December. The sales index climbed above the threshold of 50, indicating contractors expect to grow sales over the next six months. The index reading for profit margins remained below that threshold. The staffing level index increased to 56.3 but remains well below its December 2019 reading.

 

 

“While many contractors enter 2021 with significant trepidation, the most recent backlog and confidence readings suggest that the onset of vaccinations has generally led to more upbeat assessments regarding nonresidential construction’s future,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Backlog is down substantially from its year-ago level and profit margins remain under pressure, yet many contractors expect to enjoy higher sales and to support more staff six months from now.

“The baseline expectation is that by the spring, the U.S. economy will blossom,” said Basu. “With many households sitting on mounds of savings and sustaining pent-up demand for many goods and services, the U.S. economy is set for rapid growth as it reopens more fully during mid to late 2021. While it will take time for that to fully translate into new construction projects, some that were postponed earlier during the pandemic are likely to come back to life over the next several months. That should help many contractors begin to rebuild backlog, and to eagerly await 2022.”

 

 

Note: The reference months for the Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index data series were revised on May 12 to better reflect the survey period. CBI quantifies the previous month’s work under contract based on the latest financials available, while CCI measures contractors’ outlook for the next six months.

Related Stories

MFPRO+ Research | Oct 15, 2024

Multifamily rents drop in September 2024

The average multifamily rent fell by $3 in September to $1,750, while year-over-year growth was unchanged at 0.9 percent.

Contractors | Oct 1, 2024

Nonresidential construction spending rises slightly in August 2024

National nonresidential construction spending increased 0.1% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.22 trillion.

The Changing Built Environment | Sep 23, 2024

Half-century real estate data shows top cities for multifamily housing, self-storage, and more

Research platform StorageCafe has conducted an analysis of U.S. real estate activity from 1980 to 2023, focusing on six major sectors: single-family, multifamily, industrial, office, retail, and self-storage.

Student Housing | Sep 17, 2024

Student housing market stays strong in summer 2024

As the summer season winds down, student housing performance remains strong. Preleasing for Yardi 200 schools rose to 89.2% in July 2024, falling just slightly behind the same period last year.

MFPRO+ Research | Sep 11, 2024

Multifamily rents fall for first time in 6 months

Ending its six-month streak of growth, the average advertised multifamily rent fell by $1 in August 2024 to $1,741.

Contractors | Sep 10, 2024

The average U.S. contractor has 8.2 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of August 2024

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.2 months in August, according to an ABC member survey conducted Aug. 20 to Sept. 5. The reading is down 1.0 months from August 2023.

Construction Costs | Sep 2, 2024

Construction material decreases level out, but some increases are expected to continue for the balance Q3 2024

The Q3 2024 Quarterly Construction Insights Report from Gordian examines the numerous variables that influence material pricing, including geography, global events and commodity volatility. Gordian and subject matter experts examine fluctuations in costs, their likely causes, and offer predictions about where pricing is likely to go from here. Here is a sampling of the report’s contents.

Contractors | Aug 21, 2024

The average U.S. contractor has 8.4 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of July 2024

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator held steady at 8.4 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 22 to Aug. 6. The reading is down 0.9 months from July 2023.

MFPRO+ Research | Aug 9, 2024

Apartment completions to surpass 500,000 for first time ever

While the U.S. continues to maintain a steady pace of delivering new apartments, this year will be one for the record books.

Contractors | Aug 1, 2024

Nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in June

National nonresidential construction spending declined 0.2% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.21 trillion. Nonresidential construction has expanded 5.3% from a year ago.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021