FMI Design Index Moves Into the Black

Q3 Revenues for the Top 19 Publically Traded Design Firms Exceed $30.6 billion

RALEIGH, N.C. (November 29, 2012) – FMI, the largest provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, announces the release of its Third Quarter Engineering and Technical Professional Services Update. The Design Index has been slowly rising since April. As of September, the index is in the black. Gross revenues for the top 19 publically traded design firms exceeded $30.6 billion, with combined earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization topping $1.9 billion. Only one firm had a negative EBITDA, and only three reported negative income for Q3 2012. The median debt to cash ratio is positive at $282 million in debt to $398 million in cash. However, the mean ratio still lags, with debt exceeding cash at $726 million in debt compared to $630 in cash and short-term investments.

M&A activity continues at a steady pace, with 16 notable transaction July through September. However, Q3 has been somewhat slower than the first two quarters. Over the last few years, there appears to be a continuing trend toward architectural, engineering and construction firms coming together to become in effect AEC firms.

As part of the report, Steve Isaacs, P.E., consulting division manager for FMI, shares the first in a two part series of articles addressing “The Consilience of Design and Construction.” In addition, five notable C-suite executives share views about their companies and the future of the marketplace.

To download a copy of the full report, click here. For reprint permission or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact Sarah Vizard Avallone at 919.785.9221 orsavallone@fminet.com.

About FMI
FMI is the largest provider of management consulting, investment banking and research to the engineering and construction industry. We work in all segments of the industry providing clients with value-added business solutions, including:

• Strategy Development
• Market Research and Business Development
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Founded by Dr. Emol A. Fails in 1953, FMI has professionals in offices across the U.S. FMI delivers innovative, customized solutions to contractors; construction materials producers, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials and equipment, owners and developers, engineers and architects, utilities, and construction industry trade associations. FMI is an advisor you can count on to build and maintain a successful business, from your leadership to your site managers. For more information, visit www.fminet.com.