Articulon News and Announcements

Nonresidential Construction Index Drops in Fourth Quarter

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FMI, a leading provider of management consulting and investment banking* to the engineering and construction industry, announces the release of the 2013 Fourth Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index report. The NRCI shows a 2.9 point drop in the fourth quarter to 57.4. However, the score is still ahead of fourth quarter 2012 by 1.9 points. An NRCI of more than 50 indicates growth, therefore the fourth quarter score still indicates modest improvement in the industry.

One of the reasons cited for the slight decline is the political infighting and uncertainty. Proceeding with caution by investors seems to be the new norm.

Productivity continues to slide. The 48.6 score is at its lowest since the second quarter of 2008. Ultimately, attention to productivity and profit margins will be key to sustaining growth going forward.

Building construction continues to improve since 2012. However, growth is still unsteady as the numbers have slipped 7.5 points to 64.1 this quarter. Material and labor cost also continues to rise causing the overall NRCI to fall.

To download a copy of the full report, click here. For reprint permission or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact Mike Gauss at mike@articulon.com.

About FMI:
FMI is a leading 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:

  • Strategic Advisory
  • Market Research and Business Development
  • Leadership and Talent Development
  • Project and Process Improvement
  • Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Consulting*
  • Compensation Benchmarking and Consulting
  • Risk Management Consulting

 
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.

*Investment banking services provided by FMI Capital Advisors, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and wholly owned subsidiary of FMI.

SAFE Haven for Cats Hires Articulon Following Calvin’s Paws Crisis

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Media 11-27By now you have probably seen the news about the arrest of Carol De Olliquoi, president of Calvin’s Paws, for animal cruelty. Articulon was contacted by no-kill shelter Safe Haven for Cats, one of the three animal rescue groups that took eight rescued cats from Calvin’s Paws.

Safe Haven has chosen to speak out to the media explaining the tragic nature of all animals that are euthanized. As the case moves forward, we turn our attention to the lucky eight from Safe Haven. It is our privilege to work with Safe Haven and the community about the importance of rescue animals and adoption.

Today, WTVD’s Anna Laurel interviewed Pam Miller, executive director, on the issue.

FMI Predicts U.S. Construction Put in Place Will Reach $977 Billion in 2014

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FMI, a leading provider of management consulting and investment banking* to the engineering and construction industry, announces the release of its 2014 U.S. Markets Construction Overview. With construction put in place at the end of 2013 expected to be at $909.6 billion, researchers at FMI predict CPIP growth rates to be slightly ahead of the GDP in 2014.

Other predictions include:

  • Residential CPIP is anticipated to grow from $338.2 billion in 2013 to $379.6 billion in 2014.
  • Health care CPIP is expected to grow 6 percent in 2014 to $44 billion.
  • Transportation construction should finish 2013 with an 8 percent increase; 2014 predictions show a decrease to 7 percent growth.
  • Manufacturing construction is on the upturn, expected to grow 4 percent in 2014, after its 2 percent drop in 2013.
  • Sewage and waste CPIP should reach $21.3 billion in 2014.

 
With moderate growth predicted marketwide, there are key trends to watch that will likely affect various sectors and regions in the U.S. Presenting both threats and opportunities are:

  • The shift from shale-gas to shale-oil production has led to projections that the U.S. will produce more oil than it imports by late 2014.
  • The federal government’s fiscal difficulties continue to create business uncertainty. Many are worried about the federal debt and the government’s solution to address the problem.
  • Implementation of the Affordable Health Act is causing concern, as repercussions are anticipated.
  • With baby boomers continuing to retire, succession planning and a search for talent remains one of the industry’s primary challenges.
  • Modularization and prefabrication is expected to play an increasingly vital role in improving the productivity of the entire construction value chain.
  • As a result of the expansion of the Panama Canal, U.S. coastal infrastructure opportunities will create significant corridors of construction activity starting as early as 2014.

 
FMI publishes the U.S. Markets Construction Overview annually. To purchase a copy visit www.fminet.com/resources. Members of the media may request a complimentary PDF file of the Overview by clicking here.

About FMI:
FMI is a leading 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:

  • Strategic Advisory
  • Market Research and Business Development
  • Leadership and Talent Development
  • Project and Process Improvement
  • Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Consulting*
  • Compensation Benchmarking and Consulting
  • Risk Management Consulting

 
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.

*Investment banking services provided by FMI Capital Advisors, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and wholly owned subsidiary of FMI.

BBB Helps More Than 1,000 Triangle Residents Protect Their Identity

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BBB October Shred

More than 1,000 Triangle residents participated in the “Secure Your ID” Day event held Saturday at Coastal Federal Credit Union and Executive Office Suites of Lafayette Village. In total, 38,000 lbs of documents and seven tons of electronics were destroyed.

“Identity theft remains a serious issue, and you simply cannot take any chances when it comes to protecting yourself,” said Toby Barfield, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina. “Shredding sensitive documents and destroying electronic devices is an excellent first step, and it was great to see so many people taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Curtis Media Group served as a media sponsor promoting the event on five stations, WPTF, Funny 570, Radio 96.1, WBZJ and LaLey. Free shredding services were provided by PROSHRED® Security and A Shred Ahead® and local recycler GEEP collected all electronics.

TCAR Fundraiser Nets $15,000 for Charity

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The 8th Annual Joint Commercial Real Estate Networking Event, held on September 12, 2013, raised $15,000 to benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, Inc. The money was split evenly, gifting each cause with a check for $7,500.

“This event continues to grow. Over the past two years, the money raised for local charities is up more than 50 percent,” says Joni Barnes, TCAR board president and director of sales and leasing for Pinpoint Properties. “We are so thankful to the sponsors, hosts and attendees who made this year’s event so successful.”

The annual event brought together more than 300 members from eight commercial real estate organizations for networking in a festive environment, with proceeds benefitting the area nonprofits. To date, $90,000 has been donated to local charities, including The Boys and Girls Club of Wake County, Hilltop Homes, Wake County Women’s Shelter, Pretty in Pink, InterAct, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Haven House and Urban Ministries.