FMI Releases Nonresidential Construction Index for Fourth Quarter 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. —FMI (www.fminet.com), a provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, released its Nonresidential Construction Index report for the fourth quarter of 2011.

The NRCI slipped from 52.4 to a barely positive 50.3 this quarter. While the stock market continues its gyrations from news surrounding the future of the Euro countries, the NRCI has managed glacial growth, chugging along just above average for the last two years, average being little to no growth. The NRCI dropping to 50.3 this quarter is less a downward trend than a continuation of moderate growth.

Moderate growth does not mean there are not changes going on in nonresidential construction. In past issues, panelists" expressed views on the increasing use of new methods and technologies like BIM, prefabrication, modularization, integrated project delivery, sustainable construction, as well as improved productivity and business development. Most contractors are better prepared to deal with these challenges than with abrupt changes in the economy.

Current Issues
Overwhelmingly, NRCI panelists do not expect the American Jobs Act and the related National Infrastructure Bank bill to pass as now proposed. Even with public construction as part of the AJA, few panelists expected it would significantly increase backlogs if passed.

This report also looks into a not-so-new problem, how to pay for rising healthcare insurance costs. The issue is resurfacing due to the introduction of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obama Care. Although the majority of NRCI panelists recognize they will have to share the skyrocketing costs of healthcare with employees, a few say they intend to drop policies, pay the penalties and let employees fend for themselves. Twenty percent of panelists have yet to fully examine the options.

Bottom line, little to moderate growth for now. However, this doesn"t mean there won"t be significant changes in how the nonresidential construction industry conducts business over the coming months. To download a copy of the full report, visit www.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;
> Leadership and Talent Development;
> Project and Process Improvement;
> Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Consulting;
> Compensation Data and 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.