Report: Construction Backlog Indicator dips, contractor confidence up

The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) reports its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.3 months in February, according to an ABC member survey.

The reading is up 0.2 months since February 2024.

Backlog fell on a monthly basis for contractors with less than $100 million in annual revenues while increasing sharply for contractors with greater than $100 million in annual revenue. The larger contractors have also accounted for most of the increase in backlog observed over the past year.

ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for staffing improved, while the reading for profit margins declined. The reading for sales was unchanged. The readings for all three components remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months.

“While many other economic sentiment readings have deteriorated in recent months, contractors remain optimistic that business conditions will improve through the first half of 2025,” says Anirban Basu, ABC’s chief economist. “Nearly 60 percent of contractors intend to increase their staffing levels over the next six months, the highest share in over two years. These hiring expectations suggest that the recent slowdown in industrywide employment is largely confined to the residential segment.

“Yes, there are some broader signs of emerging economic weakness, but the results of this ABC member survey suggests that contractors will remain busy over the next few quarters,” Basu adds.