Associated Builders and Contractors reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to nine months in May from 8.8 months in April. The Index reflects an ABC member survey conducted May 17 to June 3. The reading is up one month from May 2021.

Backlog in the infrastructure segment jumped to 9.3 months in May from 8.7 months in April. The Northeast and South regions continue to outperform the Middle States and the West. Contractors with more than $100 million in annual revenues enjoyed the highest backlog, at 13.2 months.

ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins and staffing levels declined in May. The indices for sales and staffing remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months.

“It is simply remarkable that contractors continue to add to backlog amidst global strife, rising materials prices and ubiquitous labor force challenges,” said ABC chief economist Anirban Basu. “Backlog is up in every segment over the past year, including in the somewhat shaky commercial category.”

The largest increase in backlog has been registered in the industrial segment. More American companies are committing to place additional supply chain capacity in the United States, Basu said, with Intel and Ford representing particularly recent and noteworthy examples.

The reading for profit margins was exactly 50 for the month. This ABC survey indicates that the number of contractors expecting that profit margins will expand over the next six months is declining. Bause said this a reflection of lingering and worsening supply chain challenges.

“For contractors, the challenge will continue to be the cost of delivering construction services,” Basu said. “The risk of severe increases in costs and substantial delays in delivery remains elevated given the volatility in input prices, the propensity of the labor force to shift jobs in large numbers and equipment shortages and delays."