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New Forecasts, Expanded “Focus” Profiles, Website Enhancements, Trade Show

New Forecasts in First Research Industry Profiles

Solar and Wind Power Generation, Computer Manufacture, and the Automobile Industry as a whole are forecast to post the strongest growth through 2015, according to updated industry forecasts now available in industry content in HOL and First Research.

The forecasts are based on data from INFORUM Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. (IERF) in College Park, MD. The numbers represent revenue growth of US establishments, due to increases in production volume and unit prices, for 2010 through 2015.

These forecasts help you understand how an industry may perform in the next few years in terms of future revenue growth, given micro- and macroeconomic factors. Basically, the forecast gives you an idea of the market climate facing you and your customers.

Industries posting the strongest forecasted growth are Solar and Wind Power Generation, Computer Manufacture, and the Automobile Industry.

Solar and Wind Power Generation
Growth in solar and wind power generation is being driven by advances in technology and government initiatives to develop clean, renewable energy sources. High oil and gas prices, which translate into increased electricity, heating, and fuel costs, are also helping to spur private investment and demand for alternative power sources and energy independence.

Computer Manufacture
Computer manufacturing is expected to post strong growth as consumers and businesses resume investment in new computer technology and upgrades that were postponed during the economic downturn. Shipments of portable computers, such as laptops and tablets, are forecast to overtake PCs.

Automobile Industry
Automobile manufacturers, dealers, and parts suppliers are forecast to see increased production demand and sales as consumers replace aged vehicles and businesses renew their fleets. Large purchases, such as vehicles, are often postponed during economic downturns or denied due to tightened lending.

Industries posting the largest forecasted declines in growth include Highway and Street Construction and Wired Telecommunications Carriers

Highway and Street Construction
Budget deficits and spending cuts at the federal, state, and local levels are expected to take a toll on the highway and street construction industry. Road projects may be cut or postponed as funds dry up. In addition, high oil prices are raising the cost of construction materials, such as asphalt, and adding pressure to already-tight profit margins as highway and street construction companies battle to win bids for fewer contracts.

Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Wired Telecommunications Carriers will continue to suffer losses in call volume as more customers drop their landline service and rely on cell phones. Cable and Internet services companies are also eroding wired telecommunications carriers’ customer bases by bundling voice calling with their Internet and video services.

Expanded Industry Profiles
We’ve expanded our U.S. “Focus On” industry profiles to give you more comprehensive and timely data. Now you get monthly updated news and statistics, as well as financial benchmarks, business challenges and opportunities. Take a look at the newly expanded profiles: Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, Cruise Ships, Dermatologists, Drug Wholesalers, Erosion Control Services, Executive Search Services, Fast-Food & Quick-Service Restaurants, General Surgeons, Homeowner Associations, Internet Auctions, Luxury Automobile Dealerships, Mental Health Professionals, Motor Vehicle Towing, OBGYNs, Oncologists, Payroll Services, Pediatricians, Personal Computer Manufacturing, and Podiatrists.

Improvements to Website
We have made some key navigational and communication improvements on our website based on your feedback. Keep up-to-date on our latest innovations in “First Research Inside News” on your home page.

Trade Shows
First Research is a silver sponsor and Hoover’s is a gold sponsor at the Sales 2.0 Conference on June 20 in Boston. This conference event is for savvy sales, marketing, and sales operations leaders to learn how to deliver better results to customers, streamline sales and marketing processes, and continuously meet and exceed management goals. For more, see here.