Manufacturing Companies

Manufacturers cautiously optimistic, survey says

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Despite feeling constrained by the lack of customer demand, U.S. manufacturing executives are optimistic about the prospects for their companies and the economy, said a recent survey by accounting firm Baker Tilly.

The survey found that over half of manufacturing executives - 57 percent - are optimistic about the economic outlook for the next six months, while 70 percent are planning to keep employment levels steady.

Recession may be easing, index indicates

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The economy may recover sooner than previously expected, and possibly as early as later this year, according to the most recent Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI).

The June index, released this week, rose for the third consecutive month, with a 0.7 percent increase.

The LEI's six-month change has risen to 2 percent - which represents an annual rate of 4.1 percent - compared to the -3.1 percent change from the previous six months, which had marked an annual rate of -6.2 percent.

LED lights the way for venture capitalists

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Entrepreneurs - as well as manufacturing and fabrication companies - looking for the next bright idea to increase their working capital may want to invest in energy-efficient lighting, experts say.

Trade and manufacturing sales, inventories post small decline, New York's index shows recovery

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Manufacturing companies may still need to keep a close eye on their business financing, as the U.S. Census Bureau just announced that trade and manufacturing sales and inventories fell in May, though only slightly.

The report found that sales slipped 0.1 percent in May, settling at $966.1 billion. This marks a 17.8 percent decrease from May 2008.

Meanwhile, inventories fell 1 percent to an estimated $1,368.1 billion, making it 8 percent lower than last year's reading.

Consumer spending and import increases put the brakes on GDP decline

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Small businesses may start to experience a glimmer of financial relief, as the latest results from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicate that the economy is showing signs of turning around.

According to final estimates, the country's real gross domestic product (GDP) posted a decline of 5.5 percent in the first quarter of 2009 - a smaller decrease than both the 6.3 percent experienced in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the 5.7 percent decrease projected by preliminary estimates.