NEW YORK, NY, May 17, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
After an impressive first quarter retail stocks have cooled off
recently as recent data shows consumer spending softened last month.
SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) — which seeks to replicate an index that
invests in industries such as apparel retail, automotive retail, food
retail, department stores, Internet retail, general merchandise
stores, drug retail, and hypermarkets and super centers — has gained
less than a quarter of a percent over the last month. The Paragon
Report examines investing opportunities in the Retail Industry and
provides equity research on The Gap Inc.

/quotes/zigman/227242/quotes/nls/gps GPS
-2.28%

and American
Eagle Outfitters

/quotes/zigman/183513/quotes/nls/aeo AEO
+0.44%

.

Access to full reports can be found at:

www.ParagonReport.com/GPS

www.ParagonReport.com/AEO

According to number released by the Commerce Department Tuesday
retail sales for the month of April increased by just 0.1 percent,
the smallest gain since December. “Though consumer spending softened
in April, retailers overall have seen solid sales growth so far this
spring, a positive indicator we’re heading in the right direction,”
said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “With 22 straight months of
sustained retail sales growth, retailers are optimistic as they gear
up for the all-important summer shopping season.”

Paragon Report releases regular market updates on the Retail Industry
so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment
decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register
with us free at
www.ParagonReport.com and get exclusive access to our
numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing,
accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and
babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and
Athleta brands. The company recently reported that net sales for the
first quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 6 percent compared with last
year, and April 2012 net sales were flat compared with last year.

American Eagle Outfitters operates more than 1,000 stores in North
America, and ships to 77 countries worldwide through its websites.
American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie merchandise also is available at
approximately 25 international franchise stores in 10 countries. The
company recently announced that based on stronger than expected sales
and less promotional activity, the company is raising its first
quarter earnings expectation to $0.18 to $0.20 per diluted share,
compared to earnings of $0.14 per diluted share last year.

Paragon Report provides Market Research focused on equities that
offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We
strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We
constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members.
The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the
above-mentioned companies. We act as independent research portal and
are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the
full disclaimer at:
www.ParagonReport.com/disclaimer

SOURCE: Paragon Financial Limited

Copyright 2012 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.

/quotes/zigman/227242/quotes/nls/gps

Add to portfolio

GPS

Gap Inc.

US

: U.S.: NYSE

$
25.71

-0.60
-2.28%

Volume: 15.40M
May 18, 2012 4:00p

P/E Ratio15.25
Dividend Yield1.94%

Market Cap$12.83 billion
Rev. per Employee$111,674

/quotes/zigman/183513/quotes/nls/aeo

Add to portfolio

AEO

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

US

: U.S.: NYSE

$
18.40

+0.08
+0.44%

Volume: 3.88M
May 18, 2012 4:01p

P/E Ratio23.81
Dividend Yield2.39%

Market Cap$3.59 billion
Rev. per Employee$79,793

Financial Glossary

Words used in this article:

Miniature golfing may seem like a classic summer pastime, but it’s fast becoming the next big thing in family vacation activities. More than 26 million people age six and older golfed in the US in 2011, according to the National Golf Foundation, and more are expected to do so this year. The New York Times recently dubbed the North Myrtle Beach area the “mini golf capital of the world”; there are about 50 local courses to choose from. Want to get in on the mini golf action? Book a spring or summer trip with Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach! The company has even compiled a list of the best area courses below:

• Mutiny Bay: Players at this course are treated to a pirate show every 30 minutes. It’s located on Highway 17 South, so it’s close to a lot of VRNMB’s vacation homes and condos. Visit mutinybaygolf.com for details.
• Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf: This course is located at the top of a mountain; players get to the first hole by train. Professor Hacker, an avid golfer, also has another course called Dinosaur Adventure, which features hot air balloons, waterfalls, and, of course, dinosaurs. Details at losttreasuregolf.com.
• Mayday Mountain: Just call it “Lost: The Golf Course”; Mayday Mountain features a lush, tropical course built around a (fictional) plane crash. Visit maydaygolf.com for details.
• Molten Mountain: This is a course for only the bravest golfers; it supposedly lies at the heart of a “very angry” volcano. Details at mutinybaygolf.com.

Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach is conveniently located at 1021 2nd Avenue North, Suite 6 and can be contacted directly to discuss rental properties at 1-888-488-8588 or online at http://www.vacationrentalsofnmb.com.

# # #

The CD/USB/MP3/WMA radio with built-in Bluetooth offers a whole host of premium audio features, such as Digital Time Alignment, 5 band parametric equalizer, 24 bit Digital to Analogue Converter, 50W x 4 amplifiers, digital 2 or 3-way crossovers, and 5 volt 6 channel RCA outputs for a far superior system installation.

Despite the prevalence of Bluetooth technology as standard in in-car audio systems purchased on the high street, Clarions new relationship with premium provider Parrot Bluetooth ensures that its supporting units now offer the greatest level of mobile phone compatibility on the market. Maximum hands-free communication via the built-in microphone and multiple phonebook access and unrivalled audio streaming are both possible with the minimum of fuss.

Clarion has also long-since recognised its customers desire and need for fully integrated operation of Apples iconic mobile media device, the iPod. Utilising Clarions solution, lsquo;Simple Control, is made straight-forward by connecting an iPod or iPhone via the USB cable supplied with the device, to allow operation using the iPod/iPhone controls that youre used to using, in addition to control direct through the source unit.

In addition, the ABC Search function lets you list the names of Songs and Artists stored on the device that start with the alphabet letter you choose. This is much more convenient than scrolling through long lists, or having to enter a specific name. Whats more, your iPod or iPhone battery is charged while connected to the source unit, so its ready to go at full power the moment you reach your destination.

In line with an increased use of video via both devices, Clarions CZ702E will also support playback of MP4 file formats with the optional addition of a CCA750 cable and external monitor.

With a host of in-car audio lsquo;firsts behind it, Clarion has crammed all its expertise in sound reproduction techniques into the top of the range single DIN showpiece.

Digital Time Alignment ensures the sound from each speaker reaches the listener at the same time, for perfect sound imaging, whilst the digital 2 or 3-way crossover guarantees that each speaker receives an optimised signal.

Built-in high pass and low pass filters and Beat EQ pre-sets (BASS BOOST, IMPACT and EXCITE) allow greater customisation and with separate subwoofer volume control, the impressive 4 x 50 Watt internal amplifier is put to good use.

With analogue radios date of demise in the UK remaining a hot topic for debate, Clarion has at least ensured its top of the range audio head unit is DAB ready, with the optional addition of a DAB302E hide-away receiver allowing access to DAB/DAB+/DMB-A radio stations.

With 29% of all radio listening now done via digital platforms, and digital-only stations accounting for almost 25% of all digital listening, Clarions CZ702E features a host of methods to search for an expanding list of exclusive channels, as well as further helpful features and functions designed to maximise enjoyment.

Embracing style as well as substance, the CZ702E benefits from a fresh design impetus for 2012; featuring a large rotary volume control, a white LCD display (13 segment 10 x 2 Line), piano black fascia and variable 728 colour button and display illumination, allowing for a more seamless integration into any dashboard configuration.

The CZ702E and DAB302E hide-away receiver will be available from April via Clarions dedicated network of appointed dealers, priced at RRP pound;229 and pound;149 respectively.

For full details, visit clarion.co.uk.

NEW YORK, NY, May 17, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
Natural gas prices have surged recently after being in a long
slump. Recent advances in technology have unlocked new reserves and
seen production skyrocket as a result. The United States Natural Gas
Fund is up nearly 20 percent over the last month, showing signs of a
long awaited recovery for the industry. The Paragon Report examines
investing opportunities in the Natural Gas Industry and provides
equity research on SandRidge Energy Inc.

/quotes/zigman/473744/quotes/nls/sd SD
-0.57%

and United States
Natural Gas Fund, LP

/quotes/zigman/8909134/quotes/nls/ung UNG
+1.53%

.

Access to full reports can be found at:

www.ParagonReport.com/SD

www.ParagonReport.com/UNG

Natural gas futures on Tuesday rose 2.8 percent to $2.50 /mmBtu. The
Energy Information Administration (EIA) is set to release weekly gas
inventory date Thursday. According a recent article in the Wall
Street Journal it is anticipated that the data will show inventories
rose significantly less than the year-ago level of 86 billion cubic
feet and the five-year average of 91 bcf, on increased demand from
electrical utilities, who have recently switched from coal to gas.

“Narrowing in the surplus … [is] a more important driver of natural
gas pricing than the huge absolute supply level,” said Jim
Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch & Associates. As a result of
this mentality, he said, “We are leaving open the possibility of a
further price advance to around the $2.61 area.”

Paragon Report releases regular market updates on the Natural Gas
Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best
investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to
register with us free at
www.ParagonReport.com and get exclusive
access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

SandRidge averaged 36 rigs operating during the first quarter of 2012
and drilled 250 wells. A total of 240 gross (213 net) operated wells
were completed and brought on production during the first quarter of
2012. Currently, the company has 42 rigs operating (including five
drilling saltwater disposal wells), of which 20 are SandRidge-owned
Lariat rigs.

The United States Natural Gas Fund LP is an exchange-traded security
that is designed to track in percentage terms the movements of
natural gas prices. Natural Gas is one of the most important physical
commodities in the global economy. Natural Gas futures are one of the
most actively traded futures contracts and represent the primary US
benchmark for natural gas.

Paragon Report provides Market Research focused on equities that
offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We
strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We
constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members.
The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the
above-mentioned companies. We act as independent research portal and
are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the
full disclaimer at:
www.ParagonReport.com/disclaimer

SOURCE: Paragon Financial Limited

Copyright 2012 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.

/quotes/zigman/473744/quotes/nls/sd

Add to portfolio

SD

SandRidge Energy Inc.

US

: U.S.: NYSE

$
6.01

-0.03
-0.57%

Volume: 3.29M
May 18, 2012 12:02p

P/E Ratio17.61
Dividend YieldN/A

Market Cap$2.98 billion
Rev. per Employee$610,197

/quotes/zigman/8909134/quotes/nls/ung

Add to portfolio

UNG

United States Natural Gas Fund L.P.

US

: U.S.: NYSE Arca

$
19.20

+0.29
+1.53%

Volume: 5.55M
May 18, 2012 12:03p

P/E RatioN/A
Dividend YieldN/A

Market Cap$1.03 billion
Rev. per EmployeeN/A

Financial Glossary

Words used in this article:

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., May 17, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) –
The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is pleased to announce that its’ 2011 Winter Conference & Trade Show was once again named to Trade Show Executive (TSE) Magazine’s List of Gold 100 Trade Shows and Trade Show Network News’ (TSNN) Top 250 Trade Shows in the U.S. List. The TSE Gold 100 Awards honor the exhibition industry’s leading 100 shows in North American that set the standard of excellence within the Trade Show and Exhibition Industry. The Tarsus Group’s Trade Show News Network (TSNN) Top 250 Awards represent largest trade shows in the country based on square footage. The latest issue of Expo Magazine also name Tony Lee, CHA’s vice president of Meetings & Exhibits as one of twenty on the EXPO Elite List for 2012 recognizing individuals for their leadership and success in the exhibition industry.

“We are excited that our Winter Show has been again recognized for excellence and is included on this prestigious list alongside other leading shows in the exhibitions industry,” says Tony Lee, CHA vice president, Meetings & Exhibitions. “I give credit to the industry, our Board of Directors, exhibitors, attendees and staff that make the Winter Show a joy to develop, enhance and promote.”

The actual rank order of the TSE Gold 100 Awards winners is confidential and will be announced at the Fifth Annual TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit, October 3 – 5, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC. The rankings were compiled by TSE’s editorial team during a year-long process that involved gathering data, resolving discrepancies and obtaining certified statements of accuracy from the organizers. This selection represents CHA’s fourth consecutive year of inclusion on the TSE Gold 100 Trade Shows list.

CHA is pleased to be featured on the 2011 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list, snagging 115th place – up twelve places from 127th place last year. The rankings are based on the data supplied to TSNN by show management. The list represents the top 250 trade shows held last year in the U.S. ranked by net square footage.

“We are very pleased to have both our CHA Winter Show and Tony Lee honored by leading exhibition publications like TSNN, Trade Show Executive and EXPO Magazine. To have the craft industry recognized by having our Winter Show listed with other leading shows is a reflection not only on the member-supported programs and the responsive leadership provided by Tony, but by our entire team here at CHA,” explained Andrej Suskavcevic, President & CEO, CHA.

ABOUT THE CRAFT & HOBBY ASSOCIATION

The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is an international not-for-profit trade association consisting of thousands of member companies engaged in the design, manufacture, distribution and retail sales of craft products worldwide. For more about CHA, the value of membership, or its award-winning Conferences & Trade Shows, please visit
www.craftandhobby.org .

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire,
www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: The Craft & Hobby Association

CONTACT: Catherine Martell
cmartell@craftandhobby.org
201 835 1207

(C) Copyright 2010 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved.

Financial Glossary

Words used in this article:

M Squared Real Estate has today announced the upcoming availability of residences within the new 515 Q Street Condominium property. Set within the bustling Shaw neighborhood and developed by Devereux Ventures, these new residences offer luxury living within one of Washington DC’s most sought after areas. Of course, owners will find much more to love here than the location.

515 Q Street is a new condominium development, featuring all-new construction and three different residences. Constructed with green building materials, including Low E Energy Star windows, energy efficient roofing and LED accent lighting, the development embodies industry-best design and construction practices with minimal environmental impact.

Each of the three residences features luxurious interiors for the utmost in enjoyment. Owners will find maple hardwood flooring throughout, as well as 10-foot ceilings, in-ceiling speakers, spacious walk-in closets and new front-loading washers and dryers. Gourmet kitchens are also included within each residence, utilizing the utmost in modern technology and design. Owners will enjoy custom cabinetry, over and under-cabinet accent lighting (LED), built-in microwaves, Italian

pendant lighting and Italian marble countertops.

Additionally, these residences feature luxurious designer bathrooms outfitted with pristine Italian white Carrera marble, Italian vanities, designer Italian sink faucets and more. Owners will love the dual master bathroom sinks, as well as the modern door hardware and the oversized showers.

Residence One features 1,400 square feet of space, and includes a private backyard. Residence Two offers 1,200 square feet and a private terrace. Residence Three offers 1,200 square feet of living space, as well as a private rooftop deck for additional enjoyment. All units start from the $500s and will be available summer, 2012.

To find out more about 515 Q Street, visit http://515QStreet.com.

Extended press release available at http://www.515qstreet.com/2012/05/introducing-515-q-street/

About 515 Q Street

Set within one of DC’s most popular neighborhoods, 515 Q Street Condominiums were developed by Devereux Ventures and are designed with industry-best green construction techniques and the utmost in luxury materials and modern architecture. Featuring three unique residences, this property places owners in the heart of the DC renaissance, with all the trappings of luxury living.

About M Squared Real Estate

M Squared is a Washington, DC, independent real estate brokerage focusing on technology, marketing and agent offerings. M Squared has been recognized within the industry and received national attention for its unique, nontraditional brokerage model and service offerings. More information is available at http://msqrealty.com

To promote literacy and a passion for reading is the goal of A Book of My Own Literacy Campaign. The high value placed on reading by the citizens of Windsor and Essex County was quite obvious at our third annual sale of new and used books held at Windsor Crossing in April.

Partnering with us in this sale was The Windsor Star/ Postmedia Raise-a-Reader program. As a beneficiary of Raise-a-Reader, we were already aware of the active involvement of The Windsor Star in its support of local childrens literacy programs, but this sale once again provided an occasion for everyone to obtain some excellent reading material at a fraction of the retail cost.

A thank you is due to many who helped to ensure the success of this event: first and foremost, the Windsor Crossing management which so generously provided the space for the sale; the Canadian Tire stores that allowed the public to drop off gently used books then provided polite and personable crews to deliver the donated books to the sale site; Koolini Italian Eatery, which provided lunch for the volunteers during the sale; the Windsor Public Library system for their donation of books, and an enormous thank you to our volunteers, who not only gave of their time during the three days of the sale, but also spent many hours sorting and classifying the donated books for the five weeks preceding the sale.

Our gratitude also goes out to Jeff Galad and Bev Becker and all our friends at The Windsor Star for the time and talent they provided to ensure that this sale would again prove successful. We cannot fully express how fortunate we feel to be allied with such a supportive partner.

Last but not least, we deeply appreciate the patronage of you, the public, who shared your gently used literary treasures with us.

To those of you who came to the sale and left with priceless bargains, thank you for your contribution.

Your purchases will not only provide enjoyment for yourself, but will also provide a means for children in Windsor and Essex County to find that same enjoyment you have experienced in the pages of a cherished book.

There are many ways to enrich a childs world, but none can compare with the joy of reading. You are helping us to provide that joy to countless children and youth in the city and the county who might not otherwise experience that opportunity.

In appreciation, on their behalf, and on behalf of the board of directors,

MARY JANE FINN, president, A Book of My Own Literacy Campaign, Windsor

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
Redpine Signals, Inc., a leading developer of ultra-low-power, high-performance multi-standard wireless chipsets and systems, announced today that Network Products Guide, industry’s leading technology research and advisory guide, has named its Maxi-Fi® BEAM450(TM) chipset a winner of the 7th Annual 2012 Hot Companies and Best Products Awards in the Mobile and Wireless Solutions category.

The BEAM450 chipset provides three-stream IEEE 802.11n dual-band connectivity at up to 450Mbps data rates. Unlike a standard Wi-Fi chipset, this chipset supports innovative features that are critical for effective wireless operation in future emerging RF environments at homes and enterprises. It offers reconfigurable single-chip simultaneous dual-band capability wherein the chipset can be configured on-the-fly through software as either a 3×3 802.11n solution in 5GHz or simultaneous 2×2 11n in 5GHz and 1×1 802.11n in 2.4GHz.

An annual achievements and recognition awards program with active participation from a broad spectrum of industry voices, the coveted annual Hot Companies and Best Products recognition program encompasses the world’s best in organizational performance, products and services, hot technologies, executives and management teams, successful deployments, product management and engineering, customer satisfaction, and public relations in every area of information technology.

“This esteemed industry and peer award recognition of Redpine’s BEAM450 chipset by Network Products Guide is a great honor,” said Venkat Mattela, CEO of Redpine Signals. “This further validates our position as a company poised to successfully overcome the issues in high performance wireless connectivity faced by organizations today.”

These industry and peer recognitions from Network Products Guide are the world’s premier information technology awards honoring achievements and recognitions in every facet of the IT industry. Winners from all over the world were honored in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 during the 7th annual dinner and presentations.

About Network Products Guide AwardsAs industry’s leading technology research and advisory publication, Network Products Guide plays a vital role in keeping decision makers and end-users informed of the choices they can make in all areas of information technology. You will discover a wealth of information and tools in this guide including the best products and services, roadmaps, industry directions, technology advancements and independent product evaluations that facilitate in making the most pertinent technology decisions impacting business and personal goals. The guide follows conscientious research methodologies developed and enhanced by industry experts. To learn more, visit
www.networkproductsguide.com .

About Redpine Signals, Inc.Headquartered in San Jose, California, Redpine Signals, Inc., is a fabless semiconductor and wireless system solutions company focusing on innovative, ultra-low-power and high-performance products for next-generation wireless applications. Redpine was founded in 2001 and was the first in the industry to launch an ultra low power and low-cost single-stream 802.11n chipset in late 2007. Again, in 2009 Redpine pioneered the adoption of self-contained 802.11n modules into the then emerging M2M market. Redpine offers chipsets, modules and solutions covering multiple market segments including industrial, consumer electronics, medical, mobile, PC, and smart energy. Its technology portfolio includes multi-stream 802.11n, 802.11ac, BT4.0 and mobile WiMax (802.16e). The company has more than 150 employees worldwide. For more information on Redpine products, visit
http://www.redpinesignals.com/ or contact Redpine at info@redpinesignals.com.

Contact InformationFran Boseckerfbosecker@pr-vantage.com (845)536-1416

Venkat MattelaVenkat.mattela@redpinesignals.com (408)748-3385 x207

Redpine Signals, the Redpine logo, Lite-Fi, and Maxi-Fi are registered trademarks of Redpine Signals, Inc. All other company names, products and logos are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Redpine Signals, Inc.

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Financial Glossary

Words used in this article:

NEW YORK, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
McGraw-Hill Construction today launched the Dodge Momentum Index, a 12-month leading indicator of construction spending for nonresidential building. Based on a 91% correlation between construction planning reports, as reported by Dodge, and the Commerce Department’s Put in Place spending over the past 10 years, the index is an early and accurate leading indicator of future construction spending. It will prove useful to building product manufacturers, AEC firms, construction industry professionals, economists and Wall Street analysts. The index will be issued monthly.

The predictive accuracy of the index is derived from the source of data that feeds it: the proprietary Dodge database of first-issued construction planning reports. Dodge is the sole private provider of construction starts and project data analysis to the U.S. Census Bureau, supporting the federal government’s monthly estimate of construction spending, a key input for the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). One-third of projects in the Dodge database are in the planning stage-the projects that feed the new Dodge Momentum Index.

“The strength of the new Dodge Momentum Index is that it’s based on proprietary planning data from Dodge’s national network of reporters. These are individual, real-life projects, many of which will become construction starts down the road and generate construction spending dollars,” said Kate Cassino, Vice President of Product Development for McGraw-Hill Construction. “We have the benefit of using our world-renowned Dodge project information to create a highly accurate index, rather than relying on survey-based data.”

In designing the new Dodge Momentum Index, McGraw-Hill examined more than a decade of monthly planning data (from January 2002 to February 2012) which produced an exceptionally strong correlation of 91% with the Commerce Department’s nonresidential building construction put in place spending. Importantly, the analysis shows that changes in the Dodge nonresidential new planning data leads changes in Commerce spending put in place by twelve months.

Since reaching bottom in July 2011 at a level of 77.1 (2000=100), the index has trended up in all but two months. In April 2012, the Dodge Momentum Index climbed 1.0 points from the previous month to reach a level of 94.7. According to Robert Murray, Vice President of Economic Affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction, “The relatively steady movement upward since the middle of last year suggests that construction spending put in place for nonresidential buildings should begin to move in a more consistently positive direction during the second half of 2012. This is good news for an industry that has been strongly hit by declines since the 2009 recession.”

The strong relationship established between the Dodge Momentum Index and construction spending, with its full year of lead time, means that the index is likely to prove extremely valuable to construction industry professionals, as well as economists and Wall Street analysts. For McGraw-Hill Construction’s customers, the index serves as an excellent full year leading indicator of future construction spending and demand for construction products and services. For economists, it’s an accurate leading indicator of construction spending when assessing longer term outlooks and the health of the construction industry against the broader economy. For Wall Street analysts, the index provides directional information that acts as a variable to help underscore their predictive models, and health of the sector.

“The Dodge data provides daily opportunity for discovery and inspiration for new ideas and new offerings to help our customers plan ahead smartly and succeed,” said Keith Fox, President, McGraw-Hill Construction. “The Dodge Momentum Index joins the ranks of Dodge BuildShare(TM) and Dodge SpecShare®, our latest intelligence offerings that provide building product manufacturers and AEC professionals with trends, forecasts, competitive intelligence, and deep relationship building tools. The Dodge Momentum Index is also a new source of credible analysis for economists and analysts who need to measure markets.”

Additional details are available for the overall commercial and institutional sectors, and the sub-sectors of office buildings, retail and warehouse buildings, and education buildings.

For more information, download the Dodge Momentum Index white paper at
http://construction.com/download/Dodge_Momentum_Index_WhitePaper.pdf .

About McGraw-Hill Construction:

McGraw-Hill Construction’s data, analytics, and media businesses–Dodge, Sweets,Architectural Record, and Engineering News-Record– create opportunities for owners, architects, engineers, contractors, building product manufacturers, and distributors to strengthen their market position, size their markets, prioritize prospects, and target and build relationships that will win more business. McGraw-Hill Construction serves more than one million customers through its trends and forecasts, industry news, and leading platform of construction data, benchmarks, and analytics, including Dodge BuildShare and Dodge SpecShare. To learn more, visit
www.construction.com.About The McGraw-Hill Companies:

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two public companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Indices, Platts energy information services and J.D. Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at
http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/ .

Media Contact:

Kathy Malangone, Senior Director, Marketing Communications,McGraw-Hill Construction, +1 212-904-4376, kathy_malangone@mcgraw-hill.com

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Construction

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Financial Glossary

Words used in this article:

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 17, 2012

Key downstream factors have combined to offset growth for the Electric Surge Protection Device Manufacturing industry during the five years to 2012. On one hand, says IBISWorld industry analyst Josh McBee, Demand from overseas markets has remained relatively stable despite a double-digit decline in 2009 on the back of worldwide financial turmoil. On the other hand, slumping activity in key domestic construction industries has mitigated growth opportunities in the United States. As a result of these opposing forces, industry revenue is expected to remain flat during the period, averaging 0.0% growth per year.

Residential and non-residential construction demand form the basis for most sales of surge protectors included in this industry. While the power strips with which most consumers are familiar are included in this industry, these products are estimated to form a minority of overall revenue. Instead, the industrial-type surge protectors buried within walls and mounted next to fuse boxes and other electrical controls dominate this industry. While some households may own a power strip featuring surge protection for their computers and other electronics, almost every home and office contain at least one if not multiple industrial-grade surge protectors as part of the structures overall electrical infrastructure, says McBee. The top four companies in the Electric Surge Protection Device Manufacturing industry, Eaton Corporation, Trippe Manufacturing Company, Schneider Electric SA and Advanced Protection Technologies, combine to hold almost three-quarters of industry revenue, making the industry highly concentrated.

Given the reliance that sales of surge protectors have on downstream construction activity, revenue is estimated to move largely in line with construction activity. After facing serious declines during the past five years, construction markets are expected to recover slowly during 2012. In addition, export demand from emerging economies is expected to drive international sales of industry products. As a result, IBISWorld expects industry revenue to grow 2.3% during 2012 and total an estimated $172.4 million. The expected recovery in construction markets will likely continue through the next five years as well. As unemployment falls, access to credit will return and investments into new construction activity will grow, leading demand for related surge protection to rise as well. Also, the continued implementation of what has become known as the smart grid will encourage the standardization of surge protection equipment. In light of these projections, industry revenue is forecast to continue growing through 2017. For more information, visit IBISWorlds Electric Surge Protection Device Manufacturing report in the US industry page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld

Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

This industry manufactures surge protection devices. A surge protector (or surge suppressor) is an appliance designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.

Industry Performance

Executive Summary

Key External Drivers

Current Performance

Industry Outlook

Industry Life Cycle

Products amp; Markets

Supply Chain

Products amp; Services

Major Markets

Globalization amp; Trade

Business Locations

Competitive Landscape

Market Share Concentration

Key Success Factors

Cost Structure Benchmarks

Barriers to Entry

Major Companies

Operating Conditions

Capital Intensity

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Annual Change

Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.

Recognized as the nations most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

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