2011 CE Pro 100 List Released

CE Pro 100 Data Indicates 11% Increase in Revenue Over 2009

Convergence of entry-level automation systems from major security companies changes dynamic of list

 FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - May 2, 2011- CE Pro, the leading trade publication covering the installation and integration of the electronic home, has released its thirteenth annual list and survey of the 100 largest multi-subsystem residential integration companies. Findings reveal the average company on the list reports revenue of 6.05 million, an overall uptick of 11 percent in 2010 over 2009, but still down 18 percent from the peak revenue numbers reported in 2007. ADT's Custom Home program tops the CE Pro 100 list with an estimated $50 million in custom revenue.

 

"The findings of this study convey optimism for the custom market," states Jason Knott, editor of CE Pro.  "Just as last year's numbers showed that the recession was not nearly as bad a hit for larger integrators as it was for the rank-and-file CE pro, the bounce back for larger companies in 2010 was stronger as well."  Knott speculates that the reason larger companies faired better in 2010 is likely due to their honed business practices.

In 2010, the proliferation of entry-level players in the market, along with a tough economy, forced integrators to work harder for their money, with the average number of installations increasing 35% over 2009. However, the number of jobs did not translate into higher-paying installations, as the average revenue per installation fell 21 percent, from $7,211 to $5,694.

 

The collapse of the housing market has played a dramatic role in the geographical representation of the CE Pro 100. Five years ago, the CE Pro 100 was rife with members from states with explosive growth in home construction, namely Arizona, Nevada, Florida and California. Since the housing market collapse, integrators have relied more on retrofit installations and have migrated to more populous states vs. high growth states. Although California still has the most representation, with 17 companies,  the tri-state area of New York/New Jersey/Connecticut is second with 13, followed by Florida (11), Texas (8), Illinois (5) and Arizona (6).

 

Sponsors of the CE Pro 100 study include AVAD, BitWise Controls, Denon Electronics (USA), IC Realtime Security Solutions, Paradigm Electronics, RTI, SIM2 Multimedia, and URC.

The complete study, which can be found in the May 2011 issue of CE Pro and at www.cepro.com, includes the listing of the 100 companies, as well as their locations, revenues, revenue per installation, and other critical data used to rate the companies.