Strategy & operations

CFOs could benefit as investors flock to continuation funds

Once considered a way to address troubled companies, this specialized co-investment opportunity is newly focused on star portfolio performers.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 21, 2021

Companies seek out loans tying repayment costs to ESG performance

The move can be a way to counter greenwashing concerns by offering up a concrete metric that puts money on the line. 

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 20, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Trendline

Transitioning to subscription pricing

The advantages of subscriptions are widely accepted. For CFOs, the model comes with implementation challenges. 

By CFO Dive staff

BlackRock losing 'patience' on pace of corporate ESG disclosure

The hedge funds that lead most proxy battles seek to ride a rising tide of investor concern about sustainability.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 16, 2021

Prior to WarnerMedia merger, Discovery CFO prioritizes subscriptions, balance sheet health

“I have no doubt we’re creating one of the absolutely leading content powerhouses in the world,” Gunnar Wiedenfels says. 

By Jane Thier • Sept. 16, 2021

CFO optimism towards economy declining, M&A interest rising: survey

Respondents to Deloitte's CFO Signals survey lowered expectations for revenue, earnings, spending and dividends, and raised them for hiring and salaries.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 16, 2021

DailyPay CFO on the burgeoning trend of on-demand pay

Allowing employees to withdraw money between pay periods increases their job satisfaction, which leads to higher company growth and valuation, Scot Parnell says. 

By Jane Thier • Sept. 14, 2021

Opinion

Retailers missing out on tax incentives for ecommerce retooling

The types of innovation for which retailers can get state and federal tax credits is broader than many finance leaders realize, and the process is simplified, thanks to automation.

By Ajay Wanchoo and Gregory Bocchino • Sept. 14, 2021

Does tax to curb share repurchases misread the times?

The Senate’s proposed 2% excise tax on buybacks targets one problem while CFOs cite another in their capital deployment strategies.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 14, 2021

Manufacturers plan to boost wages at record 3.5% rate

The tight labor market and high raw material costs are top challenges, the National Association of Manufacturers says.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 13, 2021

GM CFO reaffirms outlook, expects supply chain stability in 2022

Despite a global chip shortage that will likely cost the automotive industry $110 billion this year, General Motors will not be pulling back on investment plans or adjusting expectations, Paul Jacobson says.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 13, 2021

Opinion

3 ways to kickstart subscription business models in Japan

Although it's a technology leader, Japan has lagged behind other countries in digital subscriptions, making it a growth target for SaaS and other recurring revenue businesses. 

By YiLun Miao • Sept. 13, 2021

CFOs debate duration of inflation

"It's not clear yet what inflation will stick and what will be temporary," Chipotle Mexican Grill CFO Jack Hartung said Thursday, reflecting other industry leaders' concerns about planning in a year with unknown parameters.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 10, 2021

Most CFOs face high turnover rate, labor shortages

As the pandemic persists, CFOs say, hiring and retaining workers poses a challenge to increasing revenue, according to surveys by PwC and CNBC.

By Jim Tyson , Jane Thier • Sept. 03, 2021

Opinion

How CFOs can use metrics to drive connections across the 'macro to micro continuum'

The most effective way to improve performance is by adjusting the many metrics that underlie larger, top-line metrics. Identifying what drives these smaller metrics gives CFOs more levers to pull.  

By Ross Tennenbaum • Sept. 01, 2021

Nearly half of CEOs have 'high M&A appetite': KPMG

Many CEOs will likely acquire other companies in coming months to take advantage of low borrowing costs and abundant capital, according to a KPMG survey.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 01, 2021

Following failed merger, Willis Towers Watson hires new CFO

After a federal lawsuit resulted in the insurance broker's failed merger with rival Aon, the global advisory firm has rehired Andrew Krasner, a company veteran, away from his CFO role at AssuredPartners.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 01, 2021

Sprouts' CFO departs

Board member Chip Molloy will take over the role once again as Denise Paulonis leaves to become CEO of hair care supply chain Sally Beauty Holdings.

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 01, 2021

Peloton CFO discusses price cuts, relaunching treadmill following recall

The fitness company is grappling with an SEC investigation, several lawsuits and a Department of Homeland Security subpoena related to its treadmill recall last quarter. 

By Jane Thier • Aug. 30, 2021

Direct-listing IPO companies outpacing S&P 500

When going public in a direct listing, high-profile companies with solid revenue tend to succeed despite forgoing Wall Street's underwriting and marketing help.

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 30, 2021

Towns waving cash at remote workers complicate CFOs' compensation models

Lowering pay for people taking cash from remote areas creates the risk of losing out in the competition for talent, but paying too much can hobble growth, compensation specialists say. 

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 27, 2021

6 CFO tips for finding gold in online ratings

Many businesses have overlooked sales-boosting insights available from online ratings and reviews even amid the explosion in e-commerce, according to McKinsey.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 26, 2021

Move from pension to 401(k) riles union

Striking Nabisco employees want the company to restore the pension contributions that were frozen three years ago, among other demands, given healthy revenue gains at parent Mondelez International. 

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 26, 2021

Pulling the right levers as talent battle heats up

A third of companies plan to boost budgets for salary increases, a Willis Towers Watson (WTW) survey showed. "There are longer term consequences of some of these short-term levers that organizations are pulling," a company exec said. 

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 25, 2021

Q&A

Driver-based budgeting touted for integrating financial and operational planning

Tying resource allocation to what moves an organization forward is an exercise that leads to strategic insight that could otherwise remain hidden, says Vena FP&A chief Tom Seegmiller.

By Ramona Dzinkowski • Aug. 25, 2021

CFOs using annuitization to derisk their pension liabilities

Conditions are right for companies to spin off obligations to insurers to improve their balance sheets and protect against a drain on future cash flow.

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 24, 2021