4 CFO scenarios – and fixes – for inflation

Many economists, including those at the Federal Reserve, botched their forecasts for price gains last year. CFOs can avoid losses from flawed inflation projections through scenario planning.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 11, 2022

Takeover bid latest drama to hit Zendesk

The software-as-a-service (SaaS) company has had to navigate a few tussles in public — and a crucial one is coming up.  

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 11, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Navigating risk in turbulent times

CFOs must help their organizations mitigate risks by balancing the need for both growth and stability. 

By CFO Dive staff

Women's U.S. board seat gains are middle of the pack globally

“Anecdotally, what we understand from most boards that we work with is that their first preference is a sitting or former CEO and the second preference is a sitting or former CFO,” said Dan Konigsburg of Deloitte.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Feb. 11, 2022

IPO pace slows, SPACs underperform market

The number of special purpose acquisition companies could be down significantly this year as investors digest the poor performance many of them had last year.

By Ted Knutson • Feb. 10, 2022

Most CEOs expect inflation to persist, survey shows

Plans by the Federal Reserve to raise the benchmark interest rate probably will not quickly rein in the fastest price increases in four decades, most CEOs said in a survey.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 10, 2022

CFOs reveal four inflation-coping strategies

CFOs in several industries describe how they are trying to shield profits against an inflationary surge.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 9, 2022

Private equity firm KKR sees appetite in assets with strong yield potential

As inflation expectations rise KKR is seeing more interest in real estate and infrastructure assets, Co-CEO Scott Nuttall said on the company's fourth quarter earnings call. 

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Feb. 8, 2022

'Price-wage spiral' boosting inflation: Moody's

CFOs facing the worst inflation in more than 30 years can largely blame price increases rather than wage pressures, Moody’s said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 7, 2022

Revenue-based loans called tactical tool to meet short-term goals

Quick underwriting and minimal covenants make the financing an attractive, non-dilutive source of funds, specialists in the sector say.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 7, 2022

How CFOs can avoid 5 common portfolio review pitfalls

With so much value at stake, companies need to identify and address where their portfolio review process is going wrong so leaders can make better informed strategic decisions.

By Loren B. Garruto and Alex Brown, Principals, Strategy and Transaction, Ernst and Young LLP • Feb. 7, 2022

Sprinkles' new CFO to guide cupcake maker's growth, navigate inflation

Like many companies facing rising input costs, Sprinkles recently raised prices, bringing the average cost of one of its cupcakes to $4.50.  

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Feb. 4, 2022

Fewer companies expected to issue low-yield convertible bonds

The last two years marked a high point for zero-coupon bonds. Rising interest rates are taking that option off the table. 

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 4, 2022

CFOs should adopt strategies of activist investors: Gartner

CFOs should advance beyond the role of reviewer or advisor and serve as an “activist,” crafting a business strategy and investment portfolio that maximizes long-term value.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 4, 2022

More states step up to guide LIBOR transition, provide stopgap solution

States are recognizing that they may not be able to wait for a federal solution. 

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Feb. 3, 2022

Intangibles are your valuation key, even if capital tightens

If 2022 is the year investors start applying more scrutiny to the companies they fund, the value of your intangible assets can be the difference in getting, or not getting, the price you want.  

By Tyler Capson • Feb. 3, 2022

SPAC industry promotes myths in a 'deep fraud,' former SEC official says

Promoters of SPACs have upheld several "myths" to ensure steady income from a boom in the so-called blank-check companies, according to a former senior SEC official.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 2, 2022

How Vimeo refashioned its funnel from consumers to business

CFOs and the rest of the C-suite must be all-in if a company is to transform itself from one model to another, CEO Anjali Sud says.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 2, 2022

DE&I gains in private equity firms despite being rare deal-breaker – EY

Private equity firms are feeling some pressure from limited partners to pursue diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to Kyle Burrell of EY.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Feb. 2, 2022

Fewer companies plan to hold cash this quarter: survey

More companies plan to deploy cash this quarter compared with Q4. They intend to grow their businesses, pay down debt and improve employee hiring and retention.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 1, 2022

Talent shortage turns audits into tactical issue

Delays mean companies can face hurdles raising capital, securing financing or making financials available to buyers interested in an acquisition.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 1, 2022

Office rent decline gives CFOs potential cost-saving opportunities

Since early in the pandemic, effective U.S. office rents have fallen 13.3% and office vacancies have risen to a nearly 20-year high, according to Cushman & Wakefield. 

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 31, 2022

CFOs slow to upgrade cash tracking despite pandemic: Forrester

Aligning accounts payable and accounts receivable can reduce fraud, increase agility and spark profit-boosting insights. Yet few companies are seizing on the opportunity.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 31, 2022

Long-term investor frees new Fender CFO to think bigger than exit

Servco Pacific allows Fender to consider strategic opportunities that private equity would typically shy away from, according to Matt Janopaul.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 28, 2022

Supply chain overhaul brings benefits with tax complexity: EY

Although the pandemic revealed the costs of relying on a global supply chain, companies that bring production home may face a big tax bill.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 28, 2022

C-suite sees war for talent topping risks in 'expensive' 2022: PwC

Executives will face rising travel costs this year as the pandemic evolves into an endemic, according to Tim Ryan of PwC. 

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 27, 2022