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

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

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

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. 3, 2021

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. 1, 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. 1, 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. 1, 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. 1, 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

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

SPAC or PE exit decision rides on executives' long-term plans

Both types of liquidity events offer an influx of capital, but they come with a mix of risk and reward that must be well-understood, acquisition specialists say.

By Ed McCarthy • Aug. 20, 2021

Amid continued growth, Petco promotes VP of finance to CFO

The retailer has sustained its rate of growth achieved in 2020, reporting that comp sales rose for the 11th consecutive quarter.

By Caroline Jansen , Jane Thier • Aug. 19, 2021

Making FP&A analysts the CFO's braintrust

The holy grail is to put a dollar figure on any operational tweak that leadership is considering, finance leaders say. 

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 17, 2021

Financial maneuver playing key role in Carvana profit

The company makes a third of its revenue from retail sales and a third from vehicle-servicing contracts. The rest is from selling its car loans in a way other car sellers don’t.

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 16, 2021

Why CFOs speak to the press (and whether they should)

Finance chiefs' credibility, diligence and deep knowledge of the numbers make them ideal candidates for press interviews and company spokespeople, PR specialists say.

By Jane Thier • Aug. 13, 2021

Dearth of third-party deal analysts slowing acquisitions

Record-setting M&A volume has put the Big Four and other consulting firms in the unusual position of turning down business.

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 13, 2021

Coinbase CFO amassing cash to weather 'crypto winter'

The company has no plans for a dividend or share buyback so it can focus on executing its growth and business goals, Alesia Hass says.

By Ted Knutson • Aug. 12, 2021