Global Business and Spending Monitor 2016 January 2016 India Copyright 2016 CFO Publishing LLC, which is solely responsible for its content. All rights reserved.
Contents This presentation contains survey responses from 30 senior finance executives at companies with annual revenue of $500 million or more located in India. This ninth annual global business and economic outlook survey was conducted in October and November 2015. Note: Throughout the survey, percentages may not total 10, due to rounding. Please direct comments and questions on this presentation to cforesearchservices@cfo.com.
A. Which description fits your role in your company? Chief executive officer, president, managing director, or equivalent title 2 Head of finance (chief financial officer, finance director, or equivalent title) 2 Controller 2 Treasurer Other executive with finance responsibilities 3 2 4 6 8 10 3
B. What were your firm s worldwide revenues, in U.S. dollars, in its most recent fiscal year? US$500 million - US$1 billion 2 US$1 billion - US$5 billion 3 US$5 billion - US$10 billion 2 US$10 billion - US$20 billion 1 More than US$20 billion 1 2 4 6 8 10 4
C. What is your organization's primary business? Aerospace/Defense Auto/Industrial/Manufacturing Business/Professional services Chemicals/Energy/Utilities Construction Education Financial services/real estate/insurance Food/Beverages/Consumer packaged goods Government/Public sector/nonprofit Hardware/Software/Networking Health care Media/Entertainment/Travel/Leisure Natural resources/mining Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology/Life sciences Telecommunications Transportation/Warehousing Wholesale/Retail trade 1 1 1 3 2 4 6 8 10 5
D. In what region are you personally based? Europe Asia/Australia 10 North America (United States/Canada) Latin America (Mexico/South America/Central America) 2 4 6 8 10 6
E. In which country are you personally based? Argentina Australia Brazil Canada China (other than Hong Kong) France Germany Hong Kong (People s Republic of China) India 10 Japan Mexico Russia Singapore United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) United States 2 4 6 8 10 7
F. What is your gender? Female 1 Male 8 I prefer not to answer 2 4 6 8 10 8
1. How have your company s worldwide revenues changed, compared to a year ago? Much lower than a year ago Lower than a year ago 14% No change from a year ago 14% Higher than a year ago 52% Much higher than a year ago 1 I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 9
2. Please complete the sentence with the phrase that best describes your opinion. In the country where my position is based, I expect to see over the next 12 months. Substantial economic expansion 34% Modest economic expansion 52% No significant change in the economy (i.e., a flat economy) Modest economic contraction Substantial economic contraction 2 4 6 8 10 10
3. Compared to the past year, in which geographic regions do you expect your company s sales to increase the most during the next year? North America (United States, Canada) 2 Asia (other than Indian Subcontinent) 3 Western Europe 2 Latin America (Mexico, South America, Central America) Eastern Europe (including Russia) 1 Indian Subcontinent 7 Australia and New Zealand Middle East and Africa 1 Other region 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose up to three responses. 11
4. Over the next year, how much do you expect your company s growth will depend on exports, compared with the previous year? Over the next year, I expect exports to become for my company s growth. Much more important 5 Somewhat more important 3 Neither more nor less important 1 Somewhat less important Much less important I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 12
5. In which of the following countries do you expect your company to expand its activities (including sourcing, distribution, production, and/ or outsourcing) the most in the next year? Argentina Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) Brazil Cambodia Croatia China India Indonesia Mexico New Zealand Nigeria Pakistan Russia South Africa South Korea Thailand Turkey Vietnam Others None of these I m not sure 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 7 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose up to five responses. 13
6. Has recent economic or political uncertainty in your own country caused your company to be more cautious about increasing spending and investment? Yes 69% No 28% I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 14
7. Has recent economic or political uncertainty outside of your own country caused your company to be more cautious about investing in other countries? Yes 7 No 2 I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 15
8. Over the next year, is economic or political uncertainty, whether in your country or in other countries, likely to cause your company to take any of the following actions? Increase our focus on domestic markets 8 Increase our investment in risk management or security Redirect planned investments from some countries to different countries 4 4 Reduce our levels of spending and investment overall 3 Avoid doing business in some other countries 3 None of the above; I don t expect our business to be affected much by economic or political uncertainty in other countries Other 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose all that apply. 16
9. In your opinion, what effect are the following factors likely to have on your company s growth during the next year? My country s economy 48% 24% 28% International trade agreements 31% 45% 24% My company s merger and acquisition (M&A) activities 4 3 1 Availability of capital 3 5 1 Economies of other countries 24% 52% 1 Changes in currency exchange rates 4 4 1 Financial restructuring at my company 41% 38% 14% Changes in interest rates 38% 34% 28% Political changes domestically (e.g., different leadership) Changes in regulatory, statutory, or accounting requirements 1 2 4 5 4 2 Political changes in other countries 18% 61% 14% 2 4 6 8 10 Accelerate my company s growth Most likely will slow my company s growth Little or no effect on my company s growth Not sure/not applicable 17
11. Which of the following statements best describe your company s plans for spending and investment during the next year? Aggressive spending and investment to boost topline revenue 28% Moderate spending and investment to support top-line growth while improving profitability 66% Tightly controlled spending and investment to preserve profitability None of these Not sure 2 4 6 8 10 18
12. During the next year, how much do you expect your company s level of spending and investment to change worldwide? Increase by more than 3 Increase by 2-3 Increase by 15% - 2 1 1 2 Increase by 1-15% 3 Increase by 8% - 1 1 Increase by 6% - 8% Increase by 4% - 6% Increase by 2% - 4% Increase up to 2% Remain flat (no increase or decrease) Decrease Not sure 2 4 6 8 10 19
13. Compared to last year, will your company need to increase spending and investment during the next year in order to achieve the following business goals? Remain competitive with other companies 7 2 Enter new markets 5 39% 4% Better meet customer needs 7 2 Pursue business transformation and innovation 7 3 Grow through acquisitions or new business partnerships 5 3 1 Improve financial returns to owners or shareholders 6 2 Protect share in current markets 4 5 Improve market capitalization or stock price 8 2 2 4 6 8 10 Yes, this goal requires increased spending and investment No, this goal does not require increased spending and investment Not sure/does not apply 20
14. Compared to last year, how will your company s level of investment for each of the following business activities change during the next year? Mergers and acquisitions 2 4 3 Improving production-process efficiency (for example, streamlining manufacturing processes, retiring outdated equipment, upgrading technology) 2 4 3 Improving business intelligence and analytics 34% 24% 41% Improving administrative process efficiency (for example, streamlining/automating financial, accounts payable, or procurement processes) 28% 41% 31% Developing new products or services 2 2 5 Sales and marketing activities 1 3 4 Adding capacity for production or service delivery 2 2 4 2 4 6 8 10 Likely to invest less than last year Likely to invest more than last year Likely to invest at the same level as last year Not sure/does not apply 21
15. Compared to last year, how will your company s level of spending in each of the following categories change during the next year? Indirect line items (such as travel and entertainment) 3 4 1 Depreciable assets, including real estate, facilities, and property, plant and equipment (PP&E) 3 5 1 Transportation/logistics services 3 4 2 Mobile technology (e.g., laptops, tablets, smartphones, remote devices) 3 3 3 Labor/headcount 2 4 3 Business and professional services 3 2 4 Advertising, marketing, and public relations 1 5 3 Enterprise-level IT systems (e.g., ERP, financial systems, performance management systems) Hardware and infrastructure (e.g., PCs, servers, mainframe processors, networks) Production inputs (including raw materials and intermediate goods) 2 2 2 4 3 4 4 3 2 Financial reporting and compliance 2 4 4 2 4 6 8 10 Likely to spend less than last year Likely to spend more than last year Likely to spend the same amount as last year Not sure/does not apply 22
16. How important is optimizing cash flow for your company this year, compared to last year? Much more important than last year 3 Somewhat more important than last year 5 Neither more nor less important than last year 1 Somewhat less important than last year Much less important than last year I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 23
17. Which of the following changes do you expect to make in the next year in order to optimize cash flow at your company? Investment in technology to improve visibility over the cash conversion cycle (e.g., electronic invoicing, inventory management systems) Optimization of accounts receivable (e.g., negotiating shorter payment terms, offering dynamic discounting) 5 5 Optimization of accounts payable (e.g., negotiating longer payment terms, obtaining discounts for earlier payment) 4 More collaboration with other departments, such as Treasury or Purchasing 5 Supplementing cash flow with additional funding sources 3 Other None of the above; my company doesn t need to make changes to optimize cash flow 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose all that apply. 24
18. Which of the following methods (if any) do you expect your company to use to improve its working capital position over the next year? Traditional lines of credit 3 Supply chain financing 5 Dynamic discounting 2 Private funding 4 Non-secured short-term financing (e.g., overdraft, credit card) 2 Non-traditional funding Other 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose all that apply. 25
19. Which of the following reasons for optimizing cash flow will be the most important for your company over the next year? Obtaining sufficient funding to grow the business 4 Obtaining sufficient funding to ensure the business is secure 4 Obtaining sufficient funding at the right time (e.g., to meet seasonal demand) Obtaining funding at the right price point Other 2 4 6 8 10 26
20. During the next year, how much do you expect your company s number of employees to change worldwide? Increase by more than 3 Increase by 2-3 Increase by 15% - 2 1 21% Increase by 1-15% Increase by 8% - 1 Increase by 6% - 8% 14% 1 Increase by 4% - 6% Increase by 2% - 4% Increase up to 2% Stay the same Decrease 14% Not sure 2 4 6 8 10 27
21. Is difficulty meeting hiring targets for any of the following types of employees impeding your company s ability to meet its performance goals? Skilled or specialized workers (i.e., with specialized skills, training, knowledge, or ability) 6 3 Sales and marketing positions 7 3 IT staff 48% 48% Management 5 5 Administrative and support staff (outside of finance and IT) 5 5 Manual or unskilled labor positions 38% 62% Offshore or outsourced positions 5 5 Finance staff 3 7 2 4 6 8 10 Yes No Not sure/not applicable 28
22. Which of the following practices do you expect your company to employ in the coming year in order to attract and retain employees? Offer flexible work schedules 3 Raise wages or salaries Improve the working environment (e.g., reconfigure office spaces, provide more amenities) 5 6 Improve health care or medical benefits 4 Rotate key employees through different functions or departments 5 Improve retirement benefits Allow employees to work more off premises (i.e., telecommute) Rotate key employees through different locations abroad 3 3 3 Other None of the above 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose all that apply. 29
23. Which of the following practices do you feel your company is likely to employ in order to meet its staffing needs for the coming year? Make greater use of temporary or contract workers 5 Move some positions from overseas to domestic locations (e.g., on-shoring) 6 Make greater use of part-time workers 4 Make greater use of offshoring or outsourcing 5 Other None of the above; our staffing practices are not likely to change 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose all that apply. 30
24a. How important do you expect the use of workers other than full-time employees will be for your company two years from now, compared to today? Currently, the use of independent contractors, freelancers, or temporary workers is my company s employment practices. Central to 1 An important part of 6 A minor part of 2 Not part of I don t know 2 4 6 8 10 31
24b. How important do you expect the use of workers other than full-time employees will be for your company two years from now, compared to today? Two years from now, I expect that the use of independent contractors, freelancers, or temporary workers will be my company s employment practices. Central to 1 An important part of 6 A minor part of 2 Not part of I don t know 2 4 6 8 10 32
26. What are your company s most critical needs for increasing its spending on technology during the next year? Protection against data breaches (i.e., information security) Business intelligence and data analysis capabilities Mobile technology (e.g., laptops, tablets, smartphones, remote devices) Cloud computing Enterprise-level IT systems Hardware and infrastructure (e.g., PCs, servers, mainframe processors, networks) Financial reporting and compliance Data collection, warehousing, and reporting In-house IT staffing Integration of different information systems Technology consultants or outsourcing Process- or function-specific applications None; my company does not need to increase spending on information technology 2 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose up to three responses. 33
27. To the best of your knowledge, what have been the most serious consequences of data breaches (e.g., hacked accounts, information leaks) for your company within the past five years? Business disruption or loss 52% High costs for recovery 14% Non-financial (e.g., harm to our brand or reputation) 1 A combination of the above 1 I m not sure Not applicable; data breaches have not been a problem for my company 2 4 6 8 10 34
28. During the next year, how much do you expect your company s level of spending to change for information security (i.e., protecting against and recovering from data breaches)? Increase by more than 3 1 Increase by 2-3 2 Increase by 15% - 2 2 Increase by 1-15% 1 Increase by 5% - 1 2 Increase up to 5% Remain flat ( increase) Decrease I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 35
29. Has your company developed or strengthened a response plan because of a recent data breach? Yes 5 No 2 Not yet, but we expect to 1 I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 36
30. Does your company either provide or subsidize mobile devices for employees in any of the following functions? Management 48% Information technology (IT) 38% Sales and marketing 41% Customer service and support 28% Operations, production, or service delivery 41% Finance Administrative functions (other than finance and IT) Research and development 34% 34% 41% Other 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose all that apply. 37
31. What do you consider to be the most important benefits that the greater use of mobile technologies can provide for your company? Improving our ability to meet customer needs Allowing employees to work remotely Increasing sales Improving purchasing and procurement processes Collecting performance information Reducing technology costs Tracking and controlling employee spending 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 Other None; mobile technology doesn t offer significant benefits for my company 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose up to three responses. 38
32. In your opinion, which of the following areas are most important for your company s senior finance officer to develop in order to assume a broader leadership role? Deeper external knowledge of our company s industry and markets 2 More sophisticated analytical skills 3 Deeper understanding of our company s business 5 Better technical skills in finance and accounting 4 Better networking and interpersonal skills Closer working relationship with colleagues outside of finance 3 4 Better writing and communication skills 1 Other 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose up to three responses. 39
33. In your experience, how well has the education and training of those just entering the finance work force prepared them to succeed in their jobs? Very well 4 Moderately well 5 Not very well Not well at all I m not sure 2 4 6 8 10 40
34. In your opinion, which of the following areas are most important for your company s current finance staff to develop in order to increase their contribution to your company s success? More sophisticated analytical skills 3 Deeper understanding of our company s business Deeper external knowledge of our company s industry and markets Better technical skills in finance and accounting Closer working relationship with colleagues outside of finance Better networking and interpersonal skills 4 4 4 3 3 Better writing and communication skills 2 Other 2 4 6 8 10 Note: Respondents were asked to choose up to three responses. 41