Recently Deloitte released their “CFO Signals” “High-Level Summary” report for the 4th Quarter of 2019.
As seen in page 3 of the report, there were 147 survey respondents. As stated:
“Each quarter (since 2Q10), CFO Signals has tracked the thinking and actions of CFOs representing many of North America’s largest and most influential companies.
All respondents are CFOs from the US, Canada, and Mexico, and the vast majority are from companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue. For a summary of this quarter’s response demographics, please see the sidebars and charts on this page. For other information about participation and methodology, please contact nacfosurvey@deloitte.com.”
Here are some of the excerpts that I found notable:
from page 5:
Perceptions
How do you regard the status of the North American, European, and Chinese economies? Perceptions of North America leveled off, with 69% of CFOs rating current conditions as good (68% last quarter), and 23% expecting better conditions in a year (up from 15%). Perceptions of Europe rose, but only to 7% and 6%; China fell to 18% and 11%. Page 7.
What is your perception of the capital markets? Eighty-six percent of CFOs say debt financing is attractive. Equity financing is considered attractive by 43% of public company CFOs and 26% of private company CFOs. Seventy-seven percent say US equity markets are overvalued, up from 63%. Page 8.
Sentiment
What external/internal risks worry you the most? CFOs express ongoing trade policy worries, with growing concern about political turmoil, competition, consumer demand, and upcoming US elections. Internally, talent concerns continued, while concerns around change, costs, and growth rose. Page 9.
Compared to three months ago, how do you feel about the financial prospects for your company? The net optimism index rose from last quarter’s -5 to +11 this quarter, but remains among the lowest levels in three years. Thirty percent of CFOs express rising optimism (26% last quarter), and 19% express declining optimism (31% last quarter). Page 10.
Expectations
What is your company’s business focus for the next year? Although companies continue to focus mostly on growth and investment, their growing focus on cost reduction and returning cash (multi-year highs) may suggest growing defensiveness in anticipation of a downturn. Page 11.
How will your key operating metrics change over the next 12 months? YOY revenue growth expectations slid from 4.3% to 3.7% (three-year low). Earnings rose from 5.6% to 6.0% (but still second-lowest in nine years); capital spending edged up from 3.6% to 3.7% (still near its three-year low). Hiring fell from 1.6% to 1.1% (second-lowest in six years). Dividend growth rose from 3.9% to 4.3%. Page 12.
Special topic: 2020 economic, market, and company expectations
What are your economic expectations? A minority of CFOs expect improvement in the US, Canadian, and Mexican economies; expectations for consumer and business spending declined sharply, and those for labor costs rose. Page 13.
What are the prospects for a US downturn and has your company taken defensive action? Ninety-seven percent of CFOs say a downturn has already begun or will next year; compared to 1Q19, companies appear to be taking more defensive action—especially around spending and headcount. Page 14-15.
What are your expectations for the capital markets? Contrary to this time last year, CFOs expect very low interest rates and 10-year bond yields for the next calendar year; they again expect a strong US dollar. Page 16.
What are your expectations for your company? CFOs are less likely than last year to expect industry revenue and prices to rise; they are mostly unlikely to make major changes to their strategy due to a downturn or upcoming elections. Page 17.
Compared to three years ago, how has your company adjusted its geographic focus? CFOs cite a higher focus on US, European, Chinese, and other Asian markets, and expansion of capacity in the latter three regions. Page 18.
Special topic: Response to climate change
Are you getting pressure from stakeholders to act on climate change? More than 70% of CFOs say their company is under at least moderate pressure to act on climate change from at least one stakeholder group. Page 19.
Is your company taking action in response to climate change? More than 90% of CFOs say their company has taken at least one action in response to climate change, with the average CFO reporting nearly four. Page 20.
Does your company have greenhouse gas reduction targets? Overall, 44% of all responding CFOs (52% of those who know their status) say their company already has or is working on greenhouse gas reduction targets. Page 21.
from page 10:
Sentiment
Optimism regarding own-companies’ prospects
Own-company optimism rebounded from last quarter’s nearly seven-year low, but remains muted. Canada is highest at +27, with the US and Mexico lower at +11 and -33, respectively.
Net optimism peaked in 1Q18 at +54, then declined sharply through the rest of the year. Although it rebounded somewhat in the first part of 2019, it turned negative last quarter for the first time in nearly seven years.
This quarter’s net optimism bounced back from last quarter’s -5 to a better (but still low) +11. Thirty percent of CFOs expressed rising optimism (up from 26%), while 19% cited declining optimism (down from 31%).
Net optimism for the US rebounded from last quarter’s -4 to +11. Likely fueled by its strong second quarter growth (see “Key developments” box on page 4), Canada rose sharply from last quarter’s +10 to +27. Mexico rose from last quarter’s dismal -50 to a still-dismal -33.
Manufacturing is the most pessimistic at -6, with Retail/Wholesale and Healthcare/Pharma also relatively pessimistic at zero. Energy/ Resources and Financial Services both showed marked increases (to +30 and +28, respectively). Technology and Services were also relatively high.
from page 12:
Expectations
Growth in key metrics, year-over-year
All growth expectations sit at or near multiyear lows, with the US showing considerable weakness. Technology, Retail/Wholesale, and Healthcare/Pharma were relative bright spots; Manufacturing and Energy/Resources trailed for most metrics.
Revenue growth fell from 4.3% to 3.7%, a three-year low. The US fell to a three-year low. Canada fell below its two-year average. Mexico fell to a new low. Technology and Healthcare/Pharma lead; Energy/Resources and Manufacturing trail.
Earnings growth rose from 5.6% to 6.0%, but sits at its second-lowest level in survey history. The US rose slightly, but sits at its second-lowest level in nine years. Canada rose again to well above its two-year average. Mexico rose, but sits near its two-year low. Technology and Retail/ Wholesale lead; Energy/Resources and Manufacturing trail.
Capital spending growth rose slightly from 3.6% to 3.7%, remaining near its three-year low. The US slid to a three-year low. Canada fell to well below its two-year average. Mexico rose sharply, but is still below the two-year average. Technology and Financial Services lead; Manufacturing trails.
Domestic hiring growth slid sharply from 1.6% to 1.1%, the second-lowest level in nearly six years. The US fell to a three-year low. Canada rose, but is well below its two-year average. Mexico fell to a six-year low. Technology leads; Energy/ Resources and Manufacturing trail.
Dividend growth rose from 3.9% to 4.3%, but remains well below the two-year average.
Please see the appendix for industry-specific charts. Note that industry sample sizes vary and that results are volatile for the smallest. Due to a small sample size, T/M/E was not used as a comparison point.
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Among the various charts and graphics in the report are graphics depicting trends in “Own Company Optimism” on page 10 and “Economic Optimism” found on page 7.
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I post various business and economic surveys because I believe they should be carefully monitored. However, as those familiar with this site are aware, I do not necessarily agree with many of the consensus estimates and much of the commentary in these surveys.
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The Special Note summarizes my overall thoughts about our economic situation
SPX at 3253.05 as this post is written
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