15% minimum global tax would harm US business: Senate Republicans

The global tax package now before the Senate may expose U.S. companies to a “top-up tax” and other levies not acknowledged by the Biden administration, Republican senators said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 22, 2022

Fast-tracked private letter rulings offer corporations respite from IRS delays

While the promise of a speedier program is a bright spot during a time of IRS backlogs, the PLR process is not an avenue that financial executives can use to make an end-run around unrelated delays, said Buck Buchanan, managing director in Grant Thornton’s national tax office.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Feb. 22, 2022

Investors warned against taking 'lottery ticket' approach to SPACs

Some SPACs with conflicting interests harm investors by bringing weak companies to the IPO market, the CFA Institute said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 18, 2022

Direct lending may take hit in credit crunch: S&P Global

Direct lending has boomed in the past decade but its resilience has yet to be tested in an extended credit crisis, S&P Global Ratings said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 16, 2022

IRS delays spell headaches for financial executives

Businesses are “facing an IRS that is underwater right now, given the backlog of paper returns,” said Garrett Watson, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Feb. 15, 2022

Default rate will rise this year, Moody's says

The default rate will increase but stay well below its pandemic-period high even though central banks in many countries are raising interest rates, Moody’s said.

By Jim Tyson • Feb. 15, 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

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

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

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

Treasury doesn't have to lose out to FP&A on forecasting

The two teams bring complementary strengths that can be leveraged if they work together.

By Bob Stark • Jan. 28, 2022

Inflation will persist through 2023 even if pandemic fades: Conference Board

Federal Reserve efforts to curb inflation will probably collide against several inflationary forces, including reshoring of production and shortages of both workers and semiconductors.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 27, 2022

CFOs need to change how they discuss inflation: Gartner

Rising price pressures have pushed inflation toward the top of agenda items during earnings calls, prompting some needed changes in tactics by CFOs.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 26, 2022

CFOs 'managing blind' the rising pressure for ESG gains: Accenture

Companies lack the expertise and consistent metrics for satisfying growing investor demand for sustainable operations.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 25, 2022

CFOs to use debt issuance for M&A, refinancing in 2022: Moody's

Companies are in “savings mode” and well prepared for both M&A and riding out turbulence in financial markets, Moody’s said.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 21, 2022

CFOs, accountants vexed by surging operating costs

CFOs and other financial executives express rising concern about increasing prices for transport, energy and other costs, a survey found.  

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 20, 2022

Companies ignoring employee demands will falter: Fink

A tight labor market has strengthened workers’ clout, compelling corporate leaders to increase pay and benefits or risk underperformance, according to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 18, 2022

8 CFO tips for pursuing M&A amid dealmaking 'fever'

M&A will probably surge this year after a record 2021, and CFOs who want to prevail in the highly competitive market should follow several best practices.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 14, 2022

Inflation 'skyrocketing' as C-suite worry: Conference Board

Price pressure has surged into the top ranks of CFO concerns, drawing more attention than anytime in nearly nearly 40 years, surveys show.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 13, 2022

Inflation to 'remain very elevated' in 2022: Furman

A persistent imbalance between supply and demand and labor shortages will likely push inflation in 2022 above Fed forecasts for the second consecutive year, former White House economist Jason Furman said.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 10, 2022

CFOs chase down payments, eye inventory, grip cash amid halting recovery

After realizing a win by reducing the average days to payment, financial executives are looking to rationalize inventory, according to Craig Bailey of The Hackett Group.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 10, 2022

Pension plans gain while facing headwinds in 2022: Goldman

Companies this year will likely “de-risk” their pension plans by shifting more capital into fixed-income assets, Goldman Sachs Asset Management said.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 7, 2022

M&A in 2021 lifts buyers' stock prices most in five years

Companies pursued a record number of large deals last year while scoring market gains, according to a study by Willis Towers Watson.

By Jim Tyson • Jan. 6, 2022

IPOs surge to record in 2021 with most issuers hitting target price: EY

Fiscal stimulus, low interest rates and abundant capital are some of the forces driving a robust market in initial public offerings.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 22, 2021

5 CFO tips for adjusting wages to high inflation, labor shortages

CFOs eager to attract and retain workers and overcome labor shortages can follow five strategies to raise compensation and sustain profits.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 21, 2021