2013-03-06 07:04:13 -
The latest Deloittte/SEB CFO Survey shows signs of returning confidence in a
stabilising but still-challenging business climate. Several key indicators are
now pointing upward after companies made adjustments to the weaker economy.
According to Sweden-based CFOs, the appetite for mergers & acquisitions looks
somewhat improved.
The Swedish krona is expected to strengthen this year, but perhaps to the
detriment of exporters. Financial risk is less of an issue, according to
surveyed participants, but defensive strategies to reduce debt remain on top of
the agenda. Positive stock market sentiment may spur confidence in deal-making.
while the corporate bond market looks poised to continue its growth. There are
signs of stabilising employment expectations and less emphasis on staff cuts in
the next six months. Weakening demand was deemed as the biggest threat on
the
horizon.
Overall, the Deloitte/SEB CFO index comes in at 49.5, slightly up from 48.3 in
the last survey in September 2012.
Signs of returning confidence in a stabilising business climate
There are signs of returning confidence after a weak end to last year. While the
business climate remains challenging, CFOs breathe slight optimism on their
financial position, cash flows and the availability of financing in the next 12
months. "We see a slightly improving sentiment as companies seem to have adapted
to the rather weak economic environment. Several core indicators, such as
general business conditions and financial positions, are pointing upwards,
albeit from a low level," says Johan Lindgren, Credit Strategy at SEB.
M&A appetite improves, further corporate bond growth
The recent positive stock market sentiment is expected to further improve over
the next 12 months and fuel confidence for once-latent deal activity. Almost 75
per cent of CFO's expect the OMXS30 to increase by 5 per cent or more in the
next 12 months.The corporate bond market is also pegged for further growth.
Stabilising employment signs; less focus on personnel cuts
The share of CFOs that expect the number of employees in their companies to
decline in the next six months dropped from 44 per cent in September 2012 to 35
per cent in this survey.
CFOs see stronger SEK
CFOs expect a stronger Swedish krona in 2013 compared to 2012, according to
survey answers. "We saw that several companies underestimated the strengthening
of the krona in 2012. Based on the survey, this is likely to happen also in
2013. This implies that export companies once again could take a hit," says
Lindgren.
Less financial risk concern; debt reduction still in focus
Balance sheet risk has clearly dropped, according to the CFOs. However,
defensive strategies such as paying off debt is still favoured over expansionary
strategies.
Weakening demand the greatest risk factor this year
Weakening demand is seen as the greatest threat in 2013, expressed with more
emphasis in the March 2013 survey compared to September 2012.
"We see that caution and defensive strategies remain favoured by CFOs in a tough
business climate. However, a number of indicators show signs of financial
stability and improved sentiment. Increased M&A activity may well trigger
confidence to focus on more forward-looking initiatives," says Tom Pernodd,
partner at Deloitte.
This unique survey aims to reflect changes of sentiment in the financial
environment and facilitate understanding of economic and financial trends. The
survey was performed in February, in cooperation with Deloitte, and comprises a
total of 12 questions covering areas such as business climate, strategic
investments, employment, views on currencies and interest rates, financial
strength, and lending attitudes amongst financial institutions. Answers are
collected from a sample of CFOs from some of Sweden's largest companies. The
full report is available at www.sebgroup.compress and www.deloitte.se.
+------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
|For further information, please |Press contact |
|contact |Anna Helsén, Press Officer |
|Johan Lindgren |+46 70 698 48 58 |
|Credit Strategist, |anna.helsen@seb.se |
|Credit Strategy, Trading Strategy | |
|+46 8-506 231 64 | |
|johan.y.lindgren@seb.se | |
| |Christer Ahlgren, counselor, Clients & |
|Tom Pernodd |Markets, Deloitte |
|Partner, Deloitte |+46 708 14 23 20 |
|+46-75-246 30 60 |christer.ahlgren@deloitte.se |
|tpernodd@deloitte.se | |
+------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
|SEB is a leading Nordic financial services group. As a relationship bank, SEB |
|in Sweden and the Baltic countries offers financial advice and a wide range of|
|financial services. In Denmark, Finland, Norway and Germany the bank's |
|operations have a strong focus on corporate and investment banking based on a |
|full-service offering to corporate and institutional clients. The |
|international nature of SEB's business is reflected in its presence in some |
|20 countries worldwide. On December 31, 2012, the Group's total assets |
|amounted to SEK 2,453 billion while its assets under management totalled |
|SEK 1,328 billion. The Group has about 16,500 employees. Read more about SEB |
|at www.sebgroup.com. |
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Deloitte/SEB CFO Survey:
hugin.info/1208/R/1683216/550823.pdf
Press Release (PDF):
hugin.info/1208/R/1683216/550822.pdf
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Source: SEB via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1683216]
