CFO Optimism High After Tax Changes

(from the Journal of Accountancy) Financial decision-makers at large U.S. businesses are showing unprecedented optimism in response to changes in domestic tax law, according to a survey from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. CFOs, chief accounting officers, controllers and others were asked to look ahead to the 12 months ending February 2019. Three performance indicators stood out:

• Revenue growth is projected at 5 percent, the highest since 2007.
• Profit is projected to rise 4.4 percent.
• Staffing increases have risen or remained steady in seven of the past eight quarters. Projected additional headcount now averages 2.1 percent.

The CPA Outlook Index is a nine-component measure of economic sentiment. This survey was conducted between February 6 and February 21; responses represented forward-looking sentiment concerning the 12 months following the survey period. A reading above 50 indicates positive sentiment. The latest reading is 81. The index dates to 2007.

More at the Journal of Accountancy

All news on NetAssets.org