Careers / CFOs Anticipate Robust Revenues for 2015

CFOs Anticipate Robust Revenues for 2015

By Dennis McCafferty | Posted 2015-02-17

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Exceptional Earnings

Overall, tech company CFOs project revenue increases of more than 12%, compared to an 8.7% increase in 2013.
Funding Request

38% of surveyed CFOs said they plan to seek additional capital this year, up from 34% in 2014.
Rewarding Relationship

Among CFOs who plan to access more capital, 51% of those surveyed will turn to a strategic partner to do so, up from 19% in 2014.
Acquisitions Outlook, Part I

96% of CFOs in the survey believe that mergers and acquisitions activity will increase or stay the same this year, up slightly from 94% in 2014.
Acquisitions Outlook, Part II

About two-thirds said acquisitions will be primarily offensive, down from 72% last year.
Strong Sectors

61% said that the software sector—including cloud computing—will account for most of the M&A deals, followed by social media (22%) and biotech (10%).
Merger Motivators

One-third said the need to increase revenue and profitability will serve as the primary M&A driver, while one-quarter said the need to improve market share will.
Rising Stock

62% predict that business valuations will increase this year, up from 27% last year.
Public Exposure

86% said IPO activity will remain the same or increase in 2015, down from 93% in 2014.
Influential Factors

More than one-third of CFOs surveyed said the performance of recent tech public offerings will have the greatest impact on the U.S. IPO market, followed by market volatility (25%), global political/economic issues (23%) and the appeal of IPOs in foreign markets (11%).
Minor Consideration

Just 5% said concerns about a tech bubble will have the most impact on IPO activity.
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Doesn't it seem that—when the CFO is happy—everybody is happy? If this is true at your company, then get ready for a great year: Tech industry CFOs are anticipating double-digit increases in revenues this year, sharply higher than the forecast from two years ago, according to recently released research from BDO USA. The company's 2015 BDO Technology Outlook Survey predicts a boom in valuations and IPOs. A surge in mergers and acquisitions is also expected, as tech companies seek additional revenue sources and greater market share. "Although the tech industry is cautious of overvaluation, finance chiefs are confident that deal activity will continue its momentum well into 2015," said Aftab Jamil, partner and leader of the technology and life sciences practice at BDO USA. "As consumers continue to demand innovative products and investments keep pouring into the sector, technology companies may be better positioned for business growth." Many, in fact, will look to achieve this growth by pursuing strategic partnerships to acquire more capital. A total of 100 tech industry CFOs took part in the research.

Dennis McCafferty is a freelance writer for Baseline Magazine.