CFO News Room

JANUARY 18, 2023

The last few years have been eventful for all companies, with the COVID crisis and ensuing economic shut down causing pain for companies, with recovery coming in 2021, as the global economy opened up again. Costs grow at a slower rate than revenues. Superior unit economics. Economies of scale. High gross margins.

Marketing 130

Marketing Hurdle Rate Investments Accounting 130

Musings on Markets

FEBRUARY 27, 2022

The last few years have been eventful for all companies, with the COVID crisis and ensuing economic shut down causing pain for companies, with recovery coming in 2021, as the global economy opened up again. I will use this data to draw three broad conclusions: Low Hurdle Rate ?

Hurdle Rate 82

Hurdle Rate Investments Accounting Entertainment 82

Musings on Markets

FEBRUARY 15, 2023

Some of that variation can be attributed to different mixes of businesses in different regions, since unit economics will result in higher gross margins for technology companies and commodity companies, in years when commodity prices are high, and lower gross margins for heavy manufacturing and retail businesses.

Profit and Loss 52

Profit and Loss Investments Hurdle Rate Accounting 52

Musings on Markets

AUGUST 19, 2024

In the manufacturing-centered twentieth century, it took decades for companies like GE and Ford to scale up, but they also stayed at the top for long periods, before declining over decades. With declining businesses, facing shrinking revenues and margins, it is cash return or dividend policy that moves into the front seat.

Corporate Finance 98

Corporate Finance Valuation Investments Finance 98

Musings on Markets

JANUARY 12, 2021

During 2020, as I watched companies and investors struggle with the after shocks of the economic shut down created by COVID, I wrote a series of fourteen posts (linked below) on what I was learning, unlearning and relearning about corporate finance and valuation. Debt can handcuff even large, established companies & put them at risk.

Valuation 52

Valuation Corporate Finance Finance Investments 52

Barry Ritholtz

MAY 21, 2024

Whereas in 1980, 70% of it was manufacturing asset intensive, et cetera. But now we’re back to a more normal hurdle rate. 5% interest rates is not super high. I know you like to discuss there are different phases of the, of the, both the market and the economic cycle. It’s a changing animal.

Finance 57

Finance Marketing Numbers Investments 57

Musings on Markets

JULY 24, 2024

In the section below, I highlight the differences on four major dimensions - political structure, exposure to war/violence, extent of corruption and protections for legal and property rights, with the focus firmly on the economic risks rather than on social consequences. That is easier said than done, for two reasons.

Hurdle Rate 74

Hurdle Rate Currencies Valuation Economics 74