CFOs see ray of hope

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The initiation of economic reforms by the government has led to the optimism level of the corporates about India’s macro-economic condition for the October – December quarter, being the highest in the last three quarters.

A pan India survey conducted among the chief financial officers (CFO) by Dun & Bradstreet revealed that the optimism level for the overall macroeconomic condition for Q4 2012 stands at 60, an 8.1 point increase from the previous quarter led by increase in the optimism level of CFOs in the industrial sector. Optimism level ranges from 0 to 100; 0 being pessimistic and 100 being optimistic.

While 56 per cent of the surveyed CFOs revealed the macroeconomic scenario for Indian corporate to remain favorable during Q4 2012, an increase of 29 per cent over Q3 2012, 50 per cent of them consider operating margin of their company to improve during Q4 2012.

The survey pointed out that the recent reform announcements have lifted the sentiment within the domestic industry and seen renewed interest of foreign institutional investors (FII) in the Indian market.

FII’s have pumped in over Rs 27,600 crore into the equity markets ever since the government announ-ced a hike in diesel prices and a cap on subsidised LPG cylinders for each household. During this period, the Sensex has surged around seven per cent.

Mohan Ramaswamy, CEO, D&B however pointed out that the CFO’s still remain cautious with respect to the overall cost structure because of the prevailing high level of inflation in the economy.
Of the surveyed CFO’s only 39 per cent expect the cost of funds to decrease in Q4, 2012.

“Inflation is on the rise and the second round impact of the fuel price hike announced by the government during end of Q3, 2012 is yet to materialise fully. Thus, controlling cost and proper cash flow management has probably emerged as key priorities for majority of the CFOs which would aid in protecting margins,” added Mr Ramaswamy.

The survey noted that effective recovery system and increase in close monitoring of strategic acco-unts have emerged as the most preferred mode of risk management for CFOs during the next six months.