Financial officers expect sales hike

SIX in 10 chief financial officers at Ireland’s top companies expect sales and profits to grow over the next six months, according to the latest Deloitte chief financial officers’ survey.

The quarterly survey of Irish chief financial officers in listed companies, large private companies and the subsidiaries of overseas multi-nationals found that 58% believe their companies’ turnover will grow over the next six months, while 61% are anticipating a corresponding improvement in profitability. Of the chief financial officers surveyed, 41% said their company has already returned to growth, with the balance predominantly anticipating a return to growth in 2011.

However, the upbeat forecast for chief financial officers’ individual companies is in contrast to their opinions on the economy.