Creating opportunity in adversityThe global financial crisis is having a huge impact on the environment in which your business is operating. Market capitalization and asset valuations are declining. Energy and commodity prices are fluctuating. Environmental and political issues are contributing to adverse business pressures. Gaps in power between developed and emerging countries are narrowing. Despite unprecedented government intervention to boost spending and restore confidence, most businesses are bracing themselves for even tougher conditions ahead. But in these difficult times lie opportunities – and Ernst & Young’s global network of professionals can help you discover them for your business. Whether your organization is strong and healthy, under stress or facing difficult choices, we work with you to find financial, strategic and operational solutions that improve your liquidity, financial flexibility and stakeholder returns. We’re here to help you build a sustainable business – in the short and long term. | Lessons from change In 2009, Ernst & Young held more than 40,000 meetings with senior executives around the globe. We asked them how the downturn was affecting their business, then gathered those insights into Lessons from change. Learn which eight strategic actions companies should focus on now. Finance performance improvement starts with framework Amid signs of economic recovery, we suggest in The future of Finance (pdf, 248.8kb) that CFOs establish and implement a holistic framework that identifies weaknesses and potential improvements, and which helps enable Finance to be more effective, lower costs and help deliver more value to the bottom line. Going from “cash-burn” to “cash-earn”: cash tax strategies for challenging times Liquidity and cash flow have become more critical than ever in a company’s ability to drive its strategic agenda, yet a recent EY survey found that many companies have not fully considered the impact that cash tax management strategies can have on their financial position. Wherever a company sits on the financial spectrum — from “cash burn” to “cash earn,” tax provides a variety of strategies to preserve, acquire, or maximize cash to support business goals. Read more in this latest report (pdf, 248kb) from Ernst & Young. Manage risk in the current climate This issue of BoardMatters Quarterly, "Managing risk in the current climate" (pdf, 610kb), is dedicated to helping audit committees identify, prepare for and protect against the key risks their companies may face during these strenuous times. Global megatrends 2009 The world is changing more rapidly than ever. Globalization continues its march. Gaps in power between developed and emerging countries continue to narrow, driven in part by the politics and economics of energy. The financial landscape is in turmoil, driving increased regulation. "Global megatrends 2009” (pdf, 886Kb) presents an Ernst & Young perspective on the most important themes that are likely to play out in the medium to long term: they are what we need to be thinking about to prepare ourselves for the future. |
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Lessons from change 
What have we learned from the economic downturn? We’ve met with senior executives across the globe throughout the year – and compiled these insights.
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