The CFO'S Perspective

Setting Prices to Increase Manufacturing Profits

In a keynote speech at the 2018 Manufacturing Finance Summit, Dr. Peter Colman, a global pricing strategy expert, explained that price is the strongest profit driver for manufacturers. The data he cited showed that a 5% increase in price results in a 33% increase in operating income, whereas a 5% increase in volume only results in a 20% increase in operating income.

The message here is clear: selling smarter is better than selling more.

And while many things have changed for manufacturers in the years since, this wisdom has not. Pricing remains critical for manufacturers as a leading revenue driver.

Topics: Manufacturing Profit Margin

Is It Time to Downsize Your Business?

Downsizing is never a light topic to broach, but for businesses that are financially compromised or experiencing a reduction in demand, it is important to fully understand before any strategic planning can begin.

Downsizing is often tied to a reduction in headcount. Headcount is more than just a number, which is why downsizing should be approached with the utmost care and consideration. Knowing why a company should downsize, what kind of risk is associated with doing so, and how to avoid common mistakes is key to increasing the likelihood that your reduction efforts will be successful.

Use this guide to get a better understanding of the implications of downsizing and help inform your strategic planning as it relates to both maintaining your business and preparing it for sale.

Topics: Economic Trends Mergers and Acquisitions Planning Staffing Leadership Forecasting Expenses Profit Margin Assessment Strategy COVID-19

Low Profit Margins – The Perils and Potential in Manufacturing

As a CFO, one of the common reasons I am brought into a manufacturing organization is to solve the mystery of “Why our sales are growing, but profits low?”  Most of the companies I work with have rigorous quoting processes that they assume will protect them financially, but in the end their actual monthly profit margins often fall short of quoted (and anticipated) profit margins.

Before diving into an examination why profit margins lag behind sales growth projections it is important to take a look at accompanying financial reports. These are categories from a simplified manufacturing income statement:

In this article we will discuss materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead as they relate to gross profit.

Topics: Analysis Budgeting Manufacturing Profit Margin