Adaptive Planning Taps into “Collective Intelligence” of Financial Executives to Assess Leading Indicators of Financial Growth

Poll Suggests Financial Leaders Managing Through Downturn and Points to Near-Term Rebound

 

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA — May 12, 2008 — Adaptive Planning today announced a new ongoing initiative to assess current economic conditions and predict future growth by tapping into the “collective wisdom” of the global financial community. The Financial Leading Indicators poll is an online survey of managers and executives in corporate finance functions that examines key growth-oriented metrics, including pricing, revenues, profit margins, headcounts and more. Developed in consultation with Jerome Engel, Executive Director of the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, the survey is part of Adaptive Planning’s sustained effort to create valuable new information and insights by connecting financial leaders worldwide.

Initial survey findings from a sample of Adaptive Planning customers paint a mixed picture of the current economic environment and expectations for future growth. Approximately two thirds report that economic conditions in their industries are currently worse than they were six months ago. However, the majority of companies surveyed expect to see increases in their revenue, headcount, product prices, and capital spending for the next six months. Key predictions for the next two quarters include:

• Nearly two thirds believe overall economic conditions in their industry will improve

• 64 percent say their company’s revenue will increase, with 39 percent expecting a bump of 5 percent or more

• 61 percent expect their headcount to increase

• 50 percent expect their capital spending to remain flat, with 43 percent expecting increases

• 47 percent expect their net profit margins to increase, while 36 percent expect no changes and 18 percent expect margin erosion

“We’re encouraged by the initial response to the Financial Leading Indicators poll,” said William A. Soward, CEO of Adaptive Planning. “We’re seeing a growing desire in the marketplace for executives to get a handle on what their peers are thinking and expecting, and the ’cautious optimism’ indicated in the findings shows why it’s important to bring these perspectives to light. The results suggest that business executives are actively managing their way through the challenging economic times, and point to an underlying resiliency to the economy.”

As part of a series of initiatives to engage the global financial community, Adaptive Planning will be expanding the scope of the Financial Leading Indicators study to encompass perspectives from a broad base of financial professionals beyond its clients. As the study expands, the company plans to offer regular updates to its customers and the community on critical changes, predictions and fluctuations.

About Adaptive Planning
Adaptive Planning is the worldwide leader in on-demand financial planning and reporting solutions that increase efficiencies and drive agile decision-making in dynamic, forward-looking companies. Adaptive Planning makes it easy to move beyond spreadsheets and automate budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, without the cost and complexity associated with traditional business intelligence and BPM software. With free software, free trials, and both on-demand and on-premise deployment options, Adaptive Planning provides the fastest and easiest approach to streamlining and elevating your financial management. Adaptive Planning is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. and can be reached at 650-528-7500 or www.adaptiveplanning.com.