Strategy & operations

Find recent insights and solutions related to strategy and operations

Top five IPO readiness tips

Assurance services

Considering an IPO? Hear the top five top areas companies should contemplate in our new Quarter close video. View the video

PwC Cash Investment Survey Report

7/10/14 | Advisory services

Point of view - Sustainability reporting

6/6/14 | Assurance services

• Webcast

  Employee benefits accounting webcast: The latest in compensation & benefits accounting - July 30, 2014
  

  Human resource services

  The accounting and reporting guidance around benefits and compensation continues to evolve. In an effort to keep you apprised of the on-going changes and updates, we are pleased to invite you to join us for our quarterly webcast series, designed for corporate financial reporting and HR executives. PwC specialists will provide their perspectives on emerging accounting, regulatory and market developments within the incentive compensation and employee benefits arena.

• Incentive compensation — impact of new revenue accounting rules
  

  7/13/14 | Human resource services

  Potential impact of new revenue accounting rules on incentive compensation plans and how employers can begin to prepare.

• PwC Cash Investment Survey Report
  

  7/10/14 | Advisory services

  Survey results identified trends in corporate cash investment management practices and highlighted potential opportunities for improvement.

• PwC Reports Robust IPO Market Surpasses $21 Billion in Q2 Proceeds, Best Quarter Volume Since 2007
  

  7/10/14 | Transaction services

  The market for initial public offerings (IPOs) finished on a strong note late in the second quarter of 2014, recording the highest quarterly deal volume since the fourth quarter of 2007.

• Webcast

  Reducing Pension Cost and Risk Using a Lump Sum Buyout Strategy webcast - July 23, 2014
  

  Human resource services

  In recent years Plan Sponsors of defined benefit pension plans have been focusing on de-risking pension plans, including a strategy to provide a one-time lump sum buyout offer to former employees. PwC has assisted many clients who have analyzed and/or implemented the lump sum strategy. Please join our webcast on July 23rd, where we will share insights into the strategy Plan Sponsors utilized.

• CFOs on the Move: Week ending July 4, 2014
  

  7/4/14

  Stay current on the career moves of your fellow financial professionals in companies across the U.S.

• Webcast

  Global Pension Survey Results - A US Perspective webcast - July 16, 2014
  

  Human resource services

  The results are in from the 114 major multi-nationals that responded to our global pension survey. It is time to present the results and understand what this means for the US market. Please join our webcast on July 16, 2014 at 2PM EDT to learn of findings and discuss the trends and implications of the survey as well as share the perspectives on the future state of retirement plans as provided by these global trend setters. We'll cover what companies are saying is next and if 'New Paternalism' is the answer.

• PwC's 2014 Health and Well-being Touchstone Survey results
  

  6/27/14 | Human resource services

  PwC is pleased to announce the availability of our 2014 Health and Well-being Touchstone Survey results. The 2014 survey data contains detailed benefits information provided by approximately 1,200 participating companies in 35 different industries across the nation.

• The valuation impact caused by changing times: Why economic obsolescence matters for retail companies
  

  6/25/14 | Assurance services

  Economic obsolescence can become a significant issue when a company has or is acquiring assets – such as store or restaurant locations – that generate separate identifiable streams of cash flows. This publication discusses factors that typically cause economic obsolescence and the potential impact, including illustrative examples and case studies.

• Webcast

  Successful M&A integration: looking beyond the here and now webcast - July 24, 2014
  

  Transaction services

  The most experienced dealmakers say they know what to do — and are reporting success. Successful integration needs to happen quickly and systematically as the period of time between deal announcement and deal close and the initial period post-close are critical to realizing quick wins and setting the course to deliver deal value over the long-term.

• Webcast

  PwC and SAP 2014 Webcast Series - Globalizing Your Business with PLM, Six Lessons from the Field, - June 26, 2014
  

  Advisory services

  In this webcast discussion we will review the important lessons on how Product Lifecyle Management (PLM) solutions can drive innovations to market, and how it should integrate with your current business model and infrastructure.

• Video

  Top five IPO readiness tips
  

  6/17/14 | Assurance services

  Considering an IPO? Hear the top five top areas companies should contemplate, as shared by PwC's Mike Gould, Lee Vanderpool, David Bohl, Francesca Bellome, Brian Staniszewski and Alyona Teeter.

• 3D printing and the new shape of industrial manufacturing
  

  6/11/14 | Industrial products

  Manufacturers are observing how 3D printing (3DP) could disrupt manufacturing processes, impact the traditional supply chain, and increase the demand for the talent needed to apply the technology to their operations.

• How grocers can get ahead for the future
  

  6/11/14 | Retail & consumer

  What customers want in tomorrow’s grocer isn’t all that different from what they want today. Based on the more than 1,000 customers we surveyed, the grocery industry’s future is centered around a simple yet targeted shopping experience that’s tailored to their needs. And while technology will play a more important role than it has historically, it will be just one component of connecting with clients. The grocery shoppers of tomorrow will want a shopping experience that’s tailored to their needs with custom coupons, convenience, and a selection of organic and ethnic foods, according to our new survey.

• Webcast

  Acquiring innovation: Strategic dealmaking for a competitive edge webcast - June 25, 2014
  

  Transaction services

  Technology companies have long relied on M&A to pursue innovation, gain top talent and build competitive advantage. In this webcast, we explore how leaders in other industry sectors can learn from technology company successes in acquiring innovation.

• M&A snapshot

  Cross-border acquisitions - Post-acquisition considerations (M&A snapshot)
  

  6/9/14 | Assurance services

  In cross-border deals, buyers shouldn't underestimate aspects of a transaction that require attention post-acquisition.

• Point of view

  Point of view - Sustainability reporting
  

  6/6/14 | Assurance services

  Sustainability reporting is a growing trend. Find out how leading companies are benefitting from increased transparency.

• Investors are focused on sustainability issues. Are you giving them the info they want to understand your company?
  

  6/5/14 | Sustainable business solutions

  Sustainability issues are a priority for today’s investors and will continue to become increasingly relevant as institutions seek to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns in both current and future investment decisions. How prepared is your company to present a clear narrative to investors supported by good data?

• Deeper insights for greater strategic value: Oracle Advanced Controls (GRC) Study
  

  6/2/14 | Risk Assurance

  GRC Technology has become an increasingly critical factor for driving value (i.e., recovering profitability, increasing efficiency, detecting fraud, etc.) and automating manual compliance and risk management activity in the enterprise. Organizations have increased their adoption of Oracle Advanced Control (“AC”) to improve the oversight of corporate governance, including financial reporting compliance, enterprise risk management (ERM), and related audits. To better understand organizations’ awareness and how organizations are using (or considering using) Advanced Controls technology to drive value in an enterprise, PwC conducted an Oracle Advanced Controls study.

• The Goldilocks syndrome: Tailoring packaged software so it’s just right
  

  5/28/14 | Financial Services Institute

  How to make the right customization and configuration decisions so your software can deliver the results you want.

• Beyond compliance: Creating a new norm in gas pipeline leak management
  

  5/28/14 | Power & utilities

  In the new norm, leak survey is no longer viewed simply as a compliance activity—it is integrated with risk assessment, work identification, and investment planning to transform integrity management and enhance pipeline safety.

• How to be No. 1: facing future challenges in the automotive industry
  

  5/27/14 | Automotive

  This PwC paper explains how strong brands and clear priorities are key if automotive OEMs and suppliers are to compete successfully.

• Corporate Governance Series

  Five megatrends and their implications, directors edition
  

  5/23/14 | Center for Board Governance

  The concept of megatrends is not new, but megatrends today are more complex and interconnected. They have potential implications on business--now and in the future.

• Valuation multiples and purchase allocation trends
  

  5/22/14 | Transaction services

  What are the latest comparable statistics for mergers and acquisitions and active trades in the financial services industry? Check out PwC's quarterly valuation summaries for the Banking, Insurance and Asset Management sectors. Insights include: trends in market multiples, related transactions, and transaction benchmarking analysis.

• Q1 2014 US Health Services deals insights
  

  5/21/14 | Transaction services

  In the first quarter of 2014, the total volume of deals remained consistent with the same period in 2013; however, the value of announced deals rose 152% to $12.3 billion.

• Q1 2014 US technology deal insights
  

  5/21/14 | Transaction services

  Technology deals for the first quarter of 2014 started strong, continuing the momentum of the second-half surge of 2013. Equity markets remained near record highs and IPO activity remained robust in an improving economy. Software and Internet deals continue to dominate as cloud, mobile and data drive much of the industry focus today.

• IPR&D acquired in a business combination – How many pieces?
  

  5/21/14 | Pharmaceuticals & life science

  This Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Alert focuses on in-process research and development (IPR&D) in acquisition accounting.

• In the loop

  In the loop: How new accounting elections could affect your deal or IPO strategy
  

  5/20/14 | Assurance services

  In the loop is an executive-level series addressing important financial reporting and regulatory issues. Our first edition discusses how changes in private company accounting could affect future deal or financing strategies.

• The future ain’t what it used to be: Why tier one investment banks need fundamental operating model changes
  

  5/19/14 | Financial Services Institute

  Investment banks today have their backs against the wall with cost and regulatory pressures. Read on to learn how shifting operating models can be the game-changing key to success.

• US Entertainment Media and Communications deal insights: Q1 2014
  

  5/14/14 | Transaction services

  The entertainment, media and communications (EMC) deal market is off to a strong start with a few high dollar deals announced in the first quarter. We cover the landscape of deals including private equity and cross-border deals, and dive deep into the emergence of Multi-Channel Networks (MCN) as the new hot property in the digital video space. We recap recent deal activity in the most active sectors, including: Broadcasting, Communications, Internet Related/Information Services, Recreation & Leisure and Film/Content.

• US retail and consumer deals insights: Q1 2014 update
  

  5/14/14 | Transaction services

  Deal activity is off to a good start led by numerous large deals, and confirms our positive outlook for 2014. Core retail trade sales improved in March which may give some rise in optimism for the remainder of the year after a slow start. IPO activity moderates in the first quarter after coming off a strong performance in 2013. However, the R&C pipeline is the strongest the sector has seen in recent years.

• M&A snapshot

  Cross-border acquisitions - Accounting considerations relating to income taxes (M&A snapshot)
  

  5/12/14 | Assurance services

  In cross-border deals, the acquisition of a foreign business can introduce complexities in accounting for income taxes.

• Trendsetter Barometer™ Q1 2014 — Private companies' optimism fuels growth plans, including renewed interest in M&A
  

  5/12/14 | Private Company Services

  We spoke to over 200 private-company leaders about what they envision for the year ahead. They told us they're more optimistic about the economy, have ambitious revenue goals, and plan to hire new workers in 2014. Read our report to hear what else they're planning for the year ahead.

• Evaluating environmental liabilities and their impacts on future earnings (Observations from the front lines)
  

  5/12/14 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  Unexpected expenditures and accounting adjustments – like those arising from environmental obligations – can dramatically impact capital budgeting and future earnings. Companies have found that practices vary widely across sectors and both engineering and accounting expertise are critical in assessing environmental obligations.

• Sustainable Supply Chains: Making value the priority
  

  5/9/14 | Advisory services

  Sustainability has been on the executive agenda for years and it’s now one of the fastest-growing supply chain management trends. More than two-thirds of 500 supply chain executives say it will play an important role in how they manage their supply chains through 2015. When PwC and APICS Foundation decided to explore what the people responsible for executing on these strategies would say about the topic, an interesting picture emerged. Thirty-nine percent of APICS members, the leading association for supply chain and operations, say company leadership is not providing the mandate, incentives, and resources to turn supply chain sustainability into action. Read this report to find out more.

• Webcast

  Mergers & Acquisitions Webcast - May 20, 2014 - On-demand version available
  

  Assurance services

  Did you miss our Mergers & Acquisitions webcast on Tuesday, May 20th? If so, you still have an opportunity to view the webcast and earn CPE credit through our on-demand version. This webcast features Beth Paul, PwC Strategic Thought Leader, Ravi Rao, National Office SEC Services Partner, and Dimitri Drone and Matt Sabatini, both Partners in our Transaction Services group. It covers accounting, financial reporting and valuation considerations in connection with the acquisition of a business.

• Trends in workforce analytics - Capturing the latest results from US Human Capital Effectiveness Benchmarks, 2014
  

  5/6/14 | Human resource services

  Our US benchmarking service recently published hundreds of metrics that reinforce the business improvement opportunity available to HR departments today - if they can align workforce performance to business strategy, supported by effective data.

• Using innovation to drive sustainable growth in the chemicals industry
  

  5/6/14 | Industrial products

  This PwC report explains why innovation in the chemicals industry is so important because it helps chemicals companies address their customers’ challenges and creates competitive advantage.

• What’s the fastest growing supply chain trend today? Why sustainability has caught the C-suite’s attention
  

  5/6/14 | Sustainable business solutions

  In today’s business and social media environment, an issue in a company’s supply chain can have widespread and lasting impacts on customers and the bottom line. And the C-suite is paying attention.

• North American power deals: Q1 2014 mergers & acquisitions report
  

  5/5/14 | Power & utilities

  The number of deals valued at more than $50 million came in at 7, down slightly from the 9 deals from a year ago. The total value of the deals, however, grew by 46%, and the average value grew by 88%.

• Webcast

  Business Continuity Management Insights Survey Results Webcast - May 22, 2014
  

  Risk Assurance

  On this webcast we will share the results of PwC’s Business Continuity Management Insights Survey, "Business Continuity Beyond Company Walls". A PwC panel of business continuity and vendor risk management leaders will discuss the survey results and provide insight into how companies can gain, manage and integrate vendor resiliency as part of their resiliency and recovery program.

• Webcast

  Cloud webcast hosted by PwC Cloud Assurance & Skyhigh Networks - May 19, 2014
  

  Risk Assurance

  The use of cloud is strategic – it drives business agility and employee productivity. At the same time, organizations are concerned about the risks arising from utilizing cloud based services, but the drive to the cloud is accelerating. Please join PwC’s Cloud Assurance team along with CEO and Co-Founder of Skyhigh Networks, Rajiv Gupta, for this webcast.

• Market trends in retiree healthcare and financial reporting implications
  

  4/30/14 | Human resource services

  This Insight focuses on the accounting implications of changes in the design of retiree health benefit plans.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on integrated reporting
  

  4/29/14 | Sustainable business solutions

  Investors have been showing increased interest in the correlations between financial performance and sustainability factors like resource scarcity, environmental performance and corporate governance when assessing a company’s future risk and growth opportunities. Is your company ready to respond? This 10Minutes highlights insights and benefits companies can glean into these issues by integrating their thinking to develop a better understanding of impacts to their businesses, allowing them to tell a more holistic value creation story.

• Assembling value: First-quarter 2014 industrial manufacturing industry mergers and acquisitions analysis
  

  4/28/14 | Industrial products

  Industrial manufacturing mergers and acquisitions activity rose in the second half of the year, with oil and gas end-markets driving deals in the industrial machinery sector. Deal strategies are expected to shift to growth-oriented transactions in 2014.

• Chemical compounds: First-quarter 2014 chemical industry mergers and acquisitions analysis
  

  4/28/14 | Industrial products

  Chemical industry mergers and acquisitions increased in advanced economies, with shale gas opportunities playing a major factor in the United States. Chemicals industry companies are pursuing a variety of deal strategies, including joint ventures, spin-offs, and complete divestitures.

• Mission control: First-quarter 2014 aerospace and defense industry mergers and acquisitions analysis
  

  4/28/14 | Aerospace & defense

  Deal activity in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry was off to a slow start in 2014. While aerospace-focused deals are expected to continue at high valuations, the defense mergers & acquisitions (M&A) market remains sluggish. Unless long-term defense priorities become clearer, a sustained increase in the overall pace of A&D M&A is unlikely.

• Engineering growth: First-quarter 2014 engineering & construction industry mergers and acquisitions analysis
  

  4/28/14 | Industrial products

  Large deals continue to drive engineering and construction industry mergers and acquisitions, especially in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. Risk aversion is impacting deal activity in emerging markets.

• Telecommunications and data privacy policies will drive opportunities in online retailing
  

  4/24/14 | Retail & consumer

  This PwC paper focuses on telecommunications and data privacy issues and how those may affect global companies with online retailing operations in emerging markets.

• Webcast

  The future of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS): How not to lose your head in the clouds - webcast - May 7, 2014
  

  Energy & mining

  HRIS systems are moving from on-premise to the cloud, allowing executives to develop new business models to enhance time to market, create operational efficiencies and engage customers in new ways. Within the cloud workspace three HR Technologies solutions have emerged as the primary players - Workday, SuccessFactors and Oracle Fusion. Learn what each one offers, how to best prepare your employees for such a change, and how to make it a part of a holistic cloud plan so that executives can manage risk as well as opportunity.

• Specialty third-party logistics providers: A busy market for transactions in 2014
  

  4/23/14 | Transaction services

  The number of logistic transactions is on the rise and private equity and industry players continue to look for strategic purchases, particularly of specialty 3PL providers. Third-party logistics providers are becoming increasingly indispensable due to their high level of customization, service quality, or service accuracy. Because of the number of well-capitalized players and the need for this operational intelligence and sophisticated capabilities, we expect this momentum of deals to continue.

• Final rules describe ACA health coverage reporting requirements for 2015
  

  4/23/14 | Human resource services

  Final regulations on ACA reporting requirements give needed guidance to employers and insurers who must report to the IRS about 2015 health coverage.

• 2014 US CEO Survey: A private-company perspective
  

  4/22/14 | Private Company Services

  Growing Your Business is a PwC series discussing the opportunities and challenges private companies face, suggesting ways they can make the most of both.

• Employee Financial Wellness Survey
  

  4/21/14 | Private Company Services

  PwC's Employee Financial Wellness Survey tracks the financial and retirement wellbeing of working US adults nationwide.

• Executive Compensation: Clawbacks 2013 proxy disclosure study
  

  4/17/14 | Human resource services

  This PwC publication presents our analysis of 2009 through 2012 year-end proxy disclosures for 100 large public companies relative to their compensation recoupment or “clawback” policies. When providing employees with bonuses, stock options, or other incentive awards, companies often establish provisions that allow them to recoup all or a portion of the award under certain circumstances. These provisions, referred to as clawbacks, are detailed by most public companies in their annual proxy statement.

• Breaking the rules: Achieving breakthrough innovation in financial services
  

  4/15/14 | Financial Services Institute

  Financial institutions can no longer grow through cost cutting and reengineering alone. Read on to learn how breakthrough innovation can help leading organizations gain a competitive advantage.

• Cure for the Common Culture: Building Effective Risk Cultures at Financial Institutions
  

  4/15/14 | Financial Services Institute

  What are the best ways for financial services firms to establish an effective risk culture? We share some tips to keep your culture clean and clear of regulatory risk.

• Webcast

  Data Protection & Privacy: Building customer trust through data privacy webcast - May 8, 2014
  

  Risk Assurance

  PwC's Risk Assurance Data Protection & Privacy practice invites you to attend our upcoming webcast. Data privacy is an urgent issue for both consumers and businesses. This webcast will focus on the following topics to help companies enhance their processes and build customer trust: (1) Elevating privacy to the board level, (2) Establishing privacy as a business differentiator, (3) Developing strategies for an effective privacy program, and (4) Responding to incidents and leveraging the lessons learned.

• Webcast

  Trends in Workforce Analytics - including the latest results from PwC Saratoga's US Human Capital Effectiveness Report - May 6, 2014
  

  US tax services

  In this webcast we will discuss business leaders recognize that talent is a critical enabler to achieving their business strategies, and recognize that better information about their workforce is mandatory for decision making. Improving workforce analytics capabilities enables HR organizations to address leadership's need for robust information. Saratoga benchmark results for 2014 suggest, however, that real improvement opportunities still need to be made for most organizations.

• Workforce of the future: How strategic workforce planning can help financial institutions today, tomorrow, and beyond
  

  4/7/14 | Financial Services Institute

  Top-performing teams don’t happen by accident; they’re built to support an organization’s strategy and culture. Do you have the people who can make your strategy happen?

• M&A snapshot

  Cross-border acquisitions - Navigating SEC reporting requirements (M&A snapshot)
  

  4/7/14 | Assurance services

  This is the second in our series focused on navigating the waters of a cross-border acquisition. The series looks at various aspects along the deal continuum, including pre-acquisition due diligence and strategies, financial reporting requirements, tax implications, and post-acquisition considerations. This edition provides insights on SEC and other financial reporting requirements that may apply in a cross-border acquisition.

• PwC’s Q1 IPO Watch Finds IPOs Continue to Dominate the Capital Markets as Activity More than Doubles Compared to Q1 2013
  

  4/2/14 | Transaction services

  The robust market for initial public offerings (IPOs) continued in the first quarter of 2014, and momentum is expected to remain strong into the second quarter, according to IPO Watch, a quarterly survey of IPOs listed on U.S. stock exchanges by PwC US.

• HR Innovation - Winter 2014
  

  4/2/14 | Human resource services

  HR Innovation offers advanced thinking about the challenges that should be uppermost on the minds and agendas of organizations and their Human Resources (HR) leaders. In this issue of HR Innovation, we focus on the continually changing HR landscape and what organizations need to do to take control of today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s decisions.

• Acquiring Innovation: Strategic deal-making to create value through M&A
  

  4/2/14 | Transaction services

  M&A in pursuit of innovation is a high-potential source of growth. That's what we learned in a survey of tech companies, where 76 percent of innovation-focused acquisitions met or exceeded expectations. Led by the right inorganic growth strategy and accompanied by a holistic approach to deal execution, business leaders in all industry sectors can apply key lessons learned from innovation-intensive industry sectors to their own business and accelerate growth. Read to explore the key success factors in acquiring innovation.

• Game on: Private Equity Investment in Africa
  

  4/2/14 | Transaction services

  Over the past several years, interest in Africa as a destination for investment has been growing at a steady clip. Private equity was the first to make serious inroads into this heterogeneous continent of 54 countries. More recently, multinational corporations and a variety of other investors have entered the fray.

• Webcast

  Eliminate Cash Leakage with Oracle Advanced Financial Controls for Healthcare Providers - PwC and Oracle webcast - April 17, 2014
  

  Risk Assurance

  PwC's Risk Assurance Group invites you to attend the Eliminate Cash Leakage with Oracle Advanced Financial Controls for Healthcare Providers webcast to learn how Oracle Advanced Financial Controls can provide a thorough financial controls solution for your organization.

• PwC's 6th Annual Digital IQ Survey
  

  4/1/14 | Advisory services

  Download our 2014 Global Digital IQ Survey and explore the wealth of data and PwC insights, gleaned from 1,100 companies around the world, and across industries.

• M&A Integration: Looking beyond the here and now. PwC’s 2014 M&A Integration Survey Report
  

  4/1/14 | Transaction services

  In 2008 and 2011, our tri-annual M&A Integration survey reports underscored the need for early planning and an accelerated transition as critical factors for successful integration.
  This 2014 survey report confirms these factors remain in today’s deals, and offers additional insights – showing that while early planning and rapid transition remain important, the commitment to integration completion over the long-term can be the deciding factor for deal success.

• Turning frowns upside down: How financial institutions can transform complaints into a competitive advantage
  

  3/31/14 | Financial Services Institute

  When things go wrong, word travels fast. But, if financial institutions resolve the issue quickly, customers tend to stay. A strong complaint management program is key.

• The art of letting go: Middle- and back-office right-sourcing options for insurance investment management
  

  3/31/14 | Financial Services Institute

  Insurers can transform their investment management middle- and back-office functions to gain a competitive advantage. Which right-sourcing approach will work for you?

• Webcast

  Center for Board Governance quarterly webcast - The latest on cybersecurity - March 27, 2014
  

  Center for Board Governance

  PwC's Center for Board Governance invites you to join their Quarterly Webcast Series, designed to help board and audit committee members more effectively meet the challenges of their critical roles. On March 27, Mary Ann Cloyd, Leader of PwC's Center for Board Governance, discussed the increasing demands of cybersecurity with The Honorable Tom Ridge and PwC's Charles Beard.

• Doing more with more: How P&C insurers are creating an information advantage with 3rd party data
  

  3/25/14 | Insurance

  Look at how 3PD is dramatically altering the information management, analytics and decision-making landscape, as well as some leading practices on successfully integrating and exploiting 3PD.

• Private company accounting alternatives on goodwill (Observations from the front lines)
  

  3/25/14 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  Recently the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update to permit private companies to amortize goodwill acquired in a business combination, and to apply a simplified goodwill impairment model. This change is intended to help reduce reporting complexity for private companies; however, private companies should carefully consider this alternative, especially for those considering an initial public offering.

• US health services deals insights: analysis and trends in US health services activity 2013 and 2014 outlook
  

  3/24/14 | Transaction services

  In 2013, the most notable deal activity was in the hospital sector. While hospital deal volume was down, hospital deal value increased from $1.9 billion in 2012 to $18.6 billion in 2013.

• Webcast

  Entity Close: How to Achieve Speed, Control and Compliance using GRC - PwC and SAP Webcast - April 8, 2014
  

  Risk Assurance

  PwC's Risk Assurance Group invites you to attend the Entity Close: How to Achieve Speed, Control and Compliance using GRC webcast, to understand how GRC solutions can be leveraged to improve your closing process.

• An HR perspective, The Future of Healthcare Benefits - Employers’ opportunity for strategic change in the new healthcare world
  

  3/13/14 | Human resource services

  PwC recently convened several roundtables of employers in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta to discuss health coverage at this pivotal moment. This thought leadership article highlights the conversations and results of the related survey.

• CFOs Seek Surer Footing for the Path Forward
  

  3/12/14

  U.S. finance leaders are looking for more signs of stability in the year ahead, according to the latest Duke University/CFO Global Business Outlook Survey.

• Pensions and other postretirement benefits: 2013 SEC comment letter trends
  

  3/11/14 | Human resource services

  This PwC publication includes an analysis of comments made by the SEC staff to registrants published on the SEC’s website between January 1, 2013 and September 15, 2013 related to pensions and postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB). There were 37 companies that received one or more comments related to pensions and OPEB during that period, for a total of 78 comments.

• M&A snapshot

  Cross-border acquisitions - Due diligence and pre-acquisition risk considerations (M&A snapshot)
  

  3/6/14 | Assurance services

  This is the first in a series focused on navigating the waters of a cross-border acquisition. This edition focuses on the pre-acquisition phase, including how GAAP differences can impact valuation and how a company can manage the financial risk exposure that arises from a cross-border acquisition.

• Webcast

  Deals Webcast: Embracing Shareholder Activism: Strategy through Tactical Execution - March 31, 2014
  

  Transaction services

  In this webcast we will discuss the strategic approaches and practical/transformative actions that companies can undertake to embrace shareholder activism and enhance strategic alignment and execution.

• Webcast

  PwC and Oracle Webcast: How M&A Activity and Organizational Change Impacts Financial Processes and Systems - March 26, 2014
  

  Risk Assurance

  PwC's Risk Assurance Group invites you to attend the How M&A Activity and Organizational Change Impacts Financial Processes and Systems webcast, to learn how to Oracle Advanced Controls can be leveraged in your organizational change efforts.

• Corporate Governance Series

  Shareholder questions: Management's considerations for 2014 annual meetings
  

  3/3/14 | Assurance services

  This PwC publication is intended to help management and the board of directors of public companies prepare for the annual meeting of shareholders. It contains example questions on topics that may be top-of-mind for shareholders, along with background information and suggested actions for management’s consideration.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on data privacy
  

  2/26/14 | Advisory services

  Data protection and privacy is an urgent issue for both consumers and businesses. As customers increasingly worry whether their personal information is secure and used appropriately, companies are also concerned about protecting data and their brand. This 10Minutes highlights the importance of viewing consumer privacy from more than just a compliance lens and developing a strategy and action plan that will help businesses lead on data privacy by building customer trust and enhancing their brand.

• Economic Impact of Trade Secret Theft
  

  2/25/14 | Forensic services

  News stories, international negotiations, and recent case law continue to demonstrate the importance of securing trade secrets as a means of ensuring prosperity for companies operating in the U.S. and abroad.

• Overcoming challenges of leading innovation in medical technology and research in the global market
  

  2/25/14 | Forensic services

  Promoting healthcare solutions worldwide requires navigation of the complex and constantly changing landscape of US export control laws. How regulatory controls apply to medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology products is unique, and understanding where and how to export these products is critical to competing in the global market. This piece discusses the effect of “dual use” controls, defense regulations, and OFAC sanctions on these products, and the risks and opportunities for this booming industry.

• US technology deal insights - Analysis and trends in US technology M&A activity 2014
  

  2/24/14 | Transaction services

  After a 2012 filled with uncertainties, 2013 witnessed a slow rebuilding of confidence and, perhaps, the charting of a path toward growth. After a first half that saw quarterly technology deal volume drop, optimism took hold with a doubling of activity in the second half. In the end, technology deal activity finished the year 18% lower, amidst IT spending growth of less than 1%. Equity markets and IPO pricings sounded a consistently contrarian note, soaring to long-forgotten highs. These leading indicators of spending and deal growth provide promise for 2014.

• Webcast

  Employee Benefits Accounting Webcast: Insights into the current practices and trends - from SEC comment letters to pay practices of leading private equity firms – March 26, 2014
  

  Human resource services

  The accounting and reporting guidance around benefits and compensation continues to evolve. In an effort to keep you apprised of the on-going changes and updates, we are pleased to invite you to join us for our quarterly webcast series, designed for corporate financial reporting and HR executives. PwC specialists will provide their perspectives on emerging accounting, regulatory and market developments within the incentive compensation and employee benefits arena.

• Operational controllership: The quiet evolution
  

  2/20/14 | Transaction services

  Today the landscape is changing, as the operational controllership function is less about technical accounting and financial reporting support (handled by specialist technical teams) and more about creating value for the company while managing risk. The operational controller roles across the companies have evolved into new focus areas, such as reducing legal entities or improving shared services or working proactively with deal and commercial teams—all designed to drive more simplifica­tion, standardization, cost savings or revenue growth.

• Global Economic Crime Survey, 2014: Key Highlights from the U.S.
  

  2/20/14 | Forensic services

  From cybercrime to corruption, most economic crimes reported are on the rise. What does this mean for your business? Read the key highlights from the U.S.

• US Entertainment Media and Communications deal insights: 2013 year end update
  

  2/18/14 | Entertainment & media

  The entertainment, media and communications (EMC) deal market is gaining momentum once again and companies face greater competition for attractive acquisitions. We look at deal drivers and the deal outlook for 2014 in the most active sectors, including: Broadcasting, Communications, Advertising & Marketing, Publishing, Recreation & Leisure and Film/Content.

• PwC's Global Insights 2014: Drivers of growth for Cash and Carry retailers in emerging markets
  

  2/18/14 | Retail & consumer

  PwC’s Global Insights 2014: Drivers of growth for Cash and Carry retailers in emerging markets reviews the evolution of the Cash & Carry (C&C) retail model in emerging markets and provides key insights/platforms that can be leveraged for C&C evolution and growth.

• US retail & consumer deals insights: 2013 year in review and 2014 outlook
  

  2/18/14 | Retail & consumer

  Despite a lull in deal activity during Q2, total transaction value for 2013 surpassed the $100 billion mark for the first time since 2008, anchored by one of the largest consumer products deals in history with the $28 billion Heinz deal. There were several factors which challenged consumer sentiment throughout 2013, however consumer sentiment was up year-over-year driven by labor and economic improvements. We expect R&C deal activity will continue its positive momentum, but will remain challenging as supply and demand of quality assets for sale may remain divergent.

• Navigating the megatrends: Strategizing for success
  

  2/18/14 | Aerospace & defense

  Economic, cultural, social, and scientific changes like demographic shifts, urbanization, climate change, technology advances are impacting all businesses. What should aerospace & defense companies be thinking about to be successful in light of these megatrends?

• Private Company Platforms – NYSE ACE Portal & NASDAQ Private Market (Observations from the front lines)
  

  2/13/14 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  The broadening of private company securities sales has helped drive the development of two new offerings from the NYSE and NASDAQ OMX. Both solutions, although different in approach and focus, are designed to provide a platform and market structure for private companies to manage and conduct the sale of private company securities.

• Webcast

  Does your risk management function also drive company performance? It should… webcast - March 14, 2014
  

  Entertainment & media

  On this Entertainment, media and communications sector webcast, we will explore the characteristics and best practices in monitoring and managing key risks, and link these practices to the strategic, operational and financial business imperatives.

• 2013 US Capital Markets watch - analysis and trends
  

  2/12/14 | Transaction services

  Welcome to PwC’s inaugural 2013 US Capital Markets Watch. Reflecting the integrated nature of capital markets, we have broadened the discussion beyond Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) to include the equity follow-on market, the convertible market, debt markets, and spin-offs.

• Profitability 2.0: A bigger vision than just cost-cutting
  

  2/10/14 | Private Company Services

  Reconciling the need to trim with the need to grow entails working through a much more complex set of considerations than in the past. In short, many companies will have to do things differently if they're to boost their profitability.

• Trendsetter Barometer™ — Private companies eye substantial revenue growth in 2014, expect to outperform GDP forecast
  

  2/10/14 | Private Company Services

  We spoke to over 200 private-company leaders about what they envision for the year ahead. They told us they're more optimistic about the economy, have ambitious revenue goals, and plan to hire new workers in 2014. Read our report to hear what else they're planning for the year ahead.

• Webcast

  A focus on value creation: The year that was in oil and gas deals webcast - February 13, 2014
  

  Energy & mining

  In the past year, oil and gas companies focused on maximizing shareholder value. This webcast will focus on key themes found in the PwC quarterly M&A analysis along with our insights on deals done in the past year and what the deal market for 2014 may hold.

• Answering your cybersecurity questions
  

  2/5/14 | Advisory services

  There continues to be systematic security issues with retailers in the United States. A number of recent high-profile data breaches demonstrate that cyberattacks on retail and consumer organizations are increasing in number. This piece discusses what boards and management can do to better position their companies to handle cybersecurity events. It also covers threat actors who exploit retailers via cyberspace, and provides questions to consider in the early weeks of 2014.

• Empowering business agility: Strengthening Internal Audit’s impact and value
  

  2/4/14 | Power & utilities

  Findings from the eighth annual survey of power and utilities chief audit executives.

• Webcast

  PwC and SAP 2014 Webcast Series - Discussing the top issues companies are asking about Transfer Pricing - February 25, March 19, April 23
  

  Advisory services

  In the current economic and regulatory climate, transfer pricing implementation requires more attention than ever before, within both finance and tax teams as well as across a range of other stakeholders. It is no surprise that transfer pricing has become the top priority for any global company. You're invited to a webcast series with PwC and SAP discussing the main questions companies are asking about as it relates to their transfer pricing compliance strategy.

• 17th Annual Global CEO Survey: US Findings
  

  1/30/14

  US CEOs in our 17th Annual Global CEO Survey are finding reasons to be more confident in many places. At home, the outlook for the US economy is improving. For example, we saw momentum increase in the US deals market over 2013, and business investment is picking up.

• Technology Forecast: The future of enterprise apps: Moving beyond workflows to mindflows
  

  1/28/14 | Center for technology and innovation

  This issue of the Technology Forecast examines the future of enterprise applications. Emerging technologies, including mobility, cloud, application programming interfaces (APIs), analytics and others are giving rise to the "mindful app".

• Being prepared in a hot IPO market (Observations from the front lines)
  

  1/23/14 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  Strong demand for IPOs continued in the fourth quarter of 2013, capping a robust year for the capital markets and setting the stage for continued growth in 2014. The window for raising capital in a robust IPO market tends to open with bursts of popularity then close quickly. This requires a constant state of readiness for the required IPO document that is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission “SEC”. Don’t let unforeseen financial reporting items be the road block to accessing the IPO markets.

• Outlook for the sports market in North America through 2017
  

  1/21/14 | Entertainment & media

  PwC’s Sports Outlook focuses on recent results and potential opportunities and challenges to future industry growth. This special edition for North America provides revenue projections over five years through 2017 within four key segments of the sports market.

• Game Changer: A new kind of value chain for entertainment and media companies
  

  1/21/14 | Entertainment & media

  With digital content projected to account for 87 percent of growth in spending in the entertainment and media (E&M) industry over the next five years, efficiently producing and managing such content is top of mind for industry players.

• The Internal Audit Analytics Conundrum—Finding your path through data
  

  1/21/14 | Risk Assurance

  Business development during recent decades has involved extensive use of technology designed to drive business competitiveness and expand new business horizons. Integrating data analytics into your Internal Audit approach can help you achieve your audit objectives in a more reliable and cost-effective way. This white paper highlights what Internal Audit can be doing to help utilize analytics across their audit plan.

• Webcast

  Key considerations for board and audit committee members webcast - January 29, 2014
  

  Center for Board Governance

  On January 29, Mary Ann Cloyd, leader of PwC's Center for Board Governance, and Tim Ryan, PwC vice chair and leader of Markets, Strategy, and Stakeholders, lead the Center for Board Governance Key considerations for board and audit committee members webcast. which focused on what issues are top of mind for board and audit committee members.

• Webcast

  PwC's Investor Resource Institute megatrends webcast - February 6, 2014
  

  PwC Investor Resource Institute

  PwC's Investor Resource Institute invites you to join us for a webcast on Thursday, February 6 from 3:00 - 4:00pm ET. During this webcast we will be discussing five megatrends that we see shaping the global business environment, and the implications of these macroeconomic forces may have on corporate strategies.

• Employee stock compensation: 2013 SEC comment letter trends
  

  1/9/14 | Human resource services

  PwC has produced this document to assist management teams in identifying and understanding the SEC staff's current focus areas for stock compensation. We have highlighted the areas where registrants received the most comments from the SEC staff and have provided relevant examples of recent comment letters to aid preparers in ensuring their disclosures are robust and consistent with the relevant accounting or reporting guidance for stock compensation.

• Webcast

  Addressing the compensation and benefits challenges in a consolidating healthcare industry webcast – January 22, 2014
  

  Human resource services

  The consolidation in the healthcare industry is creating new and bigger HR related challenges. As health systems redefine their brands and clarify their strategies in this time of convergence, hospital executives have new struggles to conquer, from evaluating merger candidates to integrating them (including the nuances of integrating physician practices), to delivering meaningful benefits in cost effective ways.

• Social Selling: A Digital Blueprint for the Automobile Industry
  

  1/6/14 | Automotive

  The automotive industry is amidst an era of marketing disruption. Traditional advertising models and budgets are withering and people are working to find the right mix of marketing among multiple social and digital platforms inside and outside of their control. This always-on and unlimited sharing of experiences, combined with digital communications tools embedded into the car ownership experience itself, has created a new playing field for automakers. This is the third online era. How all of it combined influences the transaction experience is what we refer to as social selling.

• Aviation’s second golden age: Can the US aircraft industry maintain leadership?
  

  1/6/14 | Aerospace & defense

  Demand for air travel—and for more smarter, cleaner aircraft—is taking off globally. Can the US sustain its leading edge amidst struggles on talent and new ripples of competition from emerging players?

• PwC’s Q4 IPO Watch Finds 2013 IPO Volume Hits Highest Level in Six Years
  

  12/19/13 | Transaction services

  Strong demand for initial public offerings (IPOs) continued in the fourth quarter of 2013, capping a robust year for the capital markets and setting the stage for continued growth in the new year, according to IPO Watch, a quarterly survey of IPOs listed on U.S. stock exchanges by PwC US. Total IPO volume for 2013, as of December 17, reached 237 public company debuts, easily surpassing overall volume of 146 IPOs in 2012 and representing the most active environment for newly listed companies since 2007.

• Webcast

  Aligning your GRC solution with the revised COSO Internal Control-Integrated Framework webcast - January 28, 2014
  

  Risk Assurance

  PwC's Risk Assurance Group invites you to attend this webcast to learn how to improve the alignment of your GRC Solution to the updated COSO Internal Control Framework.

• Strategic Divestiture Alternatives – An efficient structure re-emerges (Observations from the front lines)
  

  12/17/13 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  The re-emergence of a Mergers & Acquisitions (“M&A”) technique known as a “Reverse Morris Trust” (“RMT”) has proven to provide some unique advantages over other strategic alternatives as a vehicle for divesting divisions or a separate business. Companies considering a divestiture should become knowledgeable on the recent comeback of this strategic alternative so they can actively engage in conversations with their advisors.

• Dataline

  Dataline: Supply Chain Finance: Analyzing Structured Payable Programs (No. 2013-28)
  

  12/17/13 | Assurance services

  Implementing a structured vendor payable program? Be wary - changes to the terms of the trade payable could affect balance sheet classification and debt covenant ratios.

• Webcast

  Not your father's Africa: doing successful deals in a new frontier webcast - January 29, 2014
  

  Transaction services

  In this webcast we will discuss the factors at play in Africa today that are providing significant opportunity for investment, and how deals are getting done.

• Top health industry issues of 2014
  

  12/11/13 | Health Research Institute

  The 2014 Top Issues report examines the shifting healthcare landscape and offers insights on how to survive rising expectations and tough competition.

• Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear: Auto finance industry keeps its sights on impending regulation
  

  12/10/13 | Automotive

  Although most auto dealers are exempt from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) supervisory authority, CFPB’s oversight of automobile finance transactions is expanding. In the upcoming months, auto lenders and dealers are likely to see increased regulatory scrutiny around consumer protection matters, and this could mean significant changes for the industry.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on service provider transparency
  

  12/10/13 | Risk Assurance

  Businesses depend on service providers to handle confidential data, run essential business processes, and manage critical technology. This can leave businesses vulnerable to service provider breakdowns. The result can be the providers’ clients violating regulations and even losing customer trust. Yet many businesses may know less than they realize about their service providers’ controls. This 10Minutes discusses how SOC 2 and SOC 3 reports can give businesses the picture they need to have solid confidence in their service providers.

• Putting the success in succession
  

  12/9/13 | Advisory services

  Succession planning done right sets the growth course. It aligns with talent processes, mends gaps and develops future leaders for success. But too often, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves unless a crisis forces it on the agenda. True planning for the workforce of the future, for the success of the future—means addressing succession planning today.

• Q3 2013 US health services deals insights
  

  11/25/13 | Transaction services

  The third quarter of 2013 realized a slight uptick over the prior two quarters in the volume of healthcare services deals with 138 total transactions. However, the value of the dealsannounced in Q3 2013, $15.8 billion, was up 35% over the second quarter. In both volume and value, the year-to-date period for 2013 continues to lag the same period in 2012 with volume down 4.6% and value down 25%.

• HRS Insight: New pension accounting for insurance companies
  

  11/25/13 | Human resource services

  The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has changed employers’ accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits.

• Entertainment, media and communications deal insights
  

  11/21/13 | Entertainment & media

  Internet, Communications and Publishing sub-sectors saw increased deal activity, contributing to the 9% growth in announced deals for the 3 quarters ended 2013 versus prior year. In addition to deal trends for the year to date, a deeper look at one sub-sector -- telecom operations -- and the deal opportunities abounding as telecom companies look to improve network operations and spectrum efficiency.

• Webcast

  Year-End M&A Outlook for 2014 webcast - December 16, 2013
  

  Transaction services

  In this webcast learn the current state of play in the US, the trends impacting dealmaking, what we envision the deal market could look like in 2014, and how to successfully execute your M&A strategy.

• Webcast

  Conflict minerals - Next steps: An auditor's perspective - April 9, 2013
  

  Assurance services

  Conflict minerals compliance has quickly become one of the most pressing issues for both SEC and non-SEC registered companies. As we have spoken to a large number of companies regarding their conflict minerals implementation programs, we would like to share with you some observations and key takeaways.

• Customer experience in the pharmaceutical sector: Getting closer to the patient
  

  11/19/13 | Pharmaceuticals & life science

  As patients exert greater control over their healthcare, drug makers need to master the complexities of consumer behavior to demonstrate value in the new health economy. Consumers are willing to offer feedback that informs who they are, how they behave and how existing biases impact their behavior. Drug makers that tap into this feedback will reach a new level of success.

• Trendsetter Barometer™ business outlook — Private companies expect to outperform GDP forecast, projecting 9% revenue growth for next 12 months
  

  11/19/13 | Private Company Services

  PwC's quarterly Private Company Trendsetter Barometer tracks the growth expectations, investment focus, and economic views of privately held US businesses. This quarter's report incorporates the views of 226 chief executive officers (CEOs/CFOs): 130 in the product sector and 96 in the service sector.

• Where have you been all my life? How the financial services industry can unlock the value in Big Data
  

  11/11/13 | Financial Services Institute

  Rapidly accessing and processing increasingly large volumes of data derived from various sources is a major challenge for financial institutions. What makes Big Data different from traditional data management?

• US retail & consumer deals insights: Q3 2013 update
  

  11/6/13 | Transaction services

  Deal activity rebounded from Q2 as Q3 included six of the top ten corporate deals year-to-date and several large private equity deals. Consumer sentiment and retail sales trends weakened and suggest R&C companies will face an increasingly challenged environment through year-end. The deal environment remains challenging, given the lack of availability of quality assets for sale and a mismatch in buyer and seller expectations around price.

• Flexible spending accounts can now allow carryover of up to $500 to following year
  

  11/6/13 | Human resource services

  IRS has amended its rules for healthcare flexible spending accounts to permit carry over up to $500 per plan year rather than forfeit all unused funds

• Shifting talent across borders? Tax and policy challenges can abound
  

  11/6/13 | International assignment services

  In the entertainment and media industry, the business necessity is that talent must be flexible and mobile, crossing borders seamlessly to get the job done. This article is intended to provide a non-exhaustive, broad summary of only some of the many tax and related policy challenges that may arise.

• Debt refinancing in an uncertain rate environment (Observations from the front lines)
  

  11/5/13 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  The economic business environment continues to improve and interest rates in the most recent year remain low, although there is concern that they may rise in the near term. Companies who have seen their credit outlook recover, and/or want to take advantage of the current lower interest rate environment, may consider refinancing their existing debt. Companies have found that the financial reporting outcomes of such negotiations may not reflect the entire expected economic benefit.

• Going beyond reshoring to right-shoring
  

  10/31/13 | Advisory services

  Many companies have experienced the downsides of an extended offshore supply chain, including political ramifications and supply chain shocks. This, along with ongoing structural shifts in low-cost regions, is prompting organizations to rethink their past sourcing decisions. Reshoring has recently become a hot topic in both the C-suite and in the operations organization. While reshoring has its challenges, the trend is very real. This paper addresses the strategic approach to reshoring some organizations are taking in order to improve margins.

• Avoiding the drift: Optimizing and maintaining AML surveillance programs
  

  10/28/13 | Risk Assurance

  Faced with new requirements, financial sector companies have increased their investment in anti-money laundering (AML) compliance efforts. Avoiding the inadvertent process of noncompliance, “AML drift”, is the key to a successful surveillance program. This whitepaper provides methods and techniques to help companies optimize their AML compliance program and protect themselves from regulatory impact.

• 13th PwC Annual Global Power & Utilities Survey
  

  10/28/13 | Power & utilities

  The PwC Annual Global Power & Utilities Survey goes to the heart of boardroom thinking in utility companies across the globe. In this, our 13th edition, we look at the pressures building up on the traditional power utility business model and the industry’s viewpoint on the transformative changes that lie ahead.

• The New Digital Ecosystem Reality: Nine trends rewriting the rules of business
  

  10/28/13 | Technology

  PwC's Technology Industry leader discusses technological, economic, and political trends that are important to CEOs and C-Suite executives while exploring the trends and challenges that businesses must consider to remain competitive.

• US Technology deals insights: Q3 2013
  

  10/25/13 | Transaction services

  Technology deals accelerated in the third quarter returning to historically high levels with deal volume doubling from the previous quarter, according to PwC’s US Q3 technology M&A Insights report released today. Private equity (PE) buyers continued to take an active role in technology M&A with increased deal closures and numerous new deals announced.

• Investor Exchange 2013 highlights
  

  10/22/13 | PwC Investor Resource Institute

  Investors are more interested than ever in understanding the risks that today's companies face. Read what investors had to say at PwC's inaugural Investor Exchange.

• Defending yesterday: Key findings from The Global State of Information Security^® Survey 2014
  

  10/21/13 | Advisory services

  While organizations have made significant security improvements, they have not kept pace with today’s determined adversaries. As a result, many rely on yesterday’s security practices to combat today’s threats. The results of this survey show that executives are heeding the need to fund enhanced security activities and have substantially improved technology safeguards, processes, and strategies.

• HR Innovation Summer/Fall 2013
  

  10/17/13 | Human resource services

  HR Innovation offers advanced thinking about the challenges that should be uppermost on the minds and agendas of organizations and their Human Resources (HR) leaders. In this issue of HR Innovation, we focus on the continually changing HR landscape and what organizations need to do to take control of today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s decisions.

• Unlocking Potential: Finance effectiveness benchmark study 2013
  

  10/15/13 | Advisory services

  Providing more for less, streamlining and reducing transactional costs, providing an effective control framework, and helping the business make the right decisions to improve business performance — we know all this. The challenge is in execution. PwC’s fifth annual benchmark report, which outlines the latest findings of our analysis of more than 200 companies, confirms that the leading finance teams are achieving results that are very different from the norm.

• Transforming Treasury: Successfully executing a strategic transaction
  

  10/14/13 | Advisory services

  For strategic transactions, managing the risks typically associated with Corporate Treasury can be paramount to a deal’s success. This article explores how to navigate those risks and seize the inherent opportunities that effectively position Corporate Treasury and strategically transform the new organization.

• Medtech companies prepare for an innovation makeover
  

  10/10/13 | Health Research Institute

  The mere concept of innovation needs redefining in a health ecosystem that demands and rewards new models for delivering better care across a broader patient population at lower costs. Medtech companies must get ready to compete in this new environment or risk being displaced by ones that can show evidence their innovations achieve the same high clinical standards but are faster, better, cheaper, and more integrated into the care delivery continuum.

• IPO Market Momentum Breaks Full Year 2012 Totals, According to PwC’s Q3 IPO Watch
  

  10/2/13 | Transaction services

  The capital markets continued to demonstrate strong momentum in the third quarter of 2013 as the volume of new public listings matched the previous quarter, and exceeded the third quarter of 2012, according to IPO Watch, a quarterly survey of IPOs listed on U.S. stock exchanges by PwC US.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on strategic supply chain management
  

  10/2/13 | Advisory services

  New research shows that high-performing supply chains can achieve sales and revenue growth while managing costs. That sounds like a tall order, but there are things you can do now to manage your supply chain as a strategic asset to boost performance and profitability. This 10Minutes highlights how the supply chain can move your business strategy forward and set you apart from the competition.

• Power and Utilities Alert 2013-8: Alternative financing options for the renewable power industry
  

  10/1/13 | Power & utilities

  What regulatory changes would be required for renewable power companies to access financing alternatives such as REITs and MLPs? What are the benefits and the regulatory challenges of each alternative?

• Retail & Consumer KnowledgeBrief: Technical and Quality Newsletter
  

  10/1/13 | Retail & consumer

  What are the technical and reporting issues impacting retail and consumer products companies? PwC's Retail & Consumer KnowledgeBrief provides insights and summaries on restructuring comment letter trends and disclosure reminders, data protection, conflict minerals, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and more.

• Consumer intelligence series: Video content consumption
  

  9/26/13 | Entertainment & media

  Why do consumers prefer certain video package features over others? How are they discovering new shows, and consuming it, and on what devices? This edition of the Consumer Intelligence Series reveals that while traditional subscriptions still dominate, content discovery happens mostly online.

• CDP S&P 500 Climate Change Report 2013
  

  9/26/13 | Sustainable business solutions

  For 2013, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) S&P 500 report shows that the number of leaders on the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI) doubled, indicating that a growing number of companies are addressing the risks, and embracing the opportunities that come with climate change.

• PwC’s 2013 Investor Survey
  

  9/25/13 | PwC Investor Resource Institute

  What most concerns investors? What do investors expect of corporate directors? How do investors view the current quality of corporate disclosures? We asked investors about these issues, and the message received is clear: Investors want to know more about the risks that companies have identified, and how they are managing them. And investors are looking for more information.

• Automotive M&A Insights – Mid Year Review 2013
  

  9/24/13 | Automotive

  This PwC quarterly publication reviews the status of global automotive deal activity among vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, financiers, and other related sectors, as well as key trends that impacted the deal market in the first half of 2013, transaction activity by sector and region, and PwC's perspective on the road ahead

• Affordable Care Act reporting requirements — IRS’ first pass
  

  9/24/13 | Human resource services

  Employers and issuers will have new IRS reporting obligations as key players in implementing ACA health coverage mandates.

• No pre-tax reimbursement for individual insurance under ACA; employee assistance programs OK
  

  9/24/13 | Human resource services

  The Obama Administration has released guidance about how the ACA market reforms apply to HRAs and other employer reimbursement programs, health FSAs and EAPs.

• DOL clarifies that no penalties apply for failure to provide ACA notices about exchanges
  

  9/24/13 | Human resource services

  In a recent FAQ, the DOL confirmed that employers won't be subject to any fine or penalty for failing to provide a ‘Notice of Coverage Options’ to employees.

• Retail and Consumer industry: State of Compliance survey
  

  9/24/13 | Retail & consumer

  What is the state of compliance for retail and consumer companies in terms of formal compliance infrastructure, resources, and processes? How is the compliance environment for retailers and consumer goods companies different from other industries?

• Significant others: How financial institutions can effectively manage the risks of third-party relationships
  

  9/24/13 | Financial Services Institute

  Security incidents at financial institutions attributed to partners and vendors rose to 18% in 2012. Although improvements to strengthen third-party risk management (TPRM) have been made, PwC has found that most institutions still need to apply a risk-based approach to their vendor reviews.

• Tax technology: Creating a strategic asset
  

  9/19/13 | Industrial products

  How do manufacturing companies use technology in their tax functions? PwC and the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) surveyed more than 100 companies to uncover leading practices and challenges in applying technology to the tax function.

• SEC releases guidance on pay ratio disclosure rules
  

  9/19/13 | Human resource services

  The 2010 Dodd-Frank Act included a provision requiring public companies to disclose the pay gap between chief executives and rank-and-file employees.

• Supply chain financing: What you need to know (Observations from the front lines)
  

  9/19/13 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  Many companies are seeking to improve their working capital by reviewing the terms of their trade payables. To aid companies in streamlining their payables process, financial institutions built IT solutions to act as an intermediary between purchaser and supplier. As an intermediary, financial institutions can offer a liquidity solution to the supplier by way of factoring their receivables.

• Addressing corruption risk in M&A transactions: The international balancing act
  

  9/12/13 | Advisory services

  The current global economic environment has posed various challenges for US investors, including private equity firms, domestic corporations, and multi-nationals. However, we expect deal activity to intensify as companies look for new ways to grow and meet their strategic objectives. In particular, the pace of US deal activity may increase as companies seek to find value and expand through mergers and acquisitions with international targets.

• To lock or not to lock: An introduction to the Locked Box closing mechanism
  

  9/12/13 | Transaction services

  Deal closings can be lengthy and difficult processes with many facets to consider. The Locked Box mechanism negates the need for preparing and reviewing the final price adjustments post closing. Pricing deals this way allows the buyer/seller to put resources into other aspects of the deal.

• R&D integration
  

  9/12/13 | Transaction services

  Managing an R&D organization is both an art and a science with many unique considerations required for integration planning. While the R&D organization is an important source of value, broader transformational opportunities for new product development should also be evaluated to maximize value.

• Advancing aviation: 2013 global MRO supply chain benchmarking study
  

  9/12/13 | Aerospace & defense

  How have airlines reduced maintenance costs while delivering higher levels of service? Where do the gaps exist in their MRO supply chains? PwC's global MRO supply chain benchmarking study provides insights into these questions and more.

• Identity Theft Regulation: Are you under the SEC/CFTC microscope?
  

  9/12/13 | Financial services regulatory practice

  Impacted organizations are beginning to finalize their approach to a joint SEC/CFTC rule for preventing identity theft.

• IRS recognizes legal marriages of same-sex couples for all federal tax and employee benefit plan purposes
  

  9/12/13 | Human resource services

  Same-sex couples legally married according to laws of a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage will be recognized married for all federal tax purposes

• The Connected Advisor: The Rise of Digital and Social Advice in Wealth Management
  

  9/3/13 | Asset management

  This paper examines the four forces of change that are shaping wealth management - shifting demographics, changing client behaviors and expectations, rising technological innovations and emerging disruptive competition.

• Let’s make a difference: Managing compliance and operational risk in the new environment
  

  8/30/13 | Financial Services Institute

  How can banks manage compliance and operational risk in a changing regulatory landscape?

• Webcast

  Conflict minerals webcast - Looking ahead to the first deadline - September 17, 2013
  

  Assurance services

  Almost 9 months into the first year of compliance, where does your company stand? Do you have a clear path forward to your first conflict minerals filing deadline? Watch this webcast where we share our perspective on the latest developments (including the legal challenge), considerations as you close out your first year of compliance, what to expect in the independent private sector audit – and how to prepare, and examples of how leading companies are addressing their compliance efforts.

• Finance transformation: A Lean approach to increase value
  

  8/26/13 | Advisory services

  Lean is an alternative approach that changes the way work is performed. Learn how Lean can help transform your back office to achieve and sustain process excellence.

• Digital IQ Snapshot: Talent Strategy, the missing link to the connected workforce
  

  8/26/13 | Advisory services

  The Digital IQ survey shows that within top performing companies, the CIO and other C-suite executives consistently talk about how technology can power strategic business goals. Ongoing “digital conversations” among the C-suite should also focus on the talent strategies needed to harness those technologies—and include the CHRO, who is often missing from these C-suite conversations.

• PwC and Knowledge@Wharton: New revenue rules delayed, but start planning now
  

  8/22/13 | US Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services

  A new, comprehensive accounting standard is set to change the way many companies recognize revenue in their financial statements, and that could reverberate through myriad systems and processes in significant ways. Many companies do not yet realize the degree of change the new standard will usher in, nor how it could affect many industries in unexpected ways, according to PwC and Wharton.

• Q2 2013 US Health Services Deals Insights
  

  8/20/13 | Transaction services

  Q2 2013 continues the trends started in late 2012 and in Q1 2013 with both financial and strategic buyers exhibiting cautious behaviors across all sectors. Through Q2 2013, health services deal volume has increased 3.9% from 127 deals in Q1 2013 to 132 deals in Q2 2013. The value of these transactions has also increased 151% across the same periods.

• PwC’s Stock Compensation 2013 Assumption and Disclosure Survey
  

  8/16/13 | Human resource services

  PwC is pleased to share with you our Stock Compensation 2013 Assumption and Disclosure Survey. This survey presents our analysis of the 2012 year-end assumptions and disclosures for Mature and High Tech/Emerging companies.

• PwC's Pension/OPEB 2013 Assumption and Disclosure Survey
  

  8/14/13 | Human resource services

  PwC is pleased to share with you our Pension/OPEB 2013 Assumption and Disclosure Survey which presents our analysis of the 2012 year-end assumptions and disclosures under ASC 715-20, ASC 715-30, and ASC 715-60.

• Point of view

  Point of view: Integrated reporting: Going beyond the financial results
  

  8/13/13 | Assurance services

  This Point of view highlights how companies may benefit from integrated reporting in response to stakeholders’ calls for enhanced disclosure of environmental, social, governance and other nonfinancial information. It also outlines the benefits some companies are realizing as they explore integrated reporting.

• US retail & consumer deals insights: Q2 2013 update
  

  8/8/13 | Transaction services

  Despite a lull in deal activity during Q2, M&A fundamentals remain strong with corporate cash availability, a favorable debt environment and continued private equity sponsor interest. Retail remains attractive for investment, particularly as businesses seek greater effi ciencies with scale as well as international expansion. Private equity activity in retail remained strong, comprising two of the top deals during the quarter.

• Forging ahead: Second-quarter 2013 metals industry mergers and acquisitions analysis
  

  8/6/13 | Metals

  M&A activity in the metals sector during the second quarter of 2013 continued to decline in both value and volume for deals valued at $50 million or more. Average deal value for the period increased to $402.6 million.

• People Integration
  

  8/6/13 | Transaction services

  The people aspects of integration cannot be managed in a silo apart from the rest of the effort. Aligning human capital with the integration strategy is a critical success factor for delivering deal value.

• M&A Communications: Commuting to engage and motivate people
  

  8/6/13 | Transaction services

  The need for effective communication is often overlooked or underestimated in the flurry of activity surrounding a deal. Executing a strong and clear communication strategy is critical to successful integration. Dealmakers have a choice; they can communicate honestly and transparently to manage speculation surrounding the transaction, or they can ignore the speculation and watch it turn into fear and confusion.

• PwC Saratoga 2013/2014 Human Capital Effectiveness Report: Trends for the Healthcare Provider Sector
  

  8/6/13 | PwC Saratoga

  As healthcare systems face increasing challenges related to implementation of the Affordable Care Act, talent will be a large focus to keep expenditures low and productivity high. HR will need to work to engage and retain their key employees – high performers and those within pivotal roles – to help brace for these changes.

• US Technology M&A insights: Q2 2013
  

  8/5/13 | Transaction services

  While closed technology transactions in the second quarter declined both sequentially and year-over-year, the rise in announced and rumored deals point to a rise in merger and acquisition activity for the remainder of the year. Private equity (PE) buyers took a more active role in technology M&A with deals announced across the spectrum of deal size, including some of the largest transactions announced so far this year.

• Technology Forecast: DevOps: Solving the engineering productivity challenge
  

  8/1/13 | Center for technology and innovation

  This issue of the Technology Forecast quarterly investigates how web-based companies maintain continuity amid continuous changes to production systems and explores what large enterprises can learn from them.

• Innovation Champions: How CFOs can keep companies vital
  

  7/31/13 | Advisory services

  In today's fast paced and constantly changing market, continuous innovation is critical to any company's success. Timely innovation boosts market share, sharpens competitiveness, lifts earnings and propels careers. CFO's can play a critical role, but for them, supporting innovation presents a particular challenge—and opportunity. Hear what PwC and Wharton faculty have to say about the importance of the CFO leading the charge for innovation.

• Trendsetter Barometer™ business outlook — Private-company confidence in US economy at one of its highest levels post-recession
  

  7/30/13 | Private Company Services

  PwC's quarterly Private Company Trendsetter Barometer tracks the growth expectations, investment focus, and economic views of privately held US businesses. This quarter's report incorporates the views of 202 chief executive officers (CEOs/CFOs): 105 in the product sector and 97 in the service sector.

• State of the workforce: PwC Saratoga’s 2013/2014 US Human Capital Effectiveness Report
  

  7/25/13 | PwC Saratoga

  As the US economy recovers from recession, organizations are experiencing several positive outcomes. For example, employee productivity has increased for the first time in five years, and hiring is trending upward.

• Automotive Leasing Insight
  

  7/24/13 | Banking & capital markets

  This paper discusses the factors that can be attributed to the growing popularity of leasing, the advantages of having a well-designed customer experience lease strategy and how this can help support long-term customer retention and loyalty and serve as a springboard to capture additional market share as well as help to offset potential regulatory risk issues.

• The right stuff: How financial services institutions can use talent assessments to improve returns on human capital
  

  7/24/13 | Financial Services Institute

  With a shortage of the right and available talent in the financial services industry, institutions need to implement strategic talent decisions to fill the gaps and meet business goals.

• Unleashing the power of innovation
  

  7/18/13 | Advisory services

  This PwC publication looks at what organizations need to address to become genuinely innovative and generate full value from their investment.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on whistleblower reform
  

  7/15/13 | Center for Board Governance

  Whistleblower reform is having significant impact. The SEC’s Office of the Whistleblower has one full year of operation under its belt, and with it 3,001 tips and two awards to date. Leading companies are looking closely at the Office’s first-year report and drawing lessons for building stronger ethics and compliance programs. They’re also considering what it takes to create a highly ethical culture. This 10Minutes highlights the importance of having an ethical culture at the workplace.

• Insurance Banana Skins 2013
  

  7/11/13 | Insurance

  Insurance Banana Skins 2013 is piece of research conducted by PwC in association with the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation (CSFI), an independent think tank. It's a survey of insurers and seeks out their views on current risk and future trends.

• Navigating divestiture challenges: Considerations unique to the power and utilities industry
  

  7/11/13 | Transaction services

  Financial information is a linchpin to understanding deal value. While deal financials are critical, other financial data often needs to be front and center in divestiture planning. Preparing for a divestiture with these needs in mind can better position sellers for success.

• Clouds in the forecast: Cloud - necessary component of data center consolidation and IT agility
  

  7/11/13 | Financial Services Institute

  The cloud environment has the potential to propel IT agility to new heights and fulfil the role of technology as a strategic enabler.

• Administration delays reporting, enforcement of employer mandate for 2014
  

  7/3/13 | Washington national tax services (WNTS)

  The Obama Administration has announced that there will be an additional year before the mandatory employer and insurer reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begin, and, accordingly, a one-year delay in enforcement of the employer mandate until 2015.

• IPO Activity Surges in Second Quarter 2013
  

  7/2/13 | Transaction services

  IPO activity surged in the second quarter of 2013, as the volume of new public listings far exceeded the previous quarter, as well as the second quarter of 2012, according to IPO Watch, a quarterly survey of IPOs listed on U.S. stock exchanges by PwC US.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on eco-efficiency
  

  6/26/13 | Sustainable business solutions

  Eco-efficiency can reduce costs for your company. And there are broader benefits, too: a stronger brand, greater productivity, and mitigated risk. Still, opportunities to save money while reducing your company’s use of energy, transportation fuel, waste, water, forest products or chemicals are often short-changed. Why? It’s most likely due to overlooked-but-valuable information.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on lease accounting
  

  6/4/13 | Assurance services

  After three years of outreach and deliberation, the IASB and FASB recently issued a revised proposal to overhaul the rules on accounting for leases, a move that could significantly boost US companies' reported debt.

• Accounting changes - Pensions (Insights for the investment community)
  

  5/30/13 | PwC Investor Resource Institute

  Given the accounting method typically used by companies to report the effects of plan changes, several have made a discretionary change in how they account for their pension plans to increase the transparency of their accounting and improve their financial reporting.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on why the COSO Update deserves your attention
  

  5/14/13 | Risk Assurance

  COSO has published a PwC-authored update to its framework, the first in over 20 years, which gives you an opportunity to refresh your controls for today's environment.

• Dataline

  Dataline: COSO issues the updated Internal Control-Integrated Framework and related illustrative documents (No. 2013-09)
  

  5/14/13 | Assurance services

  On May 14, 2013, COSO published an updated Internal Control-Integrated Framework and related illustrative documents. This Dataline highlights noteworthy updates to the Framework, summarizes the purpose of the illustrative documents, and highlights key considerations for clients.

• 10Minutes

  10Minutes on conflict minerals
  

  5/9/13 | Assurance services

  10Minutes on conflict minerals provides insight into the strategic benefits and risks companies will want to focus on as they comply with the SEC's conflict minerals rule. The rule is effective for 2013 calendar year operations, so regardless of whether companies view conflict minerals as a supply chain opportunity, risk to their brand or another regulatory to-do, they should act now to prepare.

• M&A snapshot

  We’re acquiring a company with significant in-process research and development (IPR&D) activities. What's next? (M&A snapshot)
  

  4/23/13 | Assurance services

  This edition of Mergers & acquisitions — a snapshot provides an overview of the accounting rules and a glimpse into some of the issues companies face in the accounting and valuation of acquired IPR&D.

• IT Optimization: Navigating Fiscal Austerity
  

  3/7/13 | Public Sector Research Centre

  The Federal Government faces a situation similar to that of the private sector in the early 2000s. The question is whether Federal COOs, CFOs, and CIOs will wait for OMB to levy cuts on them or whether Federal executives will act to address the systemic drivers of IT expense so they are ready to respond to the inevitable round of forthcoming budget cuts.

• Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Insights from the investment community)
  

  3/5/13 | PwC Investor Resource Institute

  The MD&A requirements call for a discussion of: the historical financial results for the period covered by the financial statements (typically three years), liquidity, capital expenditures, off-balance sheet arrangements, contractual obligations, and known prospective information. They also encourage management to describe matters that are most significant in the company’s circumstances and to avoid boilerplate discussions.

• M&A snapshot

  Financial risk management considerations in an acquisition (M&A snapshot)
  

  12/13/12 | Assurance services

  The acquisition of a business can have a significant impact on both the risk exposures and risk management strategies of the combined entity. In many cases, an acquirer’s financial risk exposure will increase as a result of the acquisition. However, there may be situations in which the acquiree’s operations reduce the acquirer’s current risk exposure. In any event, identifying potential changes in enterprise risks, creating an action plan to address them, and managing changes to risk management strategies post-acquisition are critical to developing short- and long-term solutions for integrating financial risk management considerations in an acquisition.

• M&A snapshot

  Don't let push-down accounting push you around (M&A snapshot)
  

  4/25/12 | Assurance services

  Companies preparing to go public often face a number of issues related to their financial statements. A common issue is whether push-down accounting should be applied. Push-down accounting is the practice of adjusting the standalone financial statements of an acquired company to reflect the basis of accounting of the buyer. This edition of Mergers & acquisitions - a snapshot, provides an overview of the SEC's rules on push-down accounting and a high-level summary of the complexities and opportunities that can arise in applying the rules to common deal structures.

• M&A snapshot

  Did I buy a group of assets or a business? Why should I care? (M&A snapshot)
  

  12/14/11 | Assurance services

  Determining whether an acquired group of assets is a business has proven to be one of the more challenging aspects of applying the current M&A accounting guidance. For many transactions, the determination will be straightforward. However, the current guidance will cause many transactions that are "on the edge," and previously would have been accounted for as asset acquisitions, to be accounted for as business combinations. This edition identifies relevant considerations in determining whether a business has been acquired and why it matters not only upon acquisition but also for disposals and public company reporting.

• M&A snapshot

  Market participants: how their views impact your values (M&A snapshot)
  

  9/26/11 | Assurance services

  In a business combination, buyers are required to record the acquired assets and assumed liabilities of a business at their fair values. Fair value reflects the price that market participants would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability. Assets and liabilities may be used differently by different market participants, resulting in variations in values. Therefore, a market participant's view is an important aspect of the valuation process as a buyer cannot look only to its own intended use of an asset or its ability to transfer a liability at a certain price. This publication provides insight on the identification of market participants, as well as how entities can develop market participant assumptions.

• M&A snapshot

  Noncontrolling interests -- why minority shareholder rights matter (M&A snapshot)
  

  12/16/10 | Assurance services

  The M&A Standards changed how a parent reports the minority shareholder interests in a partially owned subsidiary in its consolidated financial statements. The minority shareholder interests, or noncontrolling interests (''NCI''), are generally presented within equity as if the parent and the minority shareholders have similar economic interests. Previously, NCI were generally presented between liabilities and equity (''mezzanine equity''). This edition focuses on the classification of redeemable NCI and how different minority shareholder rights may lead to different financial reporting by the parent.

• M&A snapshot

  Carve-out Financial Statements--A challenging process (M&A snapshot)
  

  9/30/10 | Assurance services

  In many M&A transactions, companies looking to dispose of non-core businesses or to generate cash may sell only a portion of their operations (e.g., a subsidiary or a business unit). As part of these transactions, a seller may need, or want, to prepare separate financial statements of the operations being sold, commonly referred to as carve-out financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements can be challenging as there is limited guidance covering their composition. This volume of Mergers & Acquisitions - A snapshot, focuses on some of the issues companies may face when preparing carve-out financial statements, how those statements may differ from their own financial statements, and how the M&A Standards may impact...

• M&A snapshot

  The Consolidation Standard--determining who consolidates is just the beginning (M&A snapshot)
  

  3/11/10 | Assurance services

  FASB Accounting Standard Codification Topic 810 incorporates FAS 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)), which is the U.S. standard on consolidation (the Consolidation Standard). The Consolidation Standard is effective as of January 1, 2010 for calendar year end companies and the impact will soon be reported in the first quarter reporting cycle. As a result of applying the new guidance, certain entities may need to be consolidated while other entities may need to be deconsolidated. Determining who consolidates is just the beginning.

• M&A snapshot

  Accounting for contingent consideration - Don't let earnouts lead to earnings surprises (M&A snapshot)
  

  2/25/10 | Assurance services

  In many M&A transactions, when the buyer and seller cannot agree on the total purchase price in an acquisition, the two parties agree to an additional payment, or contingent consideration, based on the outcome of future events. These payments are commonly referred to as earnouts and are typically based on revenue or earnings targets that the acquired company must meet after the acquisition date. The accounting for these arrangements under the M&A Standards represents a significant change from past practice.

• M&A snapshot

  Acquired assets not intended to be used: You may need to record them, even if you don't use them! (M&A snapshot)
  

  11/30/09 | Assurance services

  In many M&A transactions, a buyer may acquire assets it does not intend to use. Prior to the M&A Standards, buyers generally would assign little or no value to assets that are not intended to be used when accounting for an M&A transaction. Now, such assets are required to be recognized at fair value from a market participant perspective, even if that perspective differs from that of the actual buyer. One common type of asset that a buyer does not intend to actively use that is receiving considerable attention is called a "defensive asset."

• M&A snapshot

  Accounting for partial acquisitions and disposals - it's not so simple! (M&A snapshot)
  

  7/1/09 | Assurance services

  Accounting for partial acquisitions and disposals - it's not so simple! In an economic environment where many companies are buying and selling portions of businesses, the M&A Standards will have an impact on how companies account for these types of transactions. At first glance, the fundamental concept of "control" that drives the accounting seems easy to understand. If a company gains control, the acquisition is a business combination. If a company loses control, it deconsolidates the subsidiary. If a company maintains control, the transaction is recorded in equity. Simple, right? Not so fast!

• M&A snapshot

  Doing a deal? Be careful about employee compensation decisions (M&A snapshot)
  

  4/1/09 | Assurance services

  Doing a deal? How will you compensate employees of the target? The new M&A Standards may impact your decision. Determining whether employee arrangements represent compensation for service prior to and/or after the acquisition will have a direct impact on the amount included as purchase price versus the amount expensed in the future. This installment of Mergers & Acquisitions - A snapshot explores some of the more common issues related to employee compensation arrangements typically seen in business combinations... contingent consideration, golden parachutes and stay bonuses, and exchanges of stock compensation awards. Employee compensation decisions agreed upon during deal negotiations could impact the acquirer's future financial results.

• M&A snapshot

  Even your tax rate will change (M&A snapshot)
  

  3/1/09 | Assurance services

  Are you ready for volatility in your effective tax rate? The new M&A standards will likely impact a company's effective tax rate. This impact will be felt by acquisitive companies in all industries, public and private, and as early as the first quarter of 2009 because parts of the new M&A standards apply to prior acquisitions. This installment of Mergers & Acquisitions—A snapshot focuses on how the accounting for merger and acquisition transactions will create volatility in an acquirer's effective tax rate in periods before and after an acquisition.

• M&A snapshot

  Deal or no deal: Why you should care about the new M&A standards (M&A snapshot)
  

  2/1/09 | Assurance services

  Did you know that the new M&A standards could impact your company regardless of whether you plan to close a deal? Given the current economic environment, understanding the new M&A standards may not be a priority for many companies, particularly if M&A activity is not on the horizon in the foreseeable future. However, companies should be careful not to overlook the new M&A standards, as they may have a significant impact, even without a deal. This installment of Mergers & Acquisitions - A snapshot will help you avoid last-minute surprises by understanding how the new accounting and reporting standards for M&A may affect your financial reporting even though you haven’t closed a deal.

• M&A snapshot

  Goodwill impairment testing: What's old is new again (M&A snapshot)
  

  12/1/08 | Assurance services

  Since the adoption of FAS 142, the goodwill impairment standard, the equity markets have generally trended upward. Accordingly, impairments may not have been as frequent as we expect to see them today. This edition of Mergers & Acquisitions - A snapshot, focuses on some of the issues companies may face in preparing goodwill impairment tests in the current environment. It also serves as a refresher on certain aspects of the framework for conducting those tests.

• M&A snapshot

  How timing your transactions in light of the new standards will impact your business and communication with stakeholders (M&A snapshot)
  

  10/1/08 | Assurance services

  Recognizing that the new standards affecting mergers and acquisitions — FAS 141(R) and FAS 160 — will dramatically change the way companies negotiate and account for M&A, PwC has launched the first in a series of publications that will help companies keep abreast of emerging issues resulting from the new standards, as well as provide them with ideas on modifying current strategies and employing new ones for future deals. This first installment of Mergers & Acquisitions - A snapshot focuses on how the accounting treatment for M&A transactions will depend considerably on whether the deal closes before or after the effective date of the new standards.