Transport & Logistics Newsalert

Welcome to the first PwC Belgium Transport & Logistics Newsalert for 2012.

These T&L Newsalerts keep you updated on recent developments, news and planning ideas within the sector.

Enjoy the read!

 

15th Annual Global CEO Survey

This report presents a sector perspective on the results of this year's survey, drawn on interviews with 98 T&L CEOs in 35 countries.

Some key points:

T&L CEOs see hard times ahead: 
Just 13% expect the global economy to improve in the next 12 months. That's weighing down transport markets and affecting CEOs' confidence levels. So they're focusing on doing what they do best and building their share of existing markets - 38% see that as their main route to growth.

They're cutting costs, improving efficiency: 
78% of T&L CEOs launched cost-cutting initiatives last year, and 69% plan to trim the fat in the next 12 months. Many are improving efficiency. Two-thirds say they plan to invest more in innovating to achieve process improvements. Fuel efficiency is one target -- 63% of T&L CEOs worry about energy costs.

Interest in M&A is growing:
Just 14% of T&L CEOs say they've completed a cross-border transaction in the past 12 months. But 28% plan to initiate a deal in the coming 12 months. We expect to see some significant shipping and infrastructure deals. Strategic alliances and joint ventures were more popular and working well - only 6% of T&L CEOs have ended one this year.

Local disruptions can have a global impact:
42% of T&L CEOs say their company was directly affected by the earthquake and nuclear crisis in Japan in 2011. With man-made disruptions also increasing, improving risk resiliency should be high on the agenda.

Talent management is vital:
Fewer T&L CEOs plan to add jobs this year, but talent constraints are still hurting. 40% thinks it's getting harder to hire in the industry. Shortages hurt results -21 % of T&L CEOs say they prevented the company from reaching growth forecasts. And just 27% are very confident of having the talent they need to execute their company's strategy over the next three years.

 

Global Shipping Benchmark Analysis 2011.

This analysis looks at certain KPIs of more than 150 shipping companies around the world and how they evolved over the five years to 2010. Our analysis reveals the recent industry challenges and drivers, covering both quantitative and qualitative information.

Some key points:

  • Because of supply-side pressures in shipping, extraordinary performance will be needed in all quarters to return the shipping industry to a period of relatively attractive returns.
  • As fuel and other cost pressures make themselves felt again, companies are likely to continue doing essential "house-keeping". Continued focus on operational efficiency and effective cost control will therefore remain important in the current year.
  • Containers and dry bulk shipping were the most attractive subsectors in 2010, followed by offshore shipping. Tankers was the least attractive subsector in 2010.

We trust that this analysis adds value for shipping companies and other shipping players wanting to understand the impact of recent developments and that it helps in their decision making.

 

PwC Belgium offers a broader range of supply chain expertise

We welcome into our fold S&V Management Consultants, a leading supply chain management consulting firm in the Benelux countries. This cooperation enables us to offer you more extensive expertise in the field of supply chain management and business analytics in several key industries throughout Europe.
S&V develop and implement innovative supply chain strategies that deliver breakthrough results. They are leaders in operational strategy, supply chain, procurement and logistics management.

What's more, using S&V's Equazion tool, we're able to analyse and improve your financial performance. A multi-competence team investigates your financial resilience, assessed strategy, analysed operational performance and evaluated organisational capabilities. We combine this with our expert views on the economic outlook for the European T ransport & Logistics industry and insights into best practices. In the current difficult economic and financial environment, the resulting revised business plan helps you stay focused on the right options for a healthier future.

It's all about creating transparency. Transparency allows you to identify the right levers to optimise RONA (return on net assets). Every aspect of customer and product profitability and its cash impact are looked at so as to balance the interests of the various stakeholders within your organisation.

For more information, please contact Luc van Ostaeyen or Bert Kuypers

 

IFRS guidelines – Revenue recognition re-exposed

On 14 November last year, the FASB and IASB (the 'boards') released an updated exposure draft, 'Revenue from contracts with customers'.

It's unclear when the final standard will be issued. Accounting for common transactions in the Transport & Logistics industry may be affected by the proposed revenue recognition standard. It's worth carefully considering which revenue standard to apply to a given contract.

Find out what the implications might be for the Transport & Logistics industry.

 

Intersections, Global T&L Transactions analysis Q4 2011

In this report, you'll find:

  • an overview of fourth-quarter deals
  • the significant drivers of these trends
  • our expectations for sector M&A activity in the near-term
  • a special section on divestitures and spin-offs

Overall deal volume and deal value stayed steady with 170 deals valued at $50 million or more in 2011 compared to 186 deals in 2010 but saw a drop in the fourth quarter of 2011 when compared to the previous quarter. The fourth quarter of 2011 produced three mega deals, which included a transaction valued at $4.2 billion that was also the largest for the full year.

Emerging markets returned in the fourth quarter of 2011 with a majority of activity being driven by Europe and Asia, as companies focus on consolidating to build economies of scale. Shipping and infrastructure deals are strategically positioned to lead the T&L industry in deal activity in 2012 as a result of shipping companies consolidating due to ongoing capacity issues and emerging markets investing in airport, ports, and roads.

This edition also includes a special section on divestitures and spin-offs, which are increasingly viewed as essential strategies for helping companies better position themselves for growth opportunities.

To download the Q3 report, please click here