Half of the companies foresee increasing capacity this year
Valor Econômico
Nearly half of the industries (48%) intends to increase the investments this year, while 17% of them project there will be a reduction in value of the investments, according to survey made by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV). The improvement of the business environment, the increase of the level of usage of the installed capacity and the confidence of the entrepreneurs are reflected in the forecasts. All projections for 2010 are more favorable than those made for 2009, when the sector was affected by the international crisis, but they are less favorable than those expected for 2008.
The greatest increase in the investment forecast was registered in consumer durables, whose percentage increase is the highest of the series (58%). The increase of the income, the extension of the reduction of the Excise Tax (IPI) in some segments of the economy and the favorable conditions of credit should sustain the dynamism of the sector, according to the FGV, which surveyed 762 companies, with total sales of R$ 459.9 billion (US$ 267.4 billion) in 2008.
In the area of capital goods that reflects the increase of investments in machinery and equipment, 14 out of the 21 items surveyed have presented estimates above those submitted for 2009, and seven, below. The sector is being influenced by the Government policy of incentives, such as tax releases, and by investment support program of the BNDES (National Development Bank) that offers a line of credit at low interest rates and long terms for payment.
This year, for the first time, the tier that reached the highest percentage among the entrepreneurs who intend to increase the investments is one of increase above 20% - pointed by 33% of those polled. The growth between 10.1% and 20% is foreseen by 20% of the companies, whereas 32% expect an increase between 5.1% and 10%. Another 15% believe on an increase between 0.1% and 5%.
The portion of companies that project an increase in sales in 2010, already discounted the inflation of the period, amounts to 69%, above 2009 (62%), but below 2008 (71%). The proportion of companies that plan on selling less decreased from 12% to 8%. The survey also foresees an increase of the staff of the companies in 2010, but at a percentage lower than those of investments and sales. According to the survey, 40% of the companies intend to hire, whereas 12% plan terminations.