Page 6 - Geelong business trends 2017_digital_Neat

Compared to last year, how do you think
profitability will trend this year? Profitability expectations
Most businesses expect profits
to increase this year compared
to last year. The proportion,
however, has decreased
67% 77% 77% 66% significantly in 2017 (66%)
Increase compared to 2015 and 2016
(77%). Businesses appear to
No change expect that the slight decrease
in sales will be accompanied by
a decrease in profit. This year,
13% 17% Decrease 17% of businesses indicated
14% 13%
20% 9% 10% 17% they expect profits to decrease
compared to the last financial
2014 2015 2016 2017 year, which is higher compared to
10% in 2016.

What are the prospects for the future in
your business next year? Business investment
expectations
Under half (45%) of respondents
have a high or very high
expectation of investing in
43% 45% 42% 45% High or their Geelong business in the
Very high next year. The proportion of
such businesses has increased
Neither low slightly since 2016 (42%).
nor high
29% 35% 35% 34% Overall, however, the proportion
Low or of businesses indicating
Very low high expectations for future
28% 20% 23% 21% investment has remained fairly
2014 2015 2016 2017 consistent, at an average of
around 44% across all four years.
There has been a slight decrease
in the proportion of businesses
indicating low or very low levels
of expected future investment,
decreasing from 23% in 2016 to
21% this year.

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