As tariff uncertainties increase and recession concerns mount, CFOs at private equity-backed companies face a particularly complex economic landscape. Disruption in global trade, rising input costs, and softening demand are converging, threatening both near-term performance and long-term value creation. For private equity sponsors and their CFOs, preparation is not optional, it’s essential.
At Palm Tree, we specialize in helping private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies navigate uncertainty. Our hands-on financial and operational support focuses on what matters most: cash visibility, structural agility, forecasting precision, and actionable data.
Recent shifts in trade policy—especially new or expanded tariffs—are materially impacting input costs and supply chains. Portfolio companies that rely on global suppliers’ face mounting financial pressure.
At the same time, economic indicators are flashing caution. Whether it results in a recession or prolonged stagnation, CFOs need to be ready with clear, adaptable strategies.
Palm Tree equips private equity firms and their portfolio companies with the tools and insights needed to prepare for—and navigate through—tariff uncertainty and recession risk. We offer a focused Recession & Tariff Readiness Assessment to:
Key focus areas that strengthen foundational financial and operational capabilities to withstand tariff and recession pressures:
Improve forecasting, working capital visibility, and KPI accountability.
Evaluate cost flexibility, model savings, and track tariff impacts.
Connect sales, operations, and finance in dynamic plans.
Shorten close cycles, enhance variance analysis, and prepare for audits.
A set of advanced tools designed to help CFOs take proactive, data-driven action in the face of economic uncertainty:
Simulate tariff, FX, and recession impacts with dynamic models.
Map supplier risk and assess cost pass-through feasibility.
Forecast covenant risk and support lender engagement.
Optimize compensation models and workforce structures.
Analyze margin elasticity and design strategic pricing actions.
Deliver timely flash reports and stakeholder-ready dashboards.
Modernize financial tools and reduce spreadsheet dependency.
With mounting global and economic pressures, these factors highlight the urgency for CFOs to act:
By being prepared and proactive in today’s complex market environment, CFOs can drive clarity and control across the organization, resulting in:
Let’s Talk: Reach out today to schedule your custom Recession & Tariff Readiness Assessment. Help your CFO move from reactive to prepared—and create value through uncertainty.