Tax-exempt bonds used by companies prompt questions
Bonds that pay tax-exempt dividends that are being used to finance private projects are getting a closer look, as the U.S. searches for revenue to narrow the budget deficit. Since 2003, more than $65 billion in such bonds have been sold by state and local governments on behalf of companies, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Ending this tax-exempt borrowing could produce $50 billion in revenue for the U.S. government over 10 years, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (3/4)

Germany's Daimler wants to hire more foreign execs

Reuters

German carmaker Daimler has launched a campaign to recruit more foreign executives for international operations. Wilfried Porth, head of human resources, says if the company wants to be more successful internationally, it needs more management-level employees from abroad. "So far, the company's management has been rather German-oriented," he said. Deutsche Welle (Germany)/Agence France-Presse/Deutsche Presse-Agentur (3/4), The Guardian (London) (3/4)

Your Bottom Line

CFOs turn attention to growth from risk as economy recovers
CFOs are focusing more on growth strategies than risk mitigation as the economy continues to improve. At the same time, having absorbed lessons of the Great Recession, they are communicating growth plans in granular detail to the board and staff. CFO.com (3/4)

Corporate-bond boom shows signs of slowing
Decreased demand for bonds issued by Philip Morris International and UnitedHealth Group is raising concern among traders that strength in the corporate-bond market might be waning. Financial Times (tiered subscription model) (3/4)

In the C-Suite

How management assumptions create pay and talent disparities
The assumptions behind the lingering gender pay gap include the belief that stars know their value and negotiate hard, while humbler, lower-paid counterparts won't bolt because they don't realize their disadvantage, Dana Theus writes. Such assumptions put leaders in danger of losing talented women in favor of men who are better at self-promoting and negotiating, she writes. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (2/25)

Are you being naive about your career?
People who think the formula for success is to show up, work hard and get paid are in for some tough career lessons, Alison Green writes. For instance, your hard work will go unnoticed unless you advocate for yourself. Also, when things are going well, keep in mind that one bad boss can ruin everything, she writes. U.S. News & World Report/On Careers blog (2/27)

Off the Charts

Lionheart was a real sweetheart, researchers say
Scientists have studied the pickled heart of Richard I of England, the legendary 12th-century monarch known as Lionheart. His heart was found lying around in a French cathedral. Upon opening the small casket, researchers found the heart's dusty remains mingled with a sweet-smelling blend of mercury and herbs, likely the result of embalmers' effort to preserve the king's organ for posterity. Nature (free content) (2/28), The Daily Beast (3/3), Reuters (3/1)

SmartQuote

People are getting past the initial reaction of the past couple of years looking at cost cutting and the usual suspects." -- Brad Anderson, partner and financial-services head at Armada Consulting, as quoted by CFO.com Share: