1. The Short and Long-term
Implications of COVID-19 on
Businesses and the Economy
Results from a US Nationwide Survey
Shifting
Expectations:
Wave 2
May 2020
2. Research Methodology
2
Dates: March 25th – 30th, 2020
Audience size: 1,209
To qualify for this audience:
✓ Age 18+
✓ Weighted to represent population
This is the second survey in a series of public opinion assessments of the American public
as they navigate the Coronavirus pandemic
Wave 1 Survey Details
Dates: May 12th – 14th, 2020
Audience size: 1,012
To qualify for this audience:
✓ Age 18+
✓ Weighted to represent population
Wave 2 Survey Details
3. Summary: Pragmatic Populism
3
There is a strong desire to bring more manufacturing to the U.S. from other countries.
There is more of a focus on supply chains.
There is a desire for government scrutiny of mergers involving large corporations.
At the same time, Americans are:
• Keeping a close eye on what companies are doing for their employees.
• Tending to trust that CEOs who donate their salaries to their frontline workers are doing so
for the right reasons.
• Highly rating their own employers’ response to the Coronavirus. But all employers should note
the fault lines emerging within companies between on-site employee bases and work-from-
home employees.
4. The Implications: A Look Back to Wave 1
4
Wave 1 Survey Details Wave 2 Survey Details
Close attention being paid to the actions of
companies and CEO actions
Close attention is STILL being paid to companies and CEO
actions, but people tend to trust that CEOs who donate their
salaries are doing so for the right reasons
Pressure is on public officials to get the US back on
track as Americans debate whether the pandemic
has uncovered strengths or limitations in the way
the federal government managed the situations
There is a strong desire to bring more manufacturing to
the U.S. from other countries, there is more of a focus on
supply chains, and there is a desire for government
scrutiny of mergers involving large corporations
Changing habits and concerns over finances drive
new expectations from business and government
Businesses have improved their communications to
employees, although the public will continue to expect strong
safety measures and transparent communications
Industries could become the scapegoats of elected
officials in an effort to introduce a more regulated
environment
Key industries have seen a reputational rally as Americans
reflect and rely on their support throughout the crisis
6. Perceptions of Key Industries are Changing as a Result of Coronavirus
6
All industries listed have seen a reputational rally, as Americans reflect on their support through the crisis
Q: How has your perception of the following industries changed as a result of how they have handled the Coronavirus pandemic?
17%
18%
18%
21%
22%
23%
29%
31%
25%
29%
27%
25%
24%
23%
21%
14%
8%
6%
12%
10%
12%
13%
13%
12%
12%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
Much More Favorable Somewhat More Favorable
No Change - I have a favorable impression No change - I have an unfavorable impression
Somewhat Less Favorable Much Less Favorable
More Favorable Less Favorable
Large Retailers
Health Insurance
Companies
Biotech/Pharma
Oil & Gas
Producers
Banks &
Financial Services
7. -46.5%
-36.3%
-33.1%
-15.4%
-9.7%
6.1%
1. Displaying the average percentage change in Equity Value of companies listed on a major US exchange (Source: S&P Capital IQ; Data pulled on 5/18/2020)
Winners
Losers
Retail
Energy, Envir. &
Sustainability
Technology
Health Care &
Life Sciences
Transportation
Financial
Institutions
Top Performer
Biotechnology
14.3%
Internet Services
& Infrastructure
27.3%
Food Retail
31.6%
Financial
Exchanges & Data
5.4%
Air Freight &
Logistics
-15.3%
Renewable
Electricity
5.9%
7
Lowest Performer
Health Care
Facilities
-30.3%
Technology
Hardware, Storage
-34.4%
Department
Stores
-68.1%
Mortgage REITs
-57.0%
Airlines
-59.3%
Oil and Gas
Drilling
-79.5%
Overview: Equity Performance1 by Sector (2020 YTD)
8. 27%
64%
9%
42%
45%
13%
Q: Which statement comes closer to your view of pharmaceutical
companies?
Q: How optimistic or pessimistic are you about a company or scientific team
from America developing a vaccine for the Coronavirus before the
end of year?
I trust pharma
companies to develop
a vaccine for all
Americans
Pharma companies will
misuse funds and price
Americans out of a vaccine
Optimistic
Pessimistic
1. Displaying the average percentage change in Equity Value of companies listed on a major US exchange (Source: S&P Capital IQ; Data pulled on 5/18/2020)
Health Care
Equipment
Health Care
Technology
Health Care
Facilities
Health Care
Services
Managed
Health Care
Health Care
Distributors
Health Care
Supplies
Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Life Sciences Tools
and Services
Winners
Losers
Equity Performance (YTD)1
-10.7%
4.6%
14.3%
-30.3%
-14.6%
-3.0%
0.8%
2.8%
9.2%
14.2%
+6.1%1
8
Spotlight on: Health Care & Life Sciences
HealthCareEquipmentandServices
Pharma,Biotech,
LifeSciences
Don’t Know
Neither
9. 45%
55%
55%
30%15%
Q: As you may know, technology companies are developing tracking and
tracing technology that can be used to alert people if they been exposed to
someone who has the Coronavirus. Which statement comes closer to your view?
Q: Thinking about technology policy Congress can enact, which statement
comes closer to your view of this situation?
-9.7%1
1. Displaying the average percentage change in Equity Value of companies listed on a major US exchange (Source: S&P Capital IQ; Data pulled on 5/18/2020)
Winners
Losers
Electronic
Equipment
Electronic
Components
Internet Services and
Infrastructure
Technology
Hardware, Storage
Technology
Distributors
Electronic
Manufacturing
Communications
Equipment
Application Software
Data Processing and
Outsourced Services
Systems Software
IT Consulting and
Other Services
-24.2%
-18.6%
-3.3%
1.6%
27.3%
-34.4%
-22.2%
-18.4%
-16.5%
-15.1%
-9.9%
9
Equity Performance (YTD)1
TechnologyHardware
andEquipment
SoftwareandServices
Spotlight on: Technology
MORE ENCOURAGED than
concerned, trust the data
will be used responsibly
MORE CONCERNED than
encouraged, too great a risk
in companies/governments
having access to this data
Less Regulation
More Regulation
Don’t Know
10. Q: How important are the following factors in your selection of a
retailer/brand to purchase from online while physical locations are
closed?
21% Plan to continue to shop primarily online2
Q: Please select up to 3 actions a company could take that will give you the
confidence to visit a physical store versus online-only shopping.
1. Displaying the average percentage change in Equity Value of companies listed on a major US exchange (Source: S&P Capital IQ; Data pulled on 5/18/2020)
2. Q: Once your state/community reopens, which of the following is likely to describe your shopping behavior?
Winners
Losers
-23.9%
-6.8%
-1.9%
31.6%
-68.1%
-54.4%
-38.0%
-29.5%
-28.0%
-27.7%
-26.7%
-13.9%
-2.1%
17.2%
Internet and Direct
Marketing Retail
Specialty Stores
Department Stores
Apparel Retail
Home Furnishing Retail
Computer and
Electronics Retail
Automotive Retail
Food Retail
Food Distributors
Drug Retail
Hypermarket and
Super Centers
Home Improvement
Retail
General Merchandise
Stores
Distributors
10
Equity Performance (YTD)1
Retail
Food/Staples
Retail
-15.4%1
Spotlight on: Retail
30% Plan to return to pre-pandemic shopping behavior2
1 Visible Safety Measures
2 Cleanliness of Store
3 Positive Reputation
1 Availability of Merchandise
2 Timely Delivery
3 Strong Customer Service
11. Q: Which statement comes closer to your view of banks and
financial institutions amid the Coronavirus pandemic?
• 1. Displaying the average percentage change in Equity Value of companies listed on a major US exchange (Source: S&P Capital IQ; Data pulled on 5/18/2020)
Retail
Food/Staples
Retail
-36.9%
-35.8%
-28.8%
-23.5%
-6.7%
-57.0%
-33.5%
-33.4%
-28.1%
-26.0%
-23.4%
-20.3%
-3.7%
5.4%
-42.3%
-36.0%
-35.0%Thrifts and Mortgage Finance
Asset Management and
Custody Banks
Insurance Brokers
Mortgage REITs
Consumer Finance
Multi-Sector Holdings
Diversified Capital Markets
Reinsurance
Multi-Line Insurance
Property and Casualty
Insurance
Life and Health Insurance
Diversified Banks
Regional Banks
Financial Exchanges and Data
Investment Banking and
Brokerage
Specialized Finance
Other Diversified Financial
Services
31%
25%
23%
21%
Positive Impact No Impact
Don’t Know Negative Impact
11
-33.1%1
Equity Performance (YTD)1
Winners
Losers
BanksDiversifiedFinancialsInsurance
Spotlight on: Financial Services
12. 26%
38%
18%
14%
4%
Q: Recently, many commercial airlines have put in place specific policies to keep
customers healthy and safe when flying, including requiring flyers to wear
masks, using high-grade disinfectants that are often used in health facilities, and
reducing seat capacity to allow for social distancing.
Having heard this, how safe would you feel to take a flight on a US-
based airline today?
1. Displaying the average percentage change in Equity Value of companies listed on a major US exchange (Source: S&P Capital IQ; Data pulled on 5/18/2020)
-59.3%
-51.3%
-43.3%
-24.2%
-16.4%
-16.0%
-15.3%
Air Freight and
Logistics
Railroads
Airlines
Marine
Airport Services
Trucking
Marine Ports and
Services
-36.3%1
Equity Performance (YTD)1
Winners
Losers
Transportation
12
Spotlight on: Transportation
11%
29%
24%
27%
9%
Gen Z + Millennials Baby Boomers
Very Safe
Somewhat Safe Not at All Safe
Not too Safe Don’t Know
64%
Total Safe
40%
Total Safe
14. 14
Government Legislative Actions – Disbursed/Committed Funds1
1. Data and estimates provided by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget’s COVID Money Tracker (as of May 21, 2020)
2. Coronavirus Preparedness & Response Supplemental Appropriations Act
3. Families First Coronavirus Response Act
CARESActPPPHCEA4
CPRSAA2
4. Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
5. Some tax changes provide tax cuts in FY20/21 but generate revenue in future years, lowering the overall deficit
impact; legislation appropriates $50 billion to the EIDL program, enough to support ~$300 billion in loans
FFCRA3
Individuals
Business Tax Cuts &
Other
Education Spending
State & Local
Governments
Public Services
Small Businesses
Large Businesses &
Governments
Small Businesses
Health-Related
Spending
$1B
$193B
$68B
$27B
$174B
$87B
$360B
$234B
$281B
$37B
$1B
$100B
$633B
$664B
$61B
$220B
$236B
$377B
$556B
$568B
$192B
$8B
5
5
Available
Funds
Disbursed/
Committed
Total Allowed
Funds
16. Meat packing
Americans are Not Looking to Bail Out Many Industries
16
Only 2 industries meet standards to receive government assistance. Nearly 1-in-2 Americans want
hospitals and one-third want farmers to receive government aid.
Q: Regardless if the industry has or has not received any assistance, which industries deserve government funds or direct financial assistance from the federal
government as a result of the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic? Please pick your top 3 choices.
Health insurance
Higher Ed.
Banks & financial
services
Mass transit
App-based carry-
out providers
Electric
utilities
Manufacturing
Hotels
Credit cardAutoCommercial
Construction Residential
construction
Oil & gas
App-based
transportation
2nd Tier Industries
3rd Tier Industries
Grocery
Stores
Clinical labs that
test for diseases
Food
manufacturing
Truckers
Retail Airlines
Pharma
HospitalsFarmers
Most Deserving Industries
17. They Expect Companies to Meet Certain Benchmarks to Receive Funds
17
Protecting employees is the number one priority for companies that accept government funds followed by
manufacturing American-made products and donating CEO pay to employees
Q: Some people have said the government should set specific actions that companies must do if they receive government funds or direct financial assistance.
Do you support or oppose companies taking the following actions to receive government funding?
Expected Actions Preferred Actions Optional Actions
55%
Strongly
Support
42%
Strongly
Support
38%
Strongly
Support
Publicly release all
company expenditures 1
year prior to receiving
funds to show how the
company was responsibly
spending its money prior to
the Coronavirus pandemic
Publicly release all
company expenditures 1
year after receiving funds
Publicly release financial
details of CEO and senior
leadership pay
43%
Strongly
Support
Donate CEO pay to ensure
employees continue getting
paid
46%
Strongly
Support Discontinue buying
back stock until
government assistance
is repaid
38%
Strongly
Support
33%
Strongly
Support
Discontinue paying
dividends to their
investors until
government assistance
is repaid
Promise to not
furlough, lay-off,
fire or reduce the
pay or benefits to
employees
46%
Strongly
Support
Ensure the company’s
manufacturing is majority
American-made
18. Companies Looking For Funds Elsewhere Could Still See Government Scrutiny
18
Potential M&A activity could receive greater government scrutiny as Americans shift focus to blocking
foreign governments from acquiring struggling companies as well as preventing monopolies
Q: Which statement comes closer to your view on how companies should proceed?
Q: Which statement comes closer to your view of this situation?
42%
35%
23%
51%
28%
20%
Companies should not
be allowed to sell to a
foreign entity no
matter how cash-
strapped they are
Companies should be
able to sell to foreign-
based governments
and companies as they
see fit
Don't know The US Federal
Government should
block these types of
transactions
The US Federal
Government should
not intervene in these
types of transactions
Don't know
Other companies that have not received government
funding are in need of funding to continue
operating. Foreign-based governments and
companies are actively looking to buy ownership
stakes in these struggling U.S. companies.
Some US lawmakers are calling for the Federal Trade
Commission and Department of Justice to apply
more scrutiny to mergers and acquisitions to
prevent large companies from buying out smaller
competitors to prevent monopolies from forming.
20. Americans Want to Move Away from Reliance on China for Essential Products
20
With Americans paying more attention to where their products come from, the pressure is on companies
to repatriate supply chains and move away from reliance on China for essential products
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
86%
14%
78%
22%
45%
55%
45% 35%
17% 25%
Agree Disagree Agree Disagree Agree Disagree
The U.S. relies too
heavily on foreign
countries for our supply
chains, products, and
goods
I'm willing to pay more for
products if companies that make
those goods move their
manufacturing plants out of
China
China can be trusted to
follow through on its trade-
deal commitments to buy
more American products this
year
21. Would you support or oppose legislation that would:
✓ Require labels on each product that indicate all of
the countries where the product was designed,
manufactured and assembled AND
✓ Indicate what percentage of the product was made
in each country
Americans are Hesitant to Purchase Products Including Parts from China
21
There is overwhelming support for labeling products to show Americans the supply chain and where
components are being made. Many Americans will second guess purchasing decisions
Q: Would you support or oppose legislation that would:
Q: How does the following impact your decision to purchase products?
94%
6%
55%
Support Oppose 56%
48%
46%
39%
37%
26%
32%
36%
37%
39%
39%
34%
12%
16%
17%
22%
24%
40%
Europe
Latin or South America
Mexico
India
Southeast Asia
China
Impact on Purchase Decision Based on Country
This will not impact my decision and I would purchase
I may not like where it is made but ultimately purchase
I will not purchase
22. The Desire for American-Made Goods Fails to Align with Pricing Expectations
22
1-in-4 Americans will not pay a penny more for products solely made in America
Q: How much extra are you willing to pay for a product that’s made in America?
24%
26% 27%
12%
7%
5%
Zero – I’m not
willing to pay
more
5% more 10% more 25% more 50% more 100% more
23. Still, Americans Want to Require Specific Products be American-Made
23
Americans want Congress to repatriate essential product manufacturing, particularly items that are
deemed essential during a pandemic
Q: Some people have suggested Congress pass legislation that would require certain products be manufactured in the U.S. to prevent supply shortages, even if those
products are more expensive. For each of the following industries, please indicate whether you support or oppose such legislation. Among partial sample: n =507
Some people have suggested Congress pass legislation that would require certain products be
manufactured in the U.S. to prevent supply shortages, even if those products are more expensive. For
each of the following industries, please indicate whether you support or oppose such legislation.
88%
12%
87%
13%
87%
13%
81%
19%50%
3%
46%
3%
45%
3%
36%
4%
Support Oppose Support Oppose Support Oppose Support Oppose
Medical supplies
such as masks,
syringes, and swabs
Pharmaceuticals
that treat
viruses
Goods purchased by
the U.S. Department
of Defense
Airplanes and airplane
parts purchased by
the Airlines
24. However, Americans Can Put Aside Preferences for Essential Medical Supplies
24
The demand for essential medical supplies surpasses the heightened desire for American-made products.
However, Americans prefer these products come from alternatives to China
Q: Would you support or oppose this legislation? Among partial sample: n=507, 504
87%
13%
85%
15%40% 37%
Support Oppose Support Oppose
Some people have suggested that there should be legislation that would designate certain products,
such as medical equipment, medical supplies and critical pharmaceuticals as “critical health supplies”
and that federal, state and local governments and U.S. companies only be allowed to purchase these
products from manufacturers that are:
BASED IN COUNTRIES THAT ARE U.S. ALLIES BASED IN NORTH AMERICA,
SOUTH AMERICA OR EUROPE
26. Americans Maintain Their Focus on Company Actions During the Pandemic
26
The focus on employees’ safety and well-being continues to draw significant attention. In addition,
companies actions on providing sick leave and whether they take government loans is gaining attention
Q: As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, how much attention are you paying to...
Mid-MayLate March
Did not ask in survey
Did not ask in survey
32%
36%
38%
39%
44%
40%
47%
35%
40%
45%
46%
47%
How and where companies source their products/supply
chains
How companies apply for or take government loans or
grants
How companies are providing sick leave benefits to their
employees
How companies are paying or retaining their employees
How companies treat their customers
Leaders/CEOs stepping up to help others in need
How companies care for their employees’ safety and well-
being
Paying much more attention
27. 23%
24%
24%
26%
34%
51%
Providing transparency on how their executives
are paid
Sustainable and responsible usage of water, land
and other resources
Giving back to the communities where these
companies operate
Reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and the
impact their operations have on the environment
Remaining financially able to avoid having to lay
off their employees
Protecting the health and safety of their
employees
Summary of ALL Choices
Ranked 1st
Remaining financially
able to avoid having to
lay off their employees
34% Ranked 1st
41% Ranked 2nd
Protecting the health
and safety of their
employees
51% Ranked 1st
Protecting Employees is the Key Expectation for Companies
27
Protecting employees by keeping them safe and healthy to financially protected is vital. Being good
corporate citizens, sustainability policies, and transparency on executive pay are less important right now
Q: Which of the following actions would you MOST like to see major corporations take as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic? Please rank your top 3
Most
Likely to
Be
Ranked
1st
Most
Likely to
Be
Ranked
2nd
28. Americans Continue to Post Positive News about Company Actions
28
1-in-3 Americans have posted something recently about a business or leader going above and beyond.
They also have nearly doubled their posting of negative stories since late March
Q: Thinking of the reaction to the Coronavirus pandemic specifically, have you shared/posted a comment, picture or news story of...
30%
Posted about a
business/ leader
going above and
beyond
Posted about a business/ leader
not doing the right thing
8%
33%
Posted about a
business/ leader
going above and
beyond
Posted about a business/ leader
not doing the right thing
14%
Mid-MayLate March
29. Some Efforts to Protect Employees Can Backfire
29
While a majority of Americans support CEOs donating their pay, nearly 1-in-3 say it is an attempt at a
headline grab. Employees of some industries are more likely to believe this, underscoring recent pushback
Q: There are certain CEOs who have volunteered to donate their salaries during the Coronavirus pandemic. Which statement comes closer to your view of this
scenario?
29% 53%
Don't know,
18%
CEOs are doing their
best to ensure
employees continue to
get salaries during a
tough time when
companies are on the
brink of shutting down
These CEOs are simply
trying to get positive
headlines and shows
how truly divided we
are if they can easily
hand over their
supposedly hard-
earned pay
More Likely to Say CEOs
are Seeking Headlines
Financial Services Employees (40%)
Energy Industry Employees (39%)
Tech Industry Employees (39%)
Industrials Industry Employees (37%)
31. Those
Working
from Home
A Significant Trust Gap is Developing Based on Where Employees are Working
31
Employees working from home gained significant trust in their employer during the pandemic. However,
on-site employees have far more mixed reactions.
Q: [IF EMPLOYED] The ways in which my employer handled the events surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the trust I have in my company’s
leadership in the following way:
40%
Increased trust in
their employer
19% Significantly
74%
Increased trust in
their employer
45% Significantly
61%
Increased trust in
their employer
36% Significantly
General
Population
Those
Working
On-Site
21% Decreased
38% Did not change
6% Decreased
19% Did not change
13% Decreased
25% Did not change
32. 21%
26%
20%
36%
25%
31%
30%
20%
41%
29%
30%
36%
31%
33%
27%
19%
26%
19%
17%
19%
22%
15%
8%
11%
13%
15%
11%
11%
30%
37%
37%
37%
38%
40%
41%
44%
47%
33%
39%
41%
42%
43%
41%
39%
39%
36%
20%
16%
16%
14%
13%
12%
13%
8%
12%
Excellent Good Fair Poor Not applicable
On-Site Employees are More Critical of Employer Communications
32
Q: How would you rate your employer’s communications in each of the following areas since the Coronavirus pandemic began…
Employees working from home rate their employers’ communications far more favorably than those on-
site. This underscores the need for employers to address concerns more strategically across audiences
Concern for your health and safety
Health benefits available to you
Your working options
The future of the company you work for
[IF WORKING FROM HOME] Effectively and efficiently working from home
Modifying your work hours (i.e. longer or shorter, flexible working)
[IF WORKING FROM HOME] Duration of working from home
Your personal job security
Potential furloughs or staff reductions
Those
Working
from Home
Those
Working
On-Site
Not asked of audience
Not asked of audience
33. The Result is a Growing Divide Between Employees
33
While a majority of employees believe they are being treated fairly, there is some growing sentiment that
the Coronavirus pandemic is highlighting a divide among employees who work from home vs. on-site
Q: [IF EMPLOYED] Do you agree or disagree with the following statement when it comes to your employer?
Q: [IF EMPLOYED] Which statement comes closer to your view of your company?
Those
Working
from Home
Those
Working
On-Site
My employer is treating all employees with the same
concern for their well-being throughout the
Coronavirus pandemic, regardless of who they are.
89% Agree
58% Strongly
69% Agree
40% Strongly
The Coronavirus pandemic has highlighted that there is
a fundamental unfairness in my company between
employees who can work from home and employees
who have to work on site.
58% Agree
31% Strongly
42% Agree
19% Strongly
I am concerned the Coronavirus
pandemic has shown there will be
negative feelings between those
who have to work on-site and
those who can work from home
I am encouraged by how
everyone in my company has
come together to look after
each other and get the job done
under difficult circumstances
35%
Concerned
26%
Concerned
60%
Encouraged
56%
Encouraged
35. Personal Outlook is Better Than That of the Community and Country
As is human nature, Americans tend to be more optimistic about their own personal health and financial
situations, and slightly more pessimistic about that of their community or country.
Q: How optimistic or pessimistic are you about the following?
22%
24%
26%
34%
24%
41%
33%
40%
6%
9%
8%
6%
28%
20%
22%
14%
21%
7%
11%
6%
The U.S. economy
The health of people in my local community
My personal finances
My personal health
Very optimistic Somewhat optimistic Neither optimistic nor pessimistic Somewhat pessimistic Very pessimistic
Very optimistic Very Pessimistic
35
36. Baby Boomers are the Least Optimistic
Baby Boomers tend to be the least optimistic when it comes to their outlook on their health and finances
and even more so at the community and country level.
Q: How optimistic or pessimistic are you about the following?
Personal Community Personal US Economy
Millennials + Gen Z 40% 29% 33% 28%
Gen X 36% 27% 28% 25%
Baby Boomers + 27% 18% 18% 13%
36
Health Financial
37. Remember: Ask us for a
briefing for your team
Thank you!
May 2020
Contact:
Brent McGoldrick, SMD
Brent.McGoldrick@fticonsulting.com
Geoff Serednesky, MD
Geoff.Serednesky@fticonsulting.com
Kristy Pultorak, SD
Kristy.Pultorak@fticonsulting.com
Lindsay Kunkle, SD
Lindsay.Kunkle@fticonsulting.com
James Condon, SD
James.Condon@fticonsulting.com
Courtney Clark, SC
Courtney.Clark@fticonsulting.com
Brittany Moon, SC
Brittany.Moon@fticonsulting.com