Cash Management Takes Center Stage

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - January 5, 2010) - The global financial crisis has had a ripple effect on the economy and thrust cash management -- and the need to gain greater visibility and control over cash and liquidity -- to the forefront of corporate agenda, according to "The 3-Part Balancing Act of Cash Management: Optimizing the Financial Value Chain," the landmark cash management study by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS).

"More than a year after the credit-crisis hit its crescendo in mid-September, the contraction in the economy coupled with the squeeze in the credit market has forced companies to diversify their financing options and squeeze liquidity from within," comments Nasreen Quibria, senior analyst at Aberdeen Group. "Interestingly, contrary to the classic approach to cash management that companies collect early, pay late, and invest the residual for the greatest return with a manageable risk, our research indicates that top performing companies are not delaying payment as long as possible. Instead, those with low Days Sales Outstanding also paid invoices more promptly, minimizing late payment fees and lost discounts," said Cindy Jutras, vice president of research development and research fellow.

Aberdeen's cash management report examined the top priorities, business pressures, and intentions of 130 senior finance executives seeking to improve cash performance. The report also highlights the strategies employed by leading companies to drive the following notable results:

--  Days Sales Outstanding of 21 days - 32 days shorter than their peers
--  84% cash flow forecast accuracy - 35% higher than their peers
    

A complimentary copy of this report is made available due in part by the following underwriters: Basware, SunGard and U.S. Bank PowerTrack. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=6279

Visit Research.Aberdeen.com for additional access to complimentary Global Supply Management and Finance Research.

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Aberdeen provides fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having queried more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to Aberdeen for insights that drive decisions.

As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of Harte-Hanks (Information - Opportunity - Insight - Engagement - Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit Aberdeen or call (617) 854-5200, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call (800) 456-9748.

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Contact Information: Media Contact: Nasreen Quibria, Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (617) 854-5379 nasreen.quibria@aberdeen.com