Business | Bartleby

Companies run to their own annual rhythms

Seasonality in firms, from budgeting cycles to bonus rounds

Illustration: Paul Blow

Seasonality is a big part of business. For some industries, seasonal patterns are a defining feature. Agriculture is one obvious example; tourism another. Western toymakers notch up a huge proportion of their annual sales in the run-up to Christmas. Construction is harder during cold weather, which is why that industry employs fewer people in the winter.

Explore more

This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “A firm for all seasons”

From the January 20th 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from Business

Protesters in favour of TikTok stand outside the United States Capitol.

TikTok’s time is up. Can Donald Trump save it?

The imperilled app hopes for help from an old foe

A tattooed man punches a large head, with motion lines and stars showing impact. He wears orange shorts.

The UFC, Dana White and the rise of bloodsport entertainment

There is more to the mixed-marital-arts impresario than his friendship with Donald Trump


A billboard welcoming the American electric car maker Tesla, in Monterrey, Mexico

Will Elon Musk scrap his plan to invest in a gigafactory in Mexico?

Donald Trump’s return to the White House may have changed Tesla’s plans


Germany is going nuts for Dubai chocolate

Will the hype last?

The year ahead: a message from the CEO

From the desk of Stew Pidd

One of the biggest energy IPOs in a decade could be around the corner

Venture Global, a large American gas exporter, is going public