CFO GROWTH ADVISORS

Executive Summary Universal Adoption:   93%  of middle-market leaders work for companies actively investing in AI. The ROI Leader:  AI is expected to deliver the highest ROI ( 29% ) of any capital category this year. The Funding Confidence:   89%  of leaders feel their AI funding is adequate to reach their targets. The Bay Area Edge:  From the East Bay  to Silicon Valley , private firms are using automated workflows to offset the region's rising talent and operational costs.

Executive Summary Sales Optimism:   56%  of business economists anticipate sales will rise in the next three months—the highest level since mid-2024. AI Productivity:  Nearly three out of four respondents ( 73% ) believe AI will boost their company’s productivity this year. Capital Spending:  The share of firms reporting increased capital spending on AI and improvements rose to 33% , exceeding the 26% average from last year. Strategic Mandate:  With recession worries fading,

Executive Summary Revenue Performance:  Midsize private companies saw revenue growth accelerate to 11.7% —a full point increase from mid-year. Labor Efficiency:  AI is becoming a workforce multiplier; companies report AI has already replaced or reduced the need for human employees by an average of 18% . Investment Shift:  Capital is moving out of cash and into technology; AI now captures 28%  of total allocated investment dollars. Strategic Mandate:  2026 requires a focus on