Middle Market CFOs Use Working Capital Tools to Boost Balance Sheets

The “Growth Corporates Working Capital Index 2025–2026: Research Report Data Book” is a PYMNTS Intelligence report commissioned by Visa. The report examines how Growth Corporates are rethinking working capital management in an environment defined by volatility, expansion and digital acceleration. These firms, typically generating between $50 million and $1 billion in annual revenue, are the center of global supply chains and local economies. Yet many remain underserved by traditional financial providers even as their liquidity needs grow more complex.

The data shows that working capital is no longer simply about covering short-term gaps. Firms increasingly use it as a strategic tool to boost revenue, strengthen supplier relationships and improve operational resilience. Companies using external working capital solutions report measurable bottom-line benefits, often adding several percentage points to annual revenue. At the same time, inefficient processes such as chasing late payments continue to erode margins.

The Index presents a performance framework that links specific behaviors to improved DPO outcomes and stronger overall financial positioning. These include supplier integration, early payment strategies and cash flow predictability. It also highlights the rapid rise of generative and agentic AI in treasury and finance functions, showing that digital tools are becoming central to how Growth Corporates plan, forecast and execute.

In this report, learn how:

Top-performing Growth Corporates separate strategic from tactical use of working capital. The highest Index scorers use liquidity to cover emergencies, speed up supplier payments, fund expansion and strengthen long-term resilience.

Regional and industry differences are reshaping competitive dynamics. Performance varies significantly across North America, Europe, CEMEA, LAC and APAC, showing where working capital strategies are driving outsized impact.

Digital integration is becoming the dividing line between leaders and laggards. Firms that embed suppliers into digital payment ecosystems and deploy AI for forecasting and automation show a higher propensity for operational efficiency and DPO improvement.

Download the Index Growth Corporates Working Capital Index 2025–2026: Research Report Data Book

About “Growth Corporates Working Capital Index 2025–2026: Research Report Data Book”

The “Growth Corporates Working Capital Index 2025–2026: Research Report Data Book” is a PYMNTS Intelligence report commissioned by Visa. The report is based on a double-blind survey of 1,457 CFOs and Treasurers across 10 industry segments, five global regions and 23 countries. The data collection took place from May 23, 2025, to July 18, 2025.

For more on Growth Corporate’s working capital use, view Visa’s WCI Dynamic Report.