The latest report from PYMNTS Intelligence, commissioned by Visa, reveals that CFOs at Growth Corporates are increasingly leveraging working capital tools to enhance their balance sheets. The “Growth Corporates Working Capital Index 2025–2026: Research Report Data Book” highlights a significant shift in how these firms, generating between $50 million and $1 billion in annual revenue, approach working capital management amidst a landscape characterized by volatility and digital transformation.
Many of these companies are pivotal in global supply chains, yet they often find themselves underserved by traditional financial institutions. As liquidity needs become more intricate, the report underscores that working capital is evolving beyond merely addressing short-term financial gaps. Instead, firms are now utilizing it strategically to increase revenue, strengthen supplier relationships, and bolster operational resilience.
According to the findings, companies that employ external working capital solutions report tangible benefits to their bottom line. Many experience an increase of several percentage points in annual revenue, demonstrating the value of these tools. Still, challenges persist, particularly with inefficient processes such as chasing late payments, which continue to constrict profit margins.
Performance Framework Highlights Key Strategies
The Index establishes a performance framework that correlates specific behaviors with improved Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) outcomes and a stronger overall financial position. Key strategies include supplier integration, early payment initiatives, and cash flow predictability. Notably, the rise of generative and agentic AI in treasury and finance functions is becoming increasingly significant. Digital tools are now integral to how Growth Corporates plan, forecast, and execute their financial strategies.
Top-performing Growth Corporates distinguish between the strategic and tactical uses of working capital. The firms scoring highest on the Index utilize liquidity not just for immediate needs but also to expedite supplier payments, fund expansion initiatives, and enhance long-term resilience.
Regional and industry variances are also influencing competitive dynamics. The performance of these firms differs markedly across regions such as North America, Europe, CEMEA, LAC, and APAC. These variations reveal where specific working capital strategies are creating significant impacts.
Digital Integration as a Competitive Advantage
The report emphasizes that digital integration is becoming a critical differentiator between industry leaders and those lagging behind. Companies that embed suppliers into digital payment ecosystems and leverage AI for forecasting and automation are more likely to achieve operational efficiency and improve their DPO.
The “Growth Corporates Working Capital Index 2025–2026: Research Report Data Book” is based on a comprehensive double-blind survey involving 1,457 CFOs and treasurers across 10 industry segments, covering 23 countries and five global regions. The data collection spanned from May 23, 2025, to July 18, 2025.
For further insights into how Growth Corporates are utilizing working capital, the full report is available for download, providing an in-depth look at these evolving financial strategies.
