CFO Slice

Chief financial officers at larger companies are significantly more optimistic about the economy and their own business prospects than their counterparts at midsized firms, according to a new U.S. Bank survey of 1,000 senior finance leaders. Among companies generating more than $5bn in annual revenue, 57% of CFOs expressed confidence in the U.S. economy over the next year, compared with just 24% at companies with revenue between $100m and $250m. Larger organizations also reported stronger returns from artificial intelligence investments, measuring ROI on a greater share of projects and achieving positive returns more frequently than smaller firms. The survey found growing emphasis on revenue growth and cash flow improvement alongside ongoing cost-cutting efforts, while geopolitical tensions, inflation, borrowing costs, cybersecurity threats, and talent shortages ranked among the top risks facing finance leaders. Large companies were also more likely to adopt emerging payment technologies such as stablecoins, highlighting a widening gap in resources and innovation capabilities between larger and smaller businesses.