executive insights

Asset managers expect to see more competitors merge at a fast pace over the next five years as firms seek to compete with cheaper passive funds and pay for costly regulation, a State Street survey showed. 

Selling a company?  In this series of articles on the value of your business, we’ve tried to acknowledge a few things. 

In merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, confidential and proprietary information often needs to be shared with the other party. But the path to doing so safely is making sure that the other party is bound to respect the confidential information provided and not use it to the disclosing party’s detriment 

If you decide to sell your business to an outside acquirer, you’re going to have to decide between a financial and a strategic buyer. Understanding the different motivations of these two buyers can be the key to getting a good price for your business. 

Of course, e-commerce is informing how we shop, having an outsized impact on traditional retail: from the rise of buy online, pick up in-store perks to the fact that Amazon is now the second biggest seller of consumer electronics after Best Buy.

But the spate of retail bankruptcies, store closings and liquidations doesn’t mean consumers have traded in bricks for clicks. They reflect a mixed brew of factors, including a vastly over-stored retail landscape still sized for a pre e-commerce/pre Great Recession shopping mindset, just as consumers buy fewer tangible things, like a new purse, opting for more experiential purchases, like a dinner out.

And despite all the chatter about e-commerce putting brick-and-mortar out of business, it’s the online-only merchants that are struggling to go it alone (think Etsy), as legacy retailers such as Wal-Mart buy up online merchants.

Selling a company?  In this series of articles on the value of your business, we’ve tried to acknowledge a few things.

As the world stands on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way everyone lives, works and relates to each other, it will be possible to observe the complete disruption of many industries and their business models.

Killing your competition was basic good business. Until now. 

 Companies that regularly prune their portfolio, take an active hand in preparing assets for sale, manage the separation and use the sale funds to acquire core assets in a repeatable M&A program make divesting a win-win for buyers and sellers. 

Selling a company?  In this series of articles on the value of your business, we’ve tried to acknowledge a few things. 

A Case Study in Driving Efficiencies and Cost Savings

Selling a company?  In this series of articles on the value of your business, we’ve tried to acknowledge a few things. 

What sets firms apart? What can leaders in developed markets learn from them? In the recent working paper Overcoming Institutional Voids: A Reputation-Based View of Long Run Survival, the authors find that an organization’s reputation is a crucial factor for long-term success. Less well understood is the key role played by resilience—an organization’s ability to overcome unexpected shocks.

Selling a company?  In this series of articles on the value of your business, we’ve tried to acknowledge a few things. 

This is not your typical ho-hum merger. It’s not every day (or every year or every decade) that a medical school with a long, distinguished history merges with a school well known for the arts and design. 

Businesses understand the importance of managing their physical supply chains, including the sourcing and tracking of raw materials and parts, and shipping finished goods to customers.

In all of the excitement of target identification and selection, it can be easy to grab onto the obvious similarities of the two organizations and tout how aligned the two workplace cultures are. Doing this is easy but it’s not enough. 

Curious about digital currency and how it affects your business? Learn the basics.

It turns out investment bankers may be worth their million-dollar advisory fees after all. After years of wealth destruction, acquisitions now create more value for acquiring shareholders than ever before, according to a study published in the August edition of the Journal of Corporate Finance. 

Employee engagement is key for successful small businesses.

The savvy seller seeks out the experienced support they need to do this legwork. The wise adviser recognizes that a collaborative and holistic approach better serves their client and creates a win for all stakeholders in the transition of a business. Together, they recognize that a change in ownership is not just a transaction. They create the transformation. 

See why automating invoice-to-pay workflow is the last line of defense in the battles against data entry errors, missed vendor discounts, and accounting inaccuracy.

Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. This article walks you through a strategic approach to managing working capital, allowing you to free cash flow and maintain a healthy financial state.

Small business survey results to help with informed business decisions

Collaboration amongst key C-suite members to make evidence-based decisions regarding corporate strategy.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Diamond Metals Distribution, LLC in connection with this transaction.

Here’s what you need to know about this game-changing, highly adaptive technology: Smart Safe solutions.

As treasury organizations look to drive greater efficiency and cost savings through the optimization of their payables function, it’s important to take advantage of industry best practices.

Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served a lead role in connection with these debt transactions, respectively.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Q.C. Industries, LLC in connection with this transaction.

Planning the best exit strategy for your business? Here's how to keep you business locally rooted and your employees.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Planet Fitness Midwest on their recent growth capital raise.

Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ: FITB) announced an expansion of their strategic relationship with Boston Market to roll out Fifth Third Currency Processing SolutionsSM in approximately 450 restaurants across the country by mid-2017.

Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served a lead role in connection with these debt transactions, respectively. 

Through the use of sophisticated partnership structures, business owners can structure a division of their companies, eliminating, taxes at that time. 

Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to DPI, Inc. in connection with this Transaction.

A leading electrical contracting company was able to avoid spiking materials costs after our analysts helped them negotiate two-year agreements to cap pricing.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served as Executive Financial Advisor to auto-vehicle parts company in connection with this transaction.

Take the following steps to leverage rising interest rates for your business.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc. served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Canton Drop Forge, Inc. in connection with this transaction.

The difficulties businesses face in filling sales jobs.

Fifth Third Securities, Inc. acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Clyde’s Market Inc. (Clyde’s) on its recent acquisition by Enmarket Stations, Inc.

You shed blood, sweat, and tears to get your company off the ground. Now it’s up, running, and doing well. But many of your employees weren’t there for the start-up phase, so to them it’s just a job. What you really want now is a company in which all the employees are engaged and committed—a company where they think and act like owners. 

Advancements in technology have led to the rise in automation and ‘smart’ manufacturing.

With the internet and digital services pervading every walk of life, there is a clear shift from standardization through mass manufacturing, towards personalization through automation and smart manufacturing.

Powered by data, hyper-personalization combines curation with personalization to create customized user experiences around individual customer wants and needs.

 Rather than rely on industry benchmarks, the best way to ensure you’re not disappointed with the sale of your business is to decide up front what it’s worth to you. 

Kenneth Chenault, the stalwart CEO who has led American Express for 16 largely successful years, announced his retirement recently. Needless to say, incoming CEO Stephen Squeri has big shoes to fill. 

Faster payments are on the way and that’s good news for businesses and consumers alike. While the benefits of faster payments will be numerous, here are six top things small businesses can look forward to with the improvement of the settlement process.

Succession planning should not just be a catchphrase; you need to work your butt off to accomplish it successfully.You will need professional help if you want professional results.

Business owners can tend to be financially vulnerable as they age. According to an SBA study1, business owners are less likely to establish a diversified retirement portfolio than other people since they tend to reinvest cash into their companies, rather than put it aside for retirement.

While there are no digital currency indexes currently available to retail investors through regular brokerages, many firms are working towards making these types of products available. 

Re-engineering your payments process can deliver substantial benefits. Migrating to an electronic payment solution can eliminate the bulk of paper processing and drive much needed automation. Cutting-edge solutions, such as Fifth Third Bank’s Expert AP, can deliver tremendous treasury efficiency and dramatically improve payments processes.

Many times conflicts arise and steps need or probably should be taken to ensure smooth running of the single-family office and the family. In effect, striving for family harmony is necessary. 

As companies look to improve the efficiency of payment processes, commercial card programs present a highly attractive option.

CEOs expect CFOs to see more big-picture, strategic thinking from their CFOs according to a survey from Forbes Insights and KPMG.

China’s central planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, has set the stage for what could become the biggest theme in China over the next six to 12 months: a surge in domestic mergers and acquisitions.

For the past five years, business-to-business (B2B) commercial card usage in the U.S. has been on the rise.

With 70% ownership of the total M&A market in the first half of 2017, corporate buyers have been enhancing their place in the market for years. 

Real-time payments are in the works and will be here in the near-term. That’s why it’s important to take steps now to be ready to handle new payment innovations. Many of these changes will alter the way treasury does business, so now is the ideal time to begin reviewing your processes and technologies in order to stay competitive. 

A supply-demand imbalance trend affects the M&A landscape as a whole, and even more so in specific verticals.

Cash flow technology can help businesses safeguard themselves against fraud.

All signs point to the likelihood that the official start date for the Hong Kong-China bond connect program will be announced soon — and it couldn't come soon enough. 

Family offices are leaving ‘the nest’ to fly on their own in M&A.  

Corporations are under increasing pressure to squeeze every last drop of efficiency out of their payables function in order to free up vital working capital. Read More

Everyone agrees faster payments are a good idea for businesses of every size, but making it happen takes a well-coordinated effort on the part of the banking and payments industry. To make faster payments a reality, three initiatives have been undertaken.

Fifth Third Investment Banking is pleased to provide you with the latest Industry Spotlight Reports. These reports highlight recent transaction and market data as well as key industry trends and analysis.

Predicting a bear market can make you famous in financial market circles, but it’s certainly not an easy feat. 

Banking is a people business. Behind every transaction and number, there’s a face, a family and a future. Behind some transactions is the opportunity to help others find happiness as they prepare for retirement.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is the most significant retooling of the U.S. tax code in more than three decades. This is particularly true at the corporate level, where the thrust of the new code is to help U.S. companies be more competitive globally.

As part of the enormous intergenerational transfer of wealth expected over the next decade, single-family offices are being passed down to the next generation. As more and more single-family offices are being established due to the boom in private wealth creation throughout the world, an increasing number of single-family offices will be going to heirs.

Most owners would exit today if they could achieve financial security, but they know they can’t. Are you in the same situation? 

This article details the value and benefits of engaging the entire organization, educating them on what working capital means and how non-treasury areas can actively participate in efforts that will impact the bottom line.

Myths have a way of creating fear and trepidation. There’s nothing like a good myth to keep you from exploring changes that could catapult your treasury operation to the next level of efficiency and influence within your organization. Here we bust two myths with truths that could kick-off the change your supply chain management function has been looking for.

As uncertainty around interest rates raises concerns for treasury organizations, the importance of maximizing payment efficiencies with the goal of improving working capital management has become more critical than ever.

Broadcom Ltd.’s chief executive officer has grown accustomed to getting his way, using compromise, more money, sheer force of will—or a combination of all three. 

If watercoolers were still the rage, today’s big watercooler topic at many corporates would be speculation about what will happen with interest rates in the U.S. After years of historically low interest rates, the Federal Reserve recently raised rates for the first time in nearly a decade.

Here in the U.S., we’re playing catch up when it comes to real-time payments. Currently, significant efforts are underway to put infrastructure in place to facilitate faster payments in the near future. Numerous countries, including the UK, Singapore, Poland and Mexico have had near-real-time processing for some time now.

New payment methods constantly are being introduced and there’s significant buzz about what’s new. Everything from mobile payments to NFC technology to the transition to chip-enabled cards are trending topics in the industry. The fact remains, however, that for now, cash still is king.

These five behavioral best practices are by no means all the ones we have been able to extract from the meta-analytic and ethnological studies. However, they are exceedingly potent and, in many ways, foundational. 

The gig economy should be part of every company’s growth strategy. How can we lean on the gig economy to make customers’ lives easier and better? 

Large corporations are buying socially-conscious brands and not everyone is happy about it, including many of those brands’ consumers. 

The U.S. payments system has undergone some important changes over the past few years. Consumers and businesses have been clamoring for faster payments, which has led to a push for speedier digital transactions. Same-day settlement was seen as a way to dramatically improve payroll, bill payments and person-to-person transactions.

Faster payments hold tremendous promise for corporates. By reducing the length of time required to recognize a receivable, businesses will be able increase the flow of commerce, while at the same time making it easier to manage vital working capital

Just about a decade ago, I interviewed Greg Carmichael, who had just been promoted from CIO to COO of Fifth Third Bank, about his advice for CIOs interested in following a similar path. Recently, I had the chance to ask Greg about the next leg of that journey, his move to CEO, and how his IT background has positioned him for the top job.

Once an underresearched entity in the workplace, ESG integration has become an increasingly valued topic in the discussion of a company’s future financial performance. 

Just as no one thinks about the electric company until the power goes out, early exuberance for the Internet of Things (IoT) — an umbrella term for devices that use sensors to connect and communicate with the Internet and each other — has focused more on new products and possibilities, and less on the inevitable tedium of managing, maintaining and replacing IoT-enabled devices when they break down at the end of their useful life span.

However, telecommunication companies — with their long-standing ability to connect millions of devices to complex networks — are in a unique position to serve as active partners to commercial IoT customers, whom we expect to propel the IoT market to $470 billion. We see three big opportunities for telcos that know how to target and serve business customers: connectivity, life cycle management and vertical platforms.

Today’s treasury professionals face a common set of challenges when it comes to payments processing.

The World Bank recently released its annual rankings of the best places in the world to do business.  Around the world, these annual rankings are watched closely by policy makers and business leaders.  They have gained an outsized influence on economic and industrial policy, particularly in the developing world and in those countries where the World Bank is most active.

And yet, it can be argued that they measure the wrong things for the 21st century. Doing Business in 2018 is about investing in talented people and innovation, not low tax rates or minimum regulatory frameworks. 

Acute labor shortages show up in the goods-producing sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, construction, and related industries. And employers in the service industry also suffer.

Email is, quite simply, the most efficient way to conduct billing. And many businesses like ABC use wire transfers for their payments — which is why this type of fraud is one of the most commonly seen today.

Find out how Malware works and what you can do to protect yourself and your business.

To help mitigate the risk of Business Email Compromise, we suggest implementing the following practices.

Companies are tracking and analyzing employee behavior to protect sensitive company data.

Companies are tracking and analyzing employee behavior to protect sensitive company data.

Account takeover fraud attacks are extremely difficult to detect when they’re in progress. In fact, even antivirus software can miss them. So, the best way to protect against them is through preventive actions.

Fraudulent emails with updated bank account information may or may not include an attached invoice. In some cases, such as this one, fraud perpetrators send new account details, then simply wait for the vendors to submit real invoices to their clients.

McKinsey & Company estimates that more than 70% of global merger and acquisition deals fail … but why is this? We believe it is due, in great part, to a lack of information (or poor information) on the target and the deal. 

Staying one step ahead of fraudsters is the goal of the payments industry, but this is no easy task. As fast as new payment methods are introduced, new criminal schemes are quick to follow. Understanding your vulnerabilities and fraud risks is crucial in order to develop effective strategies to address this pervasive and persistent problem.

To protect your organization against malware threats, especially those affecting your financial transactions, consider these best practices.

Every day, fraudsters around the world target companies like yours, using the Internet in various ingenious ways, aiming to hijack your financial transactions and empty your bank accounts. Cyber crime is organized, growing and responsible for millions of dollars in business losses. So how do you protect your company?

A critical step in risk management is taking stock of commodity exposure and understanding how your bottom line could be impacted.

Most people have heard of “phishing” schemes, where fraudsters send fake emails to trick recipients into sharing private or financial information and then use the information to commit fraud. Learn how to take preventative measures and protect your business from phishing.

Setting up a fraud policy and oversight program is an important step in curbing fraud activity at your company.

Every day, fraudsters around the world target companies like yours, using the Internet in various ingenious ways, aiming to hijack your financial transactions and empty your bank accounts. Cyber crime is organized, growing and responsible for millions of dollars in business losses. So how do you protect your company?

The number of cyber and traditional payment fraud threats continues to grow and businesses are urged to remain vigilant in 2017.

Explore how you can help protect your organization from fraud by implementing these best practices.

The new Real-Time Payments (RTP) system holds great promise for increasing the efficiency of companies’ payment processes while meeting their customers’ demands for faster payments and improved messaging to support digital commerce.

Many businesses of all sizes fall prey to email hackers every day. And many corporate fraud cases are the result of fraudulent emails being sent between employees of the same company.  Learn how to inimize this type of email compromise within your business.

Most people have heard of “phishing” schemes, where fraudsters send fake emails to trick recipients into sharing private or financial information and then use the information to commit fraud. Learn how to take preventative measures and protect your business from phishing.

To help mitigate the risk of Business Email Compromise, we suggest implementing the following practices.

Explore how you can help protect your organization from fraud by implementing these best practices.

The latest bank authentication and risk analytics tools and strategies are making it safer for U.S. companies to adopt emerging faster payment alternatives.

The number of cyber and traditional payment fraud threats continues to grow and businesses are urged to remain vigilant in 2017.

 Steps to prepare your organization for currency risk. 

According to the Association for Financial Professionals’ 2016 Payments Fraud and Control Survey1, 71% of companies that experienced attempted or actual payments fraud last year were victims of check fraud.

For any company, there are a variety of factors affecting the bottom line—sales, inflation, the political climate, the economy, and even the availability of great workers. For all leaders, it’s important to recognize what’s happening in the culture at large and how it influences the microcosm of your organization.

As a group, fraudsters can never be accused of failing to innovate. That’s a big reason why check fraud — despite being one of the oldest forms of payment fraud — remains a serious risk to companies.

Now is the time to ensure your business continuity plan is current, comprehensive and clearly actionable.

After a decade of interest rates near zero, many corporations have opted not to manage, or even consider managing, their interest rate exposure. That philosophy could soon change, either by choice or dictated by market imposed volatility. Learn more about Financial Risk Management.

The primary risk and expense in a Regulation A+ offering is the marketing outreach to bring investors to your offering, so this article focuses on ways that you can make the marketing of your offering less costly and more likely to succeed by using the time between now and when your offering goes live to proactively prepare. 

Malware developers never rest — it’s a 24/7, global industry dedicated to stealing funds from the bank accounts of unsuspecting companies and individuals.To protect your organization against malware threats, especially those affecting your financial transactions, consider these best practices

As card fraud becomes harder to commit at the point of sale due to the protection that the more secure EMV technology affords against card counterfeiting, some analysts are forecasting an increase in card fraud related to online and telephone purchases —so-called card-not-present transactions.

With the U.S. adoption of EMV chip cards, businesses heaved a brief sigh of relief, as the technology added another layer of protection against fraud by reducing the risk of card counterfeiting. However, as expected, in the wake of chip card adoption, there has been an increase in card-not-present (CNP) credit card fraud in online and telephone transactions.

With supply chains, goods and services are exchanged in short time intervals, creating an opportunity for optimization. The right partners, tools and management in place can help reduce costs and increase capital through payments and receivables.

Every project has some risk of failure. Identifying and planning ahead to avoid these points of failure is one of your top responsibilities. This guide on project risk management will help you understand and manage risks better.

With technology and regulations shifting the global business landscape today, companies seeking to broaden their reach and expand to new geographies require a payments infrastructure. Companies pursuing a “borderless” strategy must address a number of logistical and strategic challenges if they hope to thrive in new markets and edge out global competitors.

With rapid technological advances profoundly altering consumers’ preferences and priorities, achieving and maintaining a high level of digital agility is no longer optional for mid-size companies striving to be competitive in a global marketplace. 

Capital-intensive enterprises that deal with heavy expenditures or substantial working capital outlays are increasingly turning to asset-based lending (ABL) to alleviate the pressure on their balance sheets. Employing assets such as inventory, accounts receivable, and equipment as collateral helps enable freight movers, heavy equipment manufacturers, fleet buyers, and auto dealers to secure funding while preserving resources for other financial goals.

The startup world provides plenty of inspiration. “Growth hacking” is one example: The strategy is to lead with a “growth hacker” mindset – maintaining an absolute commitment to growth at all costs. But the answer, especially for mid-market companies, depends on what kind of growth really matters.

One in six U.S. adults owns a voice-activated smart speaker or device. We are already seeing the benefits of this in our homes, so what could voice interface technology do for our business?

The decision to purchase or replace a piece of large equipment should be part of a company’s larger capital expenditure strategy.

Customer service means customer success these days, and as the field grows, more roles for leadership open up. Customer success leaders need strong visionary and management skills, but leadership encompasses many vital components when it comes to serving clients.

Many businesses overlook a viable opportunity to achieve such goals: an open, honest, and mutually beneficial negotiation with suppliers.

With the wrong strategy, cross-border payment costs eat into revenues. To arrive at an infrastructure that fits your needs, consider both the scope of your operations and the global forces at pl

With expectations that the economy will remain strong, many middle market companies increasingly view a merger or acquisition as a potential vehicle for growth.

Responding to tariffs requires companies to forecast for an undefined period, and the full effects won’t become apparent until tariffs are annualized in a new budget season.

So as buying behavior gets more immediate, providing instant-purchase ecosystems—eliminating the clicks and navigations that dull consumer ardor—will radically reduce the time between discovery and conversion.

Create a corporate philanthropy program to help guide your decisions about what causes your company should support, why they matter and what resources you can make available.

Growing adoption of virtual payments, cryptocurrencies, and cloud solutions is making money more digital than ever. Yet there are still plenty of friction points when it comes to how companies manage finance internally.

Navigating the mergers and acquisitions landscape has become more complex as organizations, operations and business models have matured. Choosing the right fit for growth and expansion requires a team with both industry and M&A expertise.

For companies struggling to fill key positions, ‘Second Chancers’ are proving to be a first-rate solution

For companies struggling to fill key positions, ‘Second Chancers’ are proving to be a first-rate solution

For those companies and industries that aren’t directly involved in the commodities markets, there can still be significant impact.

In today’s interconnected and tech-reliant marketplace, cyber breaches are a major concern for companies of all sizes across virtually all industries.

Although many view payment via smartphone as the future of digital payments, both online and at the point of sale, some digital payment leaders now seem to be taking a step back from the digital revolution. 

Understanding the importance of the customer experience is key for any organization that wants to deepen customer relationships and assume a leadership position in the payments space.

A report released by consulting firm Greenwich Associates says that over 70% of institutional finance executives surveyed believe that cryptocurrency will have a place in the future of the industry.

The levels of transparency are inconsistent in the digital payment space, especially in cross-border payments. Payments can be delayed because of a regulatory issue, a sanction query or a potential fraud alert.

The payments process is the beginning of so many important parts of good business. But one of the major pain points to leveraging these benefits is validation and reconciliation. Automation can help make the payment process more efficient.

Determining which new payments solution is best suited to the unique needs and goals of your business is important—but it is also only the beginning of the process. A successful implementation is equally vital.

Implementing new payments technology can potentially help companies stay agile, competitive, and aligned to consumers’ expectations of speed and reliability.

As prices decline and sustainability issues gain further traction in the public consciousness, nearly half of all U.S. electricity customers plan to embrace solar power in the next five years.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included some changes in financing equipment purchases that may lead your business to revisit its strategy. 

Buoyed by new cost-reducing technologies and government incentives, the solar energy industry is enjoying it's time in the spotlight.

A key issue for many companies is how to best obtain the equipment their business needs to operate and to grow.

Strong job growth and rising interest rates are not the only signs that the United States economy is humming along nicely: There is also record-breaking merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in North America. 

For any technology company, hardware, equipment, and digital technology are gateways for hackers and adversaries to launch a cyber-attack and compromise sensitive data and information.

Community solar is a pioneering model that enables everyone to reap the rewards of clean electricity, by pooling their resources.

While the term is becoming more familiar for business owners, it’s important to understand the use case of seeking a financial sponsor. We take a look at key impact a financial sponsor can have during an M&A.

Data breaches cost companies $3.6 million on average in 2017. You’ll need to leverage a number of resources and technology to mitigate your business’s exposure to that number.

The art of negotiation with your suppliers can produce better terms and prices, thus fostering more working capital for your business, stronger strategic relationships and a competitive edge.

In today’s integrated business environment, leaders must take a holistic approach to asset protection — one that guards against both traditional evergreen risks and new, ever-evolving threats.

Community solar is bringing the power of the sun to the masses. It enables groups of local businesses and residents to reap the rewards of clean electricity without the need to install panels on their roof. At least 19 states have picked up on this trend, here's a closer look at four states leading the pack.

Now that companies are using blockchain to work in different areas, like supply chains, there’s both a flow of money going in one direction and a flow of goods in the other. And linking the flow of goods and money becomes extremely important.

Vertical integration—the strategy of acquiring businesses that tangentially support your operations—is becoming the modern day choice for tech-sector businesses seeking to streamline processes, increase profits, gain market edge, and avoid finding themselves at the mercy of forces outside their control.

As you aim for an acquisition, potential buyers will also want to know more about specific KPIs that highlight what they deem important. Understanding what metrics acquirers pay attention to is a critical step.

With low financing costs and low refinancing risk, the returns available from growth have often been far in excess of the cost of debt no matter the credit profile of the business.

Both cash flow lending and asset-based lending have their place in fulfilling business borrowing needs. Each can be appropriate in different situations.

While the lines between private equity and venture capital do blur, these kinds of private investments tend to vary in company type, investment scope and exit strategy.

A disruption in cash flow can cost a business far more than the dollar amount owed. In fact, according to a CB Insight research report, more than a quarter of startups fail in part because of such issues.

Though U.S.-based companies that only buy and sell domestically in U.S. dollars may assume there is no need to manage currency risk, market movements may prove a more immediate concern than presumed. 

The role of the CFO has undergone significant transformation in recent years, allowing companies of all sizes to be more strategic about operations and growth.

As HSAs and other CDH options become increasingly central to the fabric of HR and benefits administration, overall healthcare spending for companies and consumers could potentially be lowered. The catch? These plans can’t cut costs for anyone unless employees actually use them.

If you’re looking to update equipment or improve your facilities in the coming year, it’s important to recognize that the tax reform signed into law in late 2017 included several key provisions aimed at encouraging company reinvestment. 

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be a great, effective option, but a staggering 70% of mergers fail to increase shareholder value. So how can you prepare for a successful merger?

The ASC 842 rules change how operating leases are reported and how lease data is captured. Here’s a look at how these changes might impact specific industries.

Contextual commerce eliminates the extra steps—allowing customers to convert right at the point of discovery.

The popularity of buying in-the-moment isn’t limited to the B2C world. B2B leaders are seeking to follow suit, but the customer journey looks a lot different for B2B buyers than for everyday consumers.

Traditionally operating leases were mere footnotes in the financial statement, with limited impact on the liabilities assessed by investors and potential creditors.

As you get closer to an actual acquisition event, focusing on key metrics will ensure you get the best valuation for your business—and a deal that makes sense for you.

If you have a sense of your ultimate goal, you can more effectively plan for it and operate the business accordingly—even if your horizon is decades away.

With a longer sales cycle, it can be tough to reach profitability and manage business necessities between sales. Key strategies for managing cash flow can help the business run more smoothly.

More and more, businesses are offering incentives to their employees to get their health in order—and employees are starting to expect it! Not only can an effective and engaging wellness program benefit your employees, it can benefit your entire business.

Many executives don’t realize that the largest opportunity for digital transformation is actually behind the scenes—beginning with the back office.

Business mergers and acquisitions bring a combination of excitement, opportunity, and transition. Here's how to retain employee talent along the way.    

Industries are struggling to employ and expand workforces of skilled laborers. Learn more about how businesses are responding to skilled labor shortages.    

Not only is recruiting diverse talent the right thing to do, but it makes good business sense as well. 

Sibcy Cline, the largest real estate broker in the area, still relied on paper checks for much of their payment processes. Fifth Third Bank worked with them to find a solution.    

From property development to renovating existing structures, technology is greatly impacting the growth of commercial real estate. Learn about the top six trends and how the commercial real estate industry is expected to grow.

Half of U.S. hospitals now use some form of telemedicine, also known as virtual health care technology. Devices such as two-way cameras allow specialists to remotely interact with patients. Find out more about this investment opportunity and discover the reasons for growth in this area.

As the shopping habits of consumers continue to change with technology and trends, shopping malls are faced with the threat of closure. Find out what mall owners and commercial real estate companies are doing about it.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a new program for those seeking to shelter capital gains. Learn more about the option of reinvesting gains in Opportunity Zones (OZ) through Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOF) and the many potential tax benefits that go along with these investments.

Medtail is defined as the trend of medical offices leasing space in retail centers. Learn more about this shift that is allowing healthcare providers to be closer to their patients’ homes and offices—and why investors are paying attention.

Senior housing facilities are having a hard time finding skilled workers due to an acute labor shortage and other factors. Here’s what providers can do to stand out and attract potential new hires.

When small companies retain their best talent, they save money in recruiting and training costs and boost overall morale. Many experts believe small companies should aim for an 85 percent retention rate on a year-by-year basis. Here are strategies to keep employees over the long term.

The demand for electric vehicles is growing among both consumers and business owners globally. The opportunity to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions if one factor. Find out what else is fueling the EV boom.

The use of virtual reality is growing among a variety of architectural firms, as it can play an important role in all phases of the design-to-construction process, from assessing design options to resolving potential construction issues before breaking ground.

In healthcare, medical algorithms aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and care management of patients. Algorithms help remove uncertainty and improve the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of decisions that doctors make. The question is, will algorithms replace doctors? 

As patients are faced with higher monthly premiums to keep health insurance affordable, they’re more carefully choosing where their healthcare dollars go. Here’s how physicians are meeting this challenge and finding new ways to create value for patients and win their loyalty.

Before buying or selling a professional services firm, it’s crucial that buyers and sellers are properly prepared. Learn more about the steps that both sides should take in order to ensure that an M&A transaction goes as smoothly as possible.

Dental practices and individual dentists are facing a lot of challenges today. However, there are trends that have proven to lead to a future of long-term success in this industry, from the rise of Dental Service Organizations to online marketing techniques. 

Demand for transitional rehabilitation care continues to rise in the U.S. To meet the increasing demand, rehabilitation centers and home healthcare companies are turning to technology.

Concierge medicine can be an alternative model for doctors who are stretched thin to high patient loads and patients who seek more personal care – and have the means to pay for it.

Certifications such as the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or the Women Business Enterprise (WBE) can help women entrepreneurs grab the brass ring of public or private contracting dollars. Learn more about the certification process and the opportunities available to women-owned businesses.

Top e-commerce retailers have experienced a high consumer demand for expedited deliveries. These retailers are responding to this speedy demand by repurposing obsolete urban industrial buildings into warehouses. Learn more about this trend.

An estimate by the National Resources Defense Council calculated that 40 percent of all food in the U.S. is never eaten—and that waste costs companies billions of dollars. Find out what businesses are doing to fight food waste.

Protect yourself against suppliers offering tariff reduction strategies. Read more about opportunities and risks in tariff engineering with Fifth Third. 

Telemedicine is bringing seismic change to the healthcare industry. The rise of virtual care is leading to lower costs for providers, improved treatment for rural hospital and elderly patients, and others. Learn more.

With patients taking a proactive role in the changing healthcare environment, it is important that practices invest in data analytics, marketing and staffing to deepen patient loyalty and increase profitability. Making improvements may require financing—find out what options to consider.

Did you know that Gen Z and millennials represent close to half of the U.S. population? Learn about the priorities of these generations and what this means for your organization regarding strategies for recruitment, employee flexibility, workplace culture, and more. 

Healthcare providers from medical practices to hospitals are shifting to a value-based care model that utilizes alternative payment models (APMs). Find out how this will affect the healthcare industry.

Unlike publicly-held companies, private companies are not required to have a board of directors. However, having the influence of an industry-savvy board of directors could lead to greater success. Here’s what to consider in your board.

Property management software has been around for several decades, but are you confident you’re using technology as well as you could? See if your tools measure up with these five key considerations to run your business efficiently and deliver a convenient experience for customers.

Electronic medical records have led to a boom in healthcare-related data. The use of medical algorithms based on this data by health care organizations is on the rise, helping medical professionals improve diagnoses, decrease variability, and contain costs. Here’s what you need to know.

In the current time, it's in your firm’s best interest to refocus attention toward your liquidity strategies. Learn more about the shifts that are occurring, as well as how to help stabilize capital in order to be in a better position for weathering future liquidity events." 

Medtail is a new trend of medical practices re-locating to retail environments. It’s beneficial to developers of retail properties, as well as medical professionals and patients. Learn more about this trend and the many opportunities it offers for developers of commercial real estate.

This rising consumer desire for organic produce is causing companies in the food sector to expand and update their operations to keep up with demand, which is expected to continue growing. Learn about the effects of this development.

The trend toward renewable energy is becoming more feasible and affordable to companies across the U.S. By embracing sustainability practices, businesses are reaping the benefits of green technology. Learn how to get started on going green.

Attorneys and law firms are using the latest technology to improve efficiencies, deliver a better client experience and gain an edge on the competition. Find out how you can use tech at your practice.

To expand health care presence and increase consumer convenience, health care systems are now opening small facilities called micro-hospitals. Scaled down in scope as compared to full-service hospitals, these facilities can provide big benefits to patients, providers, and insurers. Learn more.

Millennials are now the largest generation in the U.S. labor force and are making the natural progression into management roles. Learn more about how their approaches to work have begun to reshape the workplace in corporate culture, new approaches to processes and procedures, and more.

Interested in learning about blockchains?  By definition, blockchains facilitate the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network. Learn how this technology trend is greatly impacting food companies and firms by expediting settlement times, reducing operational costs, increasing visibility, and more.

Do you know the trends currently affecting the auto industry?  Artificial intelligence, alternative fuels, and fuel efficiency are the top three. Learn how auto suppliers are obtaining new equipment by responding with strategic financings, such as leasing.

Energy storage devices are transforming the electric power industry by providing cost-savings solutions for businesses, utilities, and grid operators.  Learn more about this increasingly reliable and affordable technology.

Interested in equipment leasing? Electronic payment tools help add efficiencies in lessee payment processes while improving fraud protection. Learn more.    

Driven by medical advances and healthier living, baby boomers are expected to enjoy longer lives than previous generations of seniors. What does this mean for the seniors housing market? New trends such as lifestyle communities are emerging. Learn more.

B Corps are for-profit companies certified by B Lab (an independent non-profit) to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Learn more about how these companies are profiting while causing social change.

Companies in virtually every industry have seen benefits derived from ERGS. Also known as Employee Resource Groups, these think-tank type groups offer employees an opportunity to network, receive support, and address common concerns. Learn more.

Healthcare data analytics are quickly adding value to a variety of hospitals, medical practices, and health systems. This data is used to improve consumer experience, growth initiatives, and healthcare cost reduction. Read more about this trend.

Chicago continues to cement its reputation as a tech and innovation hub. Read more about this city's recent crop of incubator innovations revolving around focus, digital solutions, and unique public/private partnerships.

Have you heard of the interactive wall paint trend? Technology is transforming the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in many ways with trends from drones to smart homes. Learn more in this architectural outlook for 2019.

There are many factors to consider when exploring corporate banking options. From bank size to professional capabilities, learn more with Fifth Third Bank.

Email remains the most dominant forms of communication in professional settings. From proper email structure to double checking grammar, here's how to ensure your company understands and utilizes email etiquette.

Gen X's impact on workplaces represent the value this group of employees bring to organizations, and why they may be the most powerful in the workforce.

Today's real estate market presents an variety of commercial real estate investment opportunities. Learn about commercial real estate with Fifth Third Bank.    

How often do you check your investment portfolio accounts? It turns out that managing your investments doesn't need to be done daily - and here's why.

What is a 1031 exchange? If you plan on investing in commercial property, here's everything to know about 1031 exchanges with Fifth Third Bank. Read more.

It's time to review your investment portfolio - do you know what to look for? Here are tips on how to manage investment portfolios with Fifth Third Bank.    

Fintech has grown into a industry that impacts many companies. If you're looking to expand your business, here's how to find the right fintech partner.

From budgeting expenses to reaching new markets, here's how to finance your growing business for long-term growth. Learn more with Fifth Third Bank today.

Wearable technology is taking warehouses and modern workpalces by storm. From smartphones to smartwatches, here's the latest in wearable tech trends.

What are the benefits of machine learning and how does it work to combat fraud? Here's what to know about machine learning and its anti-fraud benefits.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or curious business person, learn about the developing commercial real estate trends for 2019 with Fifth Third Bank.

The key to a successful accounts payable process is creating an efficient one. Read how Fifth Third Bank incorporates automated payable tactics for teams.

As the insurance industry evolves, big data continues to influence insurance pricing, underwriting processes, and developing trends. Learn more today.

As the global marketplace continues to develop, the benefits of customs brokers increase. Learn how customs brokers can help business and supply chains.

Are today's farmers missing out on additional revenue? Learn how farmers can optimize logistics for agribusiness and enhance income with Fifth Third Bank.

Most real estate private equity funds are fairly similar, but no two funds are alike. Here are tips on how to work with real estate private equity funds.

Businesses are becoming more aware of their environmental footprint, and there's room to improve. Here are 5 ways businesses can tap sustainable energy.

Considering working with real estate private equity funds? Learn about the four sources of capital, updated percentages, and more with Fifth Third Bank.

How do cobots impact manufacturing and influence increased productivity and profits? Read how cobots are used in manufacturing and their benefits today.

Why are cybercriminals targeting SMBs? Cybercrime continues to impact small and medium-sized businesses, and here are a few reasons why. Learn more today.

Ecommerce and receivables markets are working to solve common challenges in accounts receivable management. Learn about receivable challenges and solutions.    

Learn about the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare and how it's a key factor in protecting doctor and patient information with Fifth Third Bank.

Systematic risk management helps corporations manage risks and analyze solutions. Learn about the importance of corporate risk management with Fifth Third.

What is low-volatility investing and how does it work? From low-volatility investing best practices to potential pitfalls, learn more with Fifth Third Bank.    

If you're looking to expand your company's leadership team, there are important steps to consider when hiring executives. Learn more with Fifth Third Bank.

Lower rates might be coming back in style. Learn more about interest rate trends and how to maximize falling interest rates to raise capital.

Food companies continue to improve their way of supplying and delivering fresh foods to meet market demand. Learn how food incubators support innovation.

Businesses in Illinois can save money by utilizing solar energy. Learn more about renewable solar energy programs, such as the Adjustable Block Program.    

The Adjustable Block Program is a new incentive program that sets the stage for more solar power growth in Illinois. Learn more about solar energy today.

How can merchants take advantage of new business opportunities for efficiency and growth while giving users a competitive edge? Read more with Fifth Third.    

Over-the-top (OTT) video is making a new name for itself among major media companies. Here's what well-capitalized OTT means for digital media industries.    

Will raising the minimum wage leave a positive or negative impact? Many opinions differ - read how minimum wage may (or may not) be the right move.    

Recent GDPR requirements may impact business compliance practices and data regulation. Learn more with these common questions for data regulation trends.

While low unemployment rate is good, the labor market is the tightest it's been in 50 years. Learn what candidate experience means in today's job market.    

The treasury team at Sibcy Cline knew that relying on paper checks was an issue. It exposed the company to a greater risk of fraud, delayed payments and higher payment processing costs.

To address these concerns, the team decided to automate payments with Fifth Third Expert AP. Read the case study to learn how Fifth Third seamlessly integrated electronic payments into the company’s accounting system.

Learn how banking partners and treasurers can work together to prepare for changes with LIBOR. Read more about LIBOR trends and finances with Fifth Third.

Treasury management systems are often partially automated, which impacts the success of enterprise risk management. Here's how the two can be linked.

Volatility is a key variable when calculating the cost of risk management for business. Learn what steps you can take to help manage risks efficiently.

From economic volatility to current financial risk management strategies and tools, here's what to know about risk management factors for your business.

Consumer packaged goods make up one of the largest industries in North America. Here's how economic development tools are helping food companies grow. 

A company's C-suite is among the most vulnerable for cyber crimes. Here are ways to protect the cyber security of company executives with Fifth Third Bank.

City officials are thinking of new ways to bring new projects to local areas through creative public financing strategies. Learn more with Fifth Third. 

As of October 2019, more than $3 trillion in global mergers and acquisition transactions have closed in 2019. Learn more about M&A trends and projections. 

The end of The London Interbank Offered Rate is near. As LIBOR rates become a thing of the past, here's how banks, investors, and borrowers are affected.

Consumers use mobiles device to make payments for mobile banking, shopping, and more. Here's how to protect financial data when making mobile transactions.

B2B companies need to ensure their business models reach international audiences. Here are 4 steps to prepare your business for global transactions.

Business email compromise (BEC) attacks are targeted towards businesses and CEOs. Here's how to prevent email fraud for your business and employees.

Are your employees educated on phishing scams? Regardless how tech-savvy your team is, here are things to know (and be aware of) about phishing.

Food supplies are presented with opportunity to attract customers based off product labeling and design. Here's how supply chains could affect food labels.

From recruiting and retaining top talent, employers are seeing the benefits of experienced employees joining their team. Read more with Fifth Third Bank.

Companies rely on forecasts to plan budgets, estimate staff needs, organize their supply chains, and more. Here's how to improve your financial forecasting.

The advancement of fintech is making its way to new industries and areas of everyday business. Here's how fintech is creating new technology opportunities.

The number of fintech companies in the U.S. has greatly expanded in the last decade. Along with this comes fintech trends and developments. Learn more.

Technology helps businesses use their mobile workforce in more creative, efficient ways. Learn how mobile technology helps manage workplace communication.