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CBIZ Q4 2025 Mid-Market Pulse: Cost Pressures Define 2026 Strategy

1. Cost pressures are top concerns for mid-market leaders. 2. 62% report harm from rising healthcare and employee benefit costs. 3. Businesses focus on cost discipline and operational resilience entering 2026. 4. 44% benefit from AI and digital transformation. 5. Companies face challenges from tariffs and access to financing.

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Why Bullish?

CBIZ's focus on cost discipline and operational resilience signals strong management, which may lead to sustained growth. Previous examples show that disciplined firms in challenging times often outperform their peers.

How important is it?

The article highlights key challenges and strategic focuses relevant to CBIZ's business model, indicating potential direct impacts on operations and market perception.

Why Short Term?

The immediate focus on cost management could lead to quick operational improvements, impacting CBIZ's performance positively. Historical market responses suggest that timely shifts in operational focus influence stock values swiftly.

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Cleveland, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cost pressures are amongst the top concerns for mid-market leaders according to the latest CBIZ Mid-Market Pulse. CBIZ, Inc., a leading national professional services advisor, released its latest quarterly survey and analysis of business sentiment. The report details how mid-market companies are entering 2026 with a renewed focus on cost discipline and operational resilience. The CBIZ Mid-Market Pulse draws on insights from more than 1,200 CBIZ clients and client service professionals and found that rising costs and policy uncertainty have the greatest impact on business performance. Key Findings from the Q4 Mid-Market Pulse: 62% of leaders said rising healthcare and employee benefit costs harm their business.59% reported negative effects from tariffs and international trade policy.36% said that cost of capital and access to financing remain significant challenges. Despite these headwinds, businesses are maintaining their footing through disciplined investment in compliance, technology, and workforce development. These are categories that most leaders say remain “untouchable” even amid tighter budgets. “Mid-market leaders are being deliberate about every discretionary dollar spent,” said Jerry Grisko, President and CEO of CBIZ. “In times of rising costs and tight credit markets, they focus on managing costs, supporting their people, and select investments aimed at improving customer service and productivity. This kind of disciplined approach is what defines successful middle-market companies and helping our clients identify the most impactful investment opportunities is where CBIZ provides real value.” Other noteworthy findings from the Q4 2025 Mid-Market Pulse include: Digital tailwind: 44% said AI and digital transformation benefited their business, compared with 7% who reported harm.Policy impact: Reaction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act remains divided, as companies work to understand how new tax provisions and compliance changes will affect their operations.Sector variation: Construction, healthcare, and consumer products companies continue to experience the greatest strain from labor and supply chain costs. The CBIZ Mid-Market Pulse presents quarterly feedback gathered from clients and client service professionals spanning industries like construction, real estate, financial services, technology, and consumer and industrial products. The full report is available for download here. About CBIZ CBIZ, Inc. is a leading professional services advisor to middle-market businesses and organizations nationwide. With unmatched industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers forward-thinking insights and actionable solutions to help clients anticipate what's next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 10,000 team members across more than 160 locations in 22 major markets coast to coast. For more information, visit www.cbiz.com.

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