Media Agencies Under Pressure, Turning to AI to Strengthen Financial Health and Cash Flow, AvidXchange Survey Reveals

Core Insights - The survey highlights the increasing financial operational challenges faced by media and advertising agencies, particularly in cash flow management and the growing reliance on AI-driven solutions to enhance financial health [2][3][5]. Group 1: Key Drivers of Financial Health - Revenue growth (92%), data protection (91%), and fraud prevention (88%) are identified as critical factors for financial stability among agencies [3]. - Other important contributors include cash flow management, improved invoicing, talent management, and operational efficiency, reflecting the need to protect profitability in a complex financial environment [3]. Group 2: Adapting to Economic Uncertainty - Economic uncertainty has led to 35% of agencies losing clients to in-house advertising, marking a 20% increase from the previous year [4]. - Rising turnover rates, which have increased by 32% from 2024, are further straining agency teams that are already operating under tight budgets [4]. Group 3: Cash Flow Management Challenges - Despite 85% of respondents considering cash flow critical to financial health, many agencies face difficulties in managing it [5]. - In 2024, 54% of agencies reported extended payment terms from clients, and 36% anticipate ongoing cash flow disruptions, complicating expense and growth management [5]. Group 4: Role of AI and Automation - A significant 71% of agencies are currently utilizing AI in their financial operations, with 97% open to adopting new automation tools [6]. - Among those using AI, 80% have automated substantial portions of their finance functions, particularly payment processes, addressing the time-consuming issue of invoice reconciliation, which occupies 30-40% of finance leaders' time [6]. Group 5: Company Overview - AvidXchange is a leading provider of accounts payable automation, offering AI-enhanced software and payment solutions tailored for mid-market businesses and their suppliers [9]. - The company has 25 years of industry experience and has processed payments for over 1.3 million suppliers through its proprietary payment network in the last five years [9].