FTI Index Shows 66% AI Benefit Uptake, 63% Firms Hit 12-Month Value Target
FCN•FTI Consulting’s 2026 Private Equity Value Creation Index shows 63% of firms hit measurable impact within 12 months, up from 41%, and 66% report AI-driven benefits in a year, versus 34%. M&A surged from lowest to top value driver, with 24% ranking it #1 and 51% exceeding business cases.
1. Survey Finds Faster Value Creation
FTI Consulting’s 2026 Private Equity Value Creation Index surveyed 555 senior leaders and found that 63% of firms achieve measurable value within 12 months—up from 41% last year—and that 66% report AI-driven benefits within 12 months, compared to 34% previously, though only 31% rate their AI implementation as efficient.
2. M&A Emerges as Leading Value Lever
The report shows M&A climbing from the lowest-ranked lever in 2025 to the top value driver in 2026, with 24% of firms ranking it #1 and 51% exceeding their M&A business case, even as only 25% achieve results within 12 months and 35% rate integration efficiency as high.
3. High Performers Show Execution Edge
A high-performer cohort representing 40% of respondents outperformed peers by deploying growth levers at nearly twice the rate, with 46% reporting smooth M&A integration versus 29% for others, and 19% of high performers exceeding AI business cases compared to 5% for other firms.
