The State of Equipment Investments

Technology continues to be a major driver of capital investment as organizations expand their use of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics. Worldwide IT spending is expected to reach $6.15 trillion in 2026, representing a 10.8% increase from 2025.²

Much of this growth is tied to AI adoption. Organizations are investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to support AI—including cloud platforms, high-performance computing, and data environments that enable predictive analytics and intelligent automation. Global spending on AI technologies alone is projected to reach $2.5 trillion in 2026.³

These investments are helping organizations improve forecasting, optimize operations, and make faster, data-driven decisions. Companies that delay modernization risk falling behind competitors that are already integrating AI into core operational processes.

Sustainability continues to influence capital planning, though the conversation has increasingly shifted toward operational efficiency and measurable financial outcomes. More than four in ten CEOs (42%) say their company is at least moderately exposed to the risk of significant financial loss from climate change in the year ahead, reinforcing why environmental considerations are becoming embedded in strategic investment decisions.⁴

In response, organizations are investing in energy-efficient equipment, electrification initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades that help lower operating costs while addressing evolving regulatory and environmental expectations.

Global supply chains remain vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, trade policy changes, and evolving tariff structures. In response, 43% of companies say they plan to shift more of their supply chain footprint to the United States over the next three years, reflecting a growing effort to reduce exposure to global disruption and strengthen regional production capabilities.⁵

Automation and smart manufacturing technologies are playing a central role in this shift. Rather than simply reshoring production, many organizations are building more flexible and resilient supply chains supported by modern manufacturing technologies. These investments help organizations adapt more quickly to changing demand, policy shifts, and supply disruptions. 

Heightened cyberthreats, rapid cloud adoption, and an ongoing talent crunch are driving a renewed focus on cybersecurity. More than half of global security technology decision-makers expect cybersecurity budgets to increase in the next year, with 15% anticipating increases of more than 10%.⁶

As threats grow more sophisticated, organizations are strengthening security frameworks and critical infrastructure while also addressing workforce shortages through cybersecurity consulting and services. At the same time, AI is reshaping the security landscape, fueling both new attack vectors and new defensive capabilities. As a result, AI-driven security tools and technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of cybersecurity strategies.

As organizations remain focused on modernization and operational improvements, they also continue to prioritize capital preservation and financial flexibility. As a result, financing remains an important tool for supporting equipment and technology investments.

Industry data reflects continued strength in equipment investment activity. New business volume among equipment finance companies increased 30.1% year over year, highlighting strong demand for financing to support equipment acquisition and modernization.⁷

By aligning financing structures with asset lifecycles and project timelines, organizations can move forward with critical investments while maintaining liquidity and balance sheet flexibility.

1. Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, 2026 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook
2. Gartner, “Gartner Forecasts Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 10.8% in 2026, Totaling $6.15 Trillion”
3. Gartner, "Gartner Says Worldwide AI Spending Will Total $2.5 Trillion in 2026"
4. PwC, 29th Global CEO Survey 2026
5. McKinsey & Company, Global Supply Chain Leader Survey 2025
6. Forrester, 2026 Security Budget Planning Guide
7. ELFA, CapEx Finance Index: January 2026