AI can turn daily frontline input and existing systems into faster operating visibility. The hard part is choosing the few metrics that change decisions.

Issue No. 10 - August 2026. Earnouts work when sellers still influence customer retention and demand. When sellers walk away, seller notes may better balance buyer and seller risk.

Issue No. 8 - June 2026. For goods-producing lower middle market businesses, tariff exposure is now a direct EBITDA risk. Buyers need to diligence import dependency, pricing power, contracts, and sourcing optionality.