The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is a key measure of how much companies pay to finance their operations and investments. These costs can vary considerably across industries, influenced by factors such as market volatility, growth expectations, and the risks associated with each sector.
Understanding how WACC differs from the broader market median can offer insight into the financial pressures and investment environments facing different industries. Data from Aswath Damodaran, analyzed by Javelin Strategy & Research, highlights the industries with the greatest divergence from the median in the first quarter of 2026.
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Data for today’s episode is provided by Javelin Strategy & Research’s Report: Finding Opportunity in Uncertainty: A Macro Framework for Supply Chain Finance Targeting in 2026
Top 5 Industries for WACC in Q1 2026, by Percentage of Divergence From the Median
3.4% – Software (Internet)
3.3% – Semiconductor
2.7% – Semiconductor Equip
2.5% – Computers / Peripherals
2.3% – Retail (Building Supply)
Sources: “Cost of Equity and Capital (US).” Aswath Damodaran (2026) and Javelin analysis.
About Report
As economic conditions evolve, supply chain finance providers have new opportunities to identify businesses that could benefit from improved access to working capital. Industry-level financial indicators can help uncover emerging liquidity challenges, rising financing costs, and other pressures affecting suppliers across the U.S. economy.
This report explores how macroeconomic trends and industry data can inform more targeted supply chain finance strategies. By examining shifts in cash flow, inventory levels, borrowing costs, and input prices, providers can gain a clearer picture of where financing needs may be intensifying. These insights can help providers identify promising opportunities, prioritize supplier outreach, and demonstrate the value of faster payments in an increasingly complex economic environment.