AI Now Writes Nearly Half of Earnings Calls

Over 40% of S&P 500 companies now use AI to craft earnings call language, with CFOs leveraging tools that reverse-engineer investor sentiment before calls even happen. FactSet reports 210 companies mentioned AI in Q1 2025 earnings calls — the fifth straight quarter above 200, up from a 10-year average of just 72. Analysis of 40 SaaS earnings calls reveals a troubling gap: AI-optimized language projects confidence while financial realities show margin pressure, not expansion. Critics warn this creates 'language inflation' — technically accurate but emotionally engineered communications that existing SEC regulations weren't designed to address.