Global CEOs are navigating a complex landscape as confidence in revenue growth reaches a five-year low. PwC’s 2026 Global CEO Survey reveals that escalating challenges—from artificial intelligence to geopolitical and cyber threats—are compelling leaders to reassess their financial outlooks and strategic investments.
Declining Confidence In Growth Prospects
Only 30% of CEOs now express confidence in achieving revenue growth over the next 12 months, a sharp decline from 38% in 2025 and 56% in 2022. PwC Cyprus shared these insights, drawn from the responses of 4,454 CEOs across 95 countries. The findings underscore the mounting pressure on businesses to convert investments, notably in artificial intelligence, into sustainable financial returns.
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The AI Advantage And Execution Gap
The survey highlights a significant divide in how companies leverage AI. While only 12% of CEOs have witnessed AI deliver both cost and revenue advantages, 33% have seen benefits in just one of these areas, and a majority of 56% reported no significant financial impact. Firms that have embedded AI comprehensively across products, services, demand generation, and strategic decision-making are two to three times more likely to achieve tangible returns. Moreover, organizations that have established robust AI frameworks, such as Responsible AI protocols and enterprise-wide integration, are three times more likely to report meaningful financial outcomes.
Rising External Risks And Cyber Threats
The evolving global environment is intensifying external risks. CEO concern over tariffs has grown markedly, with 20% of leaders globally citing high exposure to financial losses from tariff impacts. Regional variations are stark, notably 35% in Mexico and 28% in the Chinese Mainland, while 22% of US CEOs noted similar vulnerabilities. Concurrently, cyber risk is ascending the priority list, with 31% of CEOs identifying it as a major threat—up from previous years—prompting 84% to enhance enterprise-wide cybersecurity measures.
Strategic Reinvention And Global Expansion
Despite the subdued outlook on revenue growth, many CEOs view reinvention as critical for future success. More than 42% of CEOs have ventured into new sectors in the past five years, and 44% of those planning major acquisitions intend to invest outside their current industries, with technology emerging as the most attractive adjacent sector. International expansion remains a strategic focus, with 51% of CEOs preparing for overseas investments. The United States continues to lead as a top market, followed by key regions such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and an increasing interest in India.
Balancing Urgency With Long-Term Strategy
Time pressures further complicate strategic decision-making. CEOs report spending 47% of their time on short-term issues, compared to just 16% on long-term planning exceeding five years. As Mohamed Kande articulated, “The value at stake across the global economy is increasing, and the window to capture it is narrowing.” This underscores the imperative for companies to commit to bold decisions and invest resolutely in capabilities that drive future growth.
PwC’s survey, conducted from September 30 to November 10, 2025, offers a vital overview of global business sentiment. As external risks evolve and competition intensifies, the companies best positioned for success will be those that adapt quickly while maintaining a clear focus on long-term strategic objectives.
