CEO confidence in global revenue growth has hit its lowest point in five years, according to a recent survey by PwC. The drop reflects growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI), cyber risks, and geopolitical tensions, all of which are pushing business leaders to rethink how they manage their workforce and future capabilities.
The survey gathered insights from 4,454 CEOs across 95 countries. Only 30% of them said they feel confident about their company’s revenue growth in the next year – a sharp decline from 38% in 2025 and 56% in 2022. This shows just how cautious leaders have become amid today’s economic challenges.
One of the biggest worries is AI. More than 40% of CEOs said they are concerned about whether their organizations are changing fast enough to keep up with technology advances like AI. However, many companies are still struggling to see real benefits from their AI investments. Only 12% said AI has helped them cut costs and boost revenue. Meanwhile, over half have not seen any meaningful financial gains yet. PwC pointed out that companies succeeding with AI tend to use it widely across their products and services, which leads to better profits.
Strong foundations in AI, such as responsible use frameworks and technology that works well throughout the company, are also key. Organizations with these foundations are three times more likely to see real financial returns. Those using AI broadly report profit margins nearly four percentage points higher than those that don’t.
Besides AI, external risks are also weighing on CEOs. Around one in five leaders say their business could suffer major losses due to tariffs this year, with some regions feeling more exposed than others. Cybersecurity remains a big concern as well, with 31% of CEOs listing cyber threats as a major risk — up from 24% last year. Most CEOs say they plan to boost their cybersecurity efforts as part of tackling these challenges.
Despite their worries, many CEOs are still aiming for growth by moving into new industries and geographies. Nearly half have started competing in new sectors over the past five years. Of those planning big acquisitions, 44% expect to invest outside their current fields, often eyeing technology. Over half plan to invest internationally, focusing on countries like the U.S., U.K., Germany, China, and India.
The survey also found that companies need to improve how they handle innovation. Only 25% of CEOs said their organizations accept high risk in innovation projects or have strong processes to stop failing initiatives. Most leaders spend almost half their time on short-term issues, leaving little time for long-term planning.
Looking ahead, PwC’s Global Chairman Mohamed Kande said 2026 will be a crucial year for AI. He warned the gap between companies benefiting from AI and those stuck in early stages will grow quickly. “The businesses that win will be those ready to make bold choices and invest in the right skills,” he said.
On the employee side, HR professionals emphasize the need to support workers better this year. A study by HR firm Ciphr showed the top priorities include offering good benefits, fostering a positive work culture, flexible working options, fair pay, training opportunities, equality, health and safety, and job security. Almost 9 in 10 chief HR officers feel their influence in the workplace is stronger than ever.
All these factors paint a clear picture: CEOs face a challenging environment with many risks and opportunities. How they manage AI, external risks, and talent will shape their success in the year ahead.