CFOs Bullish on Profits Despite Economic Uncertainty, AI Drives Optimism — Grant Thornton International Ltd

Event summary

80% of CFOs expect net profit growth over the next 12 months, an all-time high in Grant Thornton’s 18-quarter survey history.
35% of finance leaders predict net profit growth to exceed 10%, topping the previous high of 30% recorded in Q4 2024.
65% of finance leaders rated AI technology performance as good or excellent, with 84% reporting AI ROI meeting or exceeding expectations.
Only 24% of finance leaders foresee potential layoffs in the next six months, the lowest level since Q2 2022.
44% of CFOs reported benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), while 60% noted negative impacts from tariffs and trade policies.

The big picture

The survey highlights a strategic anomaly where CFOs remain highly optimistic about profit growth despite broader economic caution. AI investments are delivering measurable returns, particularly in productivity, but revenue transformation remains an emerging opportunity. The tension between tax benefits and trade policy challenges underscores the need for careful execution to capitalize on legislative advantages. This optimism is set against a backdrop of strong consumer demand, which is likely to sustain growth momentum in the near term.

What we're watching

AI Execution: Whether organizations can effectively implement AI to drive broader business outcomes beyond productivity gains.
Economic Resilience: How sustained customer demand will support profit growth amid ongoing tax and trade uncertainties.
Strategic Prioritization: The pace at which companies can focus on core transformation priorities amid competing business demands.