AI Reality Check: Most CEOs See No Immediate Financial Gains, Yet Double Down on Transformation
A PwC Global CEO survey of 4,454 leaders across 95 countries finds 56% report no financial benefit from AI yet, though some see revenue gains (about a third) and lower costs (26%); 22% report higher costs. Only 12% saw both. Firms with strong AI foundations and enterprise-wide integration are likelier to see meaningful returns. Despite slow current gains, about 75% expect AI to boost profitability soon, and 69% say most workers will need new skills in three years, though few have scalable reskilling plans, as many AI initiatives remain pilots driven by fear of falling behind.