US CEO headline highlights

15th PwC Annual CEO Survey

Global figures in brackets: y At 41% (40%), similar numbers of US CEOs were very confident of growth in the next 12 months as their global colleagues. y At 89% (84%), the number of CEOs with at least some level of confidence for the next 12 months was slightly higher. y In the longer term, 54% (47%) of US CEOs were very confident of growth over the next three years. y And an impressive 95% (89%) were at least somewhat confident of growth over three years. y At 38% (30%), many believe growth in the next 12 months is likely to come from increased share in existing markets, followed by 26% (28%) from new products or services, and 16% ( 18%) from new geographic markets. y 62% (70%) plan to change their company strategy over the next 12 months, but only 7% (13%) in fundamental ways. y 77% (75%) of US CEOs said they had implemented cost-cutting in the last 12 months, with 66% (the same figures as globally) saying they would cut costs in the coming 12 months. 58% (49%) said they plan to enter a new joint venture or strategic alliance in the coming year. y 55% (53%) of US CEOs said they had increased headcount in the past 12 months, and 59% (51%) plan to increase headcount in next 12 months. 14% (18%) said they expect to cut their workforce in the coming year. y At 80%, the number of US CEOs concerned about uncertain or volatile economic growth matched the global figure, and 75% (66%) were concerned about government response to the fiscal deficit and debt burden. 61% (56%) were concerned about overregulation, and 54% (64%) about the lack of stability in capital markets. 49% (50%) were worried about the shift in consumer spending and behaviours, 47% (55%) about increasing tax burden, and 42% (53%) about the availability of key skills. y 75% (78%) said they intend to change their strategies for managing talent during the next 12 months, and US CEOs matched their global colleagues in other priorities for strategic change, with around 70% citing investments in technology, R&D and innovation, and organisational structure/M&A. y 71% (68%) of US CEOs said they wished they could spend more of their own time developing the leadership and talent pipeline in their company, with 72% (69%) saying they wished they could spend more time meeting customers. 53% (62%) said they wished they could give more time to improving organisational efficiency.