2025 CFO OUTLOOK SURVEY

The 2025 Growth Blueprint for CFOs

How 500 CFOs are honing their strategy for growth

The year ahead is a pivotal one for CFOs, where bold action will separate market leaders from the competition. As companies pursue new growth strategies, several key trends will reshape the business landscape: transformative artificial intelligence (AI) investments, renewed M&A activity, and the integration of sustainability into core growth strategies. 

The 2025 CFO Outlook Survey, capturing insights from 500 CFOs across life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology companies, reveals how businesses will navigate this landscape, drive innovation, and fuel new growth. 

While organizations accelerate strategic initiatives, they also have to contend with evolving risks including federal policy shifts, rising cyber threats, and competition for top talent. Market leaders will be determined by their ability to navigate their organizations through this complexity while maintaining discipline in executing against strategic growth initiatives.  

Get the strategies and secrets to sustainable growth in the 2025 CFO Outlook Survey. 

Preview highlights from the full report below.

Report Highlights

2025 Business Outlook

Businesses will pursue several strategies to fuel growth, including new investments in technology strategy, AI adoption, and reimagining their products and services portfolios. 

73% anticipate revenue to increase; 52% expect profitability to increase.

Watch out for critical strategy execution pitfalls 

Learn what it takes to effectively execute your plans and overcome challenges on the path to growth. 

33% of CFOs say their top challenge in the acquisition process will be defining their M&A strategy.

M&A Outlook

M&A activity is expected to rebound in 2025, but gaps in pricing expectations between buyers and sellers could complicate the market and motivate buyers to rethink their strategies. 

Learn how to prepare for a strategic sale

With deal activity expected to pick up, some businesses may be exploring a sale in 2025. Read our guide to the sell-side due diligence process for private equity portfolio companies. 

Accelerating AI Adoption

AI implementation is a top business priority, but CFOs will need to balance responsible governance with the need to innovate quickly. Working with trusted external vendors will be a key strategy for accessing ethical and secure AI solutions. 

32% of CFOs are working with an external vendor to build or access generative AI solutions.

Discover practical steps to implement AI in your organization 

Our comprehensive guide outlines the foundational steps to becoming an AI-ready organization, including strategies to integrate AI responsibly and effectively. 

42% of CFOs say inadequate technology is a top risk management challenge for 2025.

2025 Risk Landscape

Business leaders expect to face several key risk factors in 2025. To navigate a complex and dynamic landscape, investments in new risk monitoring and intelligence tools will be key. 

Enhance your enterprise risk management (ERM) program to respond to today’s threats

Build a holistic ERM program that taps the power of data, breaks down silos, and embraces a cross-functional approach. 

Sustainability as a Growth Driver

Many CFOs report their sustainability initiatives have led to new business opportunities, innovation, and increased access to favorable financing and investments. Looking ahead, businesses will prioritize sustainability initiatives that can be tied to tangible ROI. 

37% of CFOs say they have seen increased innovation and new business opportunities over the past five years because of sustainability initiatives.

Uncover some of the top sustainability approaches 

Reevaluate your sustainability strategy for 2025 and see how you stack up against your competition.

The convergence of AI adoption, sustainability imperatives, and market consolidation is creating unprecedented opportunities for growth. Leaders who can balance aggressive innovation with responsible implementation, while keeping people at the center of their strategy, will find themselves at the forefront of a new paradigm.
Eskander Yavar
National Advisory Managing Principal