CFOs targeting both business growth and cost reductions in 2026

Core Insights - The year 2026 is anticipated to be a balancing act between spending and cost-cutting, as indicated by a recent survey of CFOs [1][2] Group 1: Cost Optimization - 56% of CFOs identified "achieving enterprise-wide cost optimization targets" as a top priority for the next six months [2] - True cost optimization involves redeploying savings from cost cuts into growth initiatives rather than merely reducing expenses [4] - The emphasis on cost optimization carries risks, as unsustainable cuts can negatively affect stock prices, leading to skepticism from investors [5] Group 2: Growth Opportunities - 47% of CFOs ranked "allocating capital to new growth opportunities" among their top five urgent action items [2] - There is a tension between cost management and growth goals, with expectations for CFOs to maintain cost optimization efforts while pursuing growth [3] Group 3: Financial Forecasting - 51% of CFOs plan to focus on "improving financial forecast accuracy and quality" as a key action item in the coming months [5] Group 4: Artificial Intelligence - 39% of CFOs included "accelerating AI use in the finance function" in their top five action items, while 33% prioritized "driving enterprise AI investment impact" [6] - Confidence in achieving meaningful AI outcomes is low, with only 36% of CFOs feeling assured about the potential impact of AI initiatives [6]