Investors Expect AI Investment to Pay Off in 2025

The pressure is on for companies to turn AI investment into improved performance, according to PwC’s 2024 Global Investor Survey.

Some 73% of investors say companies should deploy AI solutions at scale, as 66% expect the companies they invest in to deliver productivity increases from AI over the next 12 months. And, with this deployment, companies are also expecting revenue increases of 63%, and similar increases in profitability (62%).

The survey found that investors see technology as the most significant driver of change for the businesses they invest in (71%), ahead of government regulation (64%), changes in customer preference (61%) and supply chain instability (60%).

Interestingly, investors are also not seeing a trade-off between AI and workers – with 74% of respondents urging the businesses they invest in or cover to invest in upskilling their workforce. Some 32% expect AI to lead to headcount increases of 5% or more – on par with the proportion who expect little to no change in headcount (31%).

Wes Bricker, Global Assurance Leader, PwC US, said: “Investors expect to see real outcomes from GenAI over the next year and recognise that achieving this will take investment in people and upskilling, as well as technology. Management can expect scrutiny on how they deliver AI productivity gains and support for an approach that extends beyond the tech itself to reinvent the way businesses operate.”

• When it comes to sustainability, 50% of investors say that it is very or extremely important that companies change the way they create, deliver and capture value in response to climate change. A further 26% describe such changes as at least moderately important.

Moreover, 71% of investors agree that companies should incorporate ESG/sustainability directly into their corporate strategy, a level similar to last year. A third agree or strongly agree that companies should make expenditures that address ESG/sustainability issues relevant to their business, even if it reduces short-term profitability – and a further 35% somewhat agree.

“Investors expect to see real outcomes from GenAI over the next year and recognise that achieving this will take investment in people and upskilling, as well as technology. Management can expect scrutiny on how they deliver AI productivity gains and support for an approach that extends beyond the tech itself to reinvent the way businesses operate.”

Wes Bricker, Global Assurance Leader, PwC US