CEO confidence rebounds

444 words ~ 2-minute read

• CEO confidence rebounds

• Companies are unprepared for AI

• AMN beats expectations

1️⃣ CEO confidence rebounds

Breaking: U.S. CEO confidence rose in May as trade negotiation hopes offset tariff concerns.

By the numbers:

• Current conditions: 5.0/10 (up 9% from April)

• 12-month outlook: 5.4/10 (up 8%)

• 53% expect revenue growth (vs. 49% April)

• 37% plan headcount increases (vs. 29%)

• 46% expect recession (down from 62%)

Reality check: CEOs betting on resolved trade disputes by 2025 despite ongoing uncertainty.

The bottom line: Confidence remains 21% below January levels, but executives see light ahead.

📶 Signal → Strategy: Review your Q1 stalled opportunities and prioritize outreach to companies in sectors showing confidence rebounds. Focus on prospects who previously cited "economic uncertainty" as a reason for delays.

Go deeper: CEO Confidence Survey

2️⃣ Companies unprepared for AI

Breaking: Only 10% of C-suite leaders say their companies are ready for AI disruption, Adecco Group survey reveals.

By the numbers:

• Survey size: 2,000 executives across 13 countries

• Leaders who see AI as "game-changer": 61%

• Companies ready for AI disruption: Just 10%

• Executives expecting smaller workforces: 41%

• Companies preferring to buy vs. build AI talent: 66% vs. 34%

Reality check: Despite AI enthusiasm, only one in 10 companies have made measurable progress in digital transformation, and 34% lack workplace AI policies.

The bottom line: Companies face a dangerous gap between AI awareness and actual readiness, with immediate action needed to prevent talent shortages.

📶 Signal → Strategy: Conduct a quick AI readiness assessment with your key clients. Ask specifically about their AI talent strategy and workforce planning. Position yourself as a strategic advisor by sharing the 66% vs. 34% buy-vs-build talent trend data.

Go deeper: Adecco AI Survey

3️⃣ AMN beats expectations

Breaking: AMN Healthcare's Q1 2025 results exceeded Wall Street forecasts despite 16% revenue decline, with strong cash flow reducing debt by $60 million.

By the numbers:

• Revenue: $690M (beat estimates of $671M)

• GAAP EPS: Loss of $0.03 (beat est. loss of $0.24)

• Adjusted EPS: $0.45 (vs. $0.97 year-ago)

• YoY revenue decline: 16%

• Cash flow from operations: $93M

Segment performance:

• Nurse & Allied: $413M (down 20% YoY)

• Physician & Leadership: $174M (down 8% YoY)

• Technology & Workforce: $102M (down 9% YoY)

What's working: Labor disruption, locum tenens, and allied businesses outperformed expectations. New technology rollouts are improving recruiter productivity and service delivery.

The bottom line: AMN demonstrates resilience amid industry headwinds, focusing on tech-enabled solutions and debt reduction.

📶 Signal → Strategy: Analyze your tech-enabled service offerings against competitors. Identify one process where enhanced technology could improve recruiter productivity, and schedule a strategic review meeting with your tech team within the next two weeks.

Go deeper: AMN Healthcare Earnings