Connect with us

Technology

One-Third of Corporate Leaders List Cost Management as Their Most Critical Priority for 2025

Published

2 years ago

on

New BCG Survey Reveals Cost Management Remains Top Priority for Executives Around the World for Third Consecutive Year—up 8 Percentage Points from 2024Despite Years of Navigating Disruptions, 40% of Business Leaders Feel Unprepared for Market Shocks in 2025; Still, Many Express Optimism About the Growth Potential for Their MarketsFollowing the US Election Outcome, 31% Have Launched Contingency Plans for Tariff and Regulatory Changes86% of Executives Plan to Invest in AI and Advanced Analytics for Cost Reductions in Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, and Supply Chains this Year

BOSTON, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Business leaders around the world are entering 2025 facing significant challenges and opportunities. Many are responding to policy shifts in the United States as economic and geopolitical uncertainty collides with the need for strategic investment. Nearly one-third of executives have already launched contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions from expected tariff and regulatory changes. In the face of all of these factors, one-third of corporate leaders list cost management as their most critical priority in the year ahead.

These are among the findings of a new publication by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled, BCG’s Guide to Cost and Growth: Strategic Insights for Navigating Economic Uncertainty. Based on results from BCG’s third annual survey of C-suite executives from around the world (570+ respondents), the publication reveals that cost management remains a primary goal for more leaders, compared to other areas, for the third consecutive year across regions and industries, ranking ahead of growth/expansion and revenue management, and up eight percentage points over 2024.

The survey also reveals that—despite years of navigating major disruptions ranging from COVID to supply chain upheaval to the rise of AI—40% of corporate leaders feel unprepared for market shocks in 2025. Nevertheless, some leaders are expressing cautious optimism, searching for opportunities to innovate and grow, despite possible turbulence. Given recent inflation and rising interest rates, cost management will be central to this effort.

The survey respondents achieved only an average of 48% of their cost-saving targets in 2024, and most say their companies struggle to maintain cost efficiencies. Still, many of those surveyed plan to implement and sustain cost savings in 2025, recognizing that sustainable cost management is vital. In fact, BCG research shows that companies falling short of their cost targets tend to underperform on total shareholder returns by an average 9 percentage points, compared to the average total shareholder return (TSR) of peers that meet their targets.

Despite the challenging economic landscape, executives are still focused on growth and expansion for 2025, including innovation programs, with 70% believing they have enough visibility into the medium-term future to make informed investment decisions and 67% planning to reinvest savings from cost-reduction efforts in these areas. Others plan to use their savings to support strategic investments in areas such as talent advancement, sustainability, and operational excellence. And 86% plan to invest in AI and advanced analytics for cost reductions in customer service, sales and marketing, and supply chains.

According to the survey, the top five cost drivers executives are prioritizing in 2025, and the industries where each cost action is top of mind, are:

Supply chain optimization (Consumer; Industrials)Product portfolio simplification (Insurance; Technology; Finance)Operating model and workforce productivity (Industrials; Healthcare)Customer service operations (Insurance; Finance)Sales and marketing (Consumer; Technology)

“We remain in a challenging and dynamic business landscape. As a result, we see executives prioritizing cost management, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It must be tailored to focus on areas that strengthen the company’s competitive advantage,” said Paul Goydan, a managing director and senior partner at BCG, and global lead for the firm’s cost and efficiency offer. “In a complex and challenging environment, global executives are zeroing in on effective cost management as the primary tool for growing margins.”

Download the publication here:
https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/cost-efficiencies-remain-an-executive-priority-in-2025

Media Contact:
Eric Gregoire
gregoire.eric@bcg.com 

About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-third-of-corporate-leaders-list-cost-management-as-their-most-critical-priority-for-2025-302365757.html

SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

Published

3 hours ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3m-announces-collaboration-with-gseo-to-advance-expanded-beam-optical-manufacturing-and-development-302913170.html

SOURCE 3M Company

Continue Reading

Technology

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

Published

3 hours ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Continue Reading

Trending