Encore: Q2 2026 CEO Outlook: Growth Holds, Margins Tighten

In this encore presentation of The Lebenthal Report, we revisit the Q2 2026 Vistage CEO Confidence Index and what it reveals about the outlook among small and midsize business leaders.

While 64% of CEOs expect revenue growth, only 48% anticipate higher profits—highlighting the continued pressure on margins.

Q2 highlights:
• CEO Confidence Index: 84.2
• Revenue growth: 64%
• Profit growth: 48%
• Hiring growth: 50%

The panel explores how inflation, interest rates, market uncertainty, AI adoption, and rising costs are affecting strategic planning. They also discuss the K-shaped economy, workforce changes, pricing decisions, and the importance of turning top-line growth into profitability.

This is an encore presentation of a previously aired episode.

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This program is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Views expressed are subject to change based on market conditions.

Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc is a FINRA registered Broker Dealer. The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The views expressed in this podcast are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov._ Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc and its representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website, https://brokercheck.finra.org/