Pathward Survey Reveals 90% of Energy Executives Forecast 2026 Growth
Pathward surveyed 300 U.S. energy executives and found 90% expect their companies’ financial performance to grow in 2026, signaling a sharp rebound from 2025. 80% cited data center expansion as key, 63% said they lead peers in AI adoption, 94% urged sector AI acceleration and 82% reported stronger policy influence.
1. Pathward Releases Energy Industry Outlook
Pathward, N.A. published its “Beyond the Headlines” report revealing U.S. energy executives’ sentiment for 2026 based on a survey of 300 vice president-level or higher respondents. The report underscores the bank’s focus on commercial financing needs across renewable, oil and gas services.
2. Survey Scope and Methodology
Pathward’s survey targeted 300 energy executives from major U.S. companies with vice president-level or higher roles to assess industry performance in 2025 and set expectations for 2026, capturing perspectives across oil, gas, renewable and utility firms confronting tariffs, regulatory shifts and technology integration.
3. Industry Outlook and Key Drivers
The survey found 90% of executives expect 2026 financial growth, with 80% citing data center expansion as the primary strategic driver. Additionally, 63% believe they lead peers in AI adoption, 94% call for accelerated sector-wide AI deployment and 82% report increased influence on U.S. energy policy.
4. Pathward's Role in Supporting Energy Growth
Pathward leverages its commercial finance solutions and strategic partnerships to provide scalable infrastructure and customized lending to energy companies. The bank aims to enable industry expansion and innovation, particularly in renewable projects and technology integration driving the sector’s momentum.