Inflation is making itself heard across corporate America, and executives are becoming increasingly candid about the financial pressures they're facing.

From rising fuel and freight costs to more expensive raw materials, health benefits and real estate, businesses across industries are confronting higher operating expenses that could persist well into 2027.

But there's another side to the story.

Despite growing cost pressures, many companies are reporting strong demand, increasing orders and continued investment activity — giving them room to raise prices and protect margins.

In this episode of the ExecutiveEDGE Podcast, we explore recent economic data and third-quarter earnings commentary highlighted by Geert De Lombaerde's coverage to understand where inflation is hitting hardest, how executives are responding and why strong business demand may be providing a critical buffer.

The question isn't simply whether costs will keep rising. It's how long companies can rely on demand and pricing power to stay ahead of them.

What You'll Learn

• Why executives are sounding increasingly concerned about inflation heading into 2027

• Which operating expenses are creating the greatest pressure across industries

• What recent earnings calls reveal about rising fuel, freight and raw material costs

• Why employee health benefits and commercial real estate are becoming additional cost concerns

• How persistent inflation could affect corporate profitability and margins

• Why strong industrial demand is helping some businesses offset higher costs

• How companies are using pricing strategies to protect profitability

• Why customer relationships, communication and product innovation matter when passing along cost increases

Why It Matters

Business leaders are entering 2027 with a complicated economic picture.

Input and operating costs remain elevated, and executives are increasingly warning that inflation could continue affecting profitability in the months ahead.

At the same time, industrial activity, infrastructure investment and customer demand are creating opportunities for companies to maintain growth and recover some of those rising expenses through pricing.

For CEOs, CFOs and other business leaders, the challenge is balancing those competing forces.

Higher prices may help offset inflation, but maintaining pricing power requires more than simply passing additional costs along to customers.

The companies best positioned to protect their margins may be those that combine disciplined pricing with strong customer relationships, reliable service and continued investment in products and capabilities.