Gartner’s October 20 release says 44% struggled to demonstrate AI financial returns to stakeholders. It surveyed 203 global CEOs and senior business executives in April–May 2026. This self-report describes difficulty presenting a result; it does not measure profitability.

The big change

  • What changed: Executives reported a proof problem; actual returns remain unknown.
  • Why it matters: Investment decisions need costs and outcomes for comparable work and periods.
  • What to watch: A credible comparison with outcomes absent AI would make returns assessable.

The release omits question wording, respondent-selection details, uncertainty estimates and audited returns.

Sources & further reading