# Gartner survey finds 44% struggle to show AI returns

> The 44% figure reports difficulty demonstrating AI returns, not measured profitability.

By BIGCHANGE.AI Editorial

Published: 2026-10-26T12:27:38.340Z
Updated: 2026-10-26T12:27:38.340Z
Canonical: https://bigchange.ai/blog/gartner-ceo-survey-ai-financial-returns

![44% reported difficulty demonstrating returns.](https://bigchange.ai/api/media/file/gartner-44-percent-survey-graphic-v3.png)
AI-generated BIG CHANGE graphic.

[Gartner’s October 20 release](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-10-20-gartner-says-44-percent-of-ceos-struggle-to-demonstrate-ai-financial-returns-as-technology-becomes-central-to-growth) 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

- [Gartner survey release](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-10-20-gartner-says-44-percent-of-ceos-struggle-to-demonstrate-ai-financial-returns-as-technology-becomes-central-to-growth): October 20 public summary; methodology and project returns limited.

## Sources

- [Gartner survey release](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-10-20-gartner-says-44-percent-of-ceos-struggle-to-demonstrate-ai-financial-returns-as-technology-becomes-central-to-growth) — October 20 summary; no project return data.