McKinsey says enterprise AI is finally 'on the road to ROI'

Four years into the generative AI revolution, consulting firm McKinsey believes the technology has started generating returns for enterprises. However, the firm's data indicates that most companies still have not reported an enterprise-level earnings contribution from AI. The firm surveyed 1,719 professionals and business leaders from various industries and found that while more businesses are deploying AI, the number of those reporting actual earnings boosts from AI initiatives remains stagnant.

Only 37% of respondents attribute at least some EBIT impact to AI use, similar to the 2025 survey. McKinsey categorizes AI high performers as those who attribute at least 5% of their organization's EBIT to AI use and consider its impact significant. These high performers have remained flat at just 6% of survey respondents. Despite the slow adoption of AI, companies continue to invest in the technology, believing it will reshape their businesses in the next three years.

However, the high costs of AI-related operating expenses are constraining its use for some organizations. While 80% of respondents using AI in their roles report improved individual productivity, that has yet to translate into broad financial benefits for organizations. McKinsey also found that 39% of respondents now expect their employer to cut jobs due to AI, despite 43% still expecting little or no AI-related change in total employment.

Consulting partner Michael Chui stated that some ROI is already being achieved, but it takes organizational change to make it happen, not just the implementation of AI tools.