Key Takeaways
- A new report has revealed that CEOs will continue to spend big on AI in 2026
- This is in spite of the fact that less than half of AI projects have generated more in returns than they initially cost
- Overall, both CEOs and investors remain optimistic about the future of AI.
A new report has revealed that big company CEOs plan to continue investing big in AI in 2026.
This comes in spite of the fact that very few AI initiatives have yielded meaningful returns on investments thus far.
However, both investors and CEOs believe significant gains can still be made, and that AI will benefit companies across multiple areas of their business.
CEOs Will Keep Spending on AI Despite Poor Returns, Says New Report
According to a new report from advisory firm Teneo, CEOs of some of the world’s largest companies plan to spend more on AI in 2026, despite many of them not yet seeing meaningful returns on their investments.
In particular, 68% of CEOs surveyed claimed they planned to increase their spending on the technology, even though less than half of AI projects have generated positive returns.
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The survey consisted of more than 350 public-company CEOs, and was conducted from mid-October to mid-November.
AI Yet to Generate Any Meaningful Returns on Investments
Overall, the report states that less than half of AI projects have generated more in returns than they initially cost. Ultimately, while AI spending has been loud, the noise has not correlated with the payoff.
In terms of where CEOs have found the most success with AI tools, it has been within marketing and customer service departments. Respodents also reported challenges when using AI in higher-risk areas, such as security, legal, and human resources.
Teneo CEO Paul Keary notes in the report:
“AI innovation continues to be a top investment priority – 68% of CEOs are increasing investment, and 88% believe it is already helping them navigate disruption. But the clock is ticking, as investors start to demand real transformational change. For these leaders, disruption no longer signals risk – it signals opportunity.” – Paul Keary, Teneo CEO
AI Investors and CEOs Remain Optimistic in 2026
However, despite disappointing numbers in 2025, CEOs and investors in AI believe that the technology will bring great results.
While 84% of CEOs of large companies (defined as those with revenue of $10 billion or more) believe AI initiatives will start to bring returns on investments in more than six months, 53% of the 400 institutional investors surveyed believe it will take less time.
Likewise, CEOs remain optimistic about the wider impact of AI on their business. 67% believe AI will increase their entry-level headcount, despite evidence suggesting AI is currently doing the opposite. Plus, 58% also believe AI will increase senior leadership headcount.
