Tech Execs Are Getting Wise About ROI From AI
Computerworld, Monday, October 5th, 2026
McKinsey and Gartner analysts outline new ways to measure AI ROI as CFOs demand returns.
McKinsey's State of AI survey found about 80% report productivity gains but only 37% see AI in profits, and just 6% attribute at least 5% of operating profit to AI.
McKinsey's Michael Chui says the biggest gains come from redesigning end-to-end workflows rather than layering agents on existing processes, with token cost transparency and model selection also improving returns.
Gartner's Gareth Herschel notes that three in five IT leaders fear runaway agent costs, and some find coding-assistant token costs exceed developer salaries.