Only 7% of organizations globally and in Mexico achieve a return on investment with AI, according to a KPMG study. The firm urges companies to move from adoption to demonstrating results.
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is progressing rapidly among companies, but profitability remains a pending issue. This is reflected in KPMG's Global AI Pulse Q2 2026 analysis, which reveals that only 7% of organizations, both globally and in Mexico, have managed to consolidate a significant return on investment (ROI).
In the last quarter, the proportion of companies in the active adoption phase of AI grew from 17% to 26% in Mexico and from 13% to 22% globally. However, the real challenge is no longer implementing the technology, but demonstrating its economic value, according to the consultancy.
“Currently, organizations are entering a more mature and pragmatic stage in the adoption of AI, focusing on demonstrating results, controlling costs, and strengthening governance,” highlights the KPMG report.
The average global investment remains stable, increasing from 186 to 188 million dollars in the last quarter. But the study warns that many companies lack visibility over their expenses: 42% globally and 38% in Mexico only have a partial view of their AI spending.
Moreover, one in three companies worldwide (46% in Mexico) acknowledges difficulties in accurately understanding cost structures, which limits their ability to forecast, manage, and optimize spending.
“Today we see that those leading organizations are placing greater emphasis on measuring and demonstrating the value generated by AI, as well as strengthening financial discipline and accountability,” states Gustavo Gómez, KPMG's AI leader partner.
For the executive, senior management must take an active role in the responsibility for the use of AI to achieve better results, with higher levels of trust, value generation, and return on investment.
The analysis also reveals that clarity in defining responsibilities is consolidating as a decisive factor for the success of AI. Organizations where senior management takes real accountability are achieving better results. Conversely, when this responsibility is diffuse, decision-making becomes fragmented and measuring impact becomes difficult, according to Félix Moreno, director of Digital Lighthouse at KPMG Mexico.
The lack of financial control leads many companies to adjust their AI deployments. Globally, 49% of organizations (50% in Mexico) have modified their AI projects when costs began to exceed expected value.
Regarding AI usage priorities, the main objectives in Mexico remain increasing productivity, developing skills, and reducing costs. However, governance and resilience are gaining relevance as strategic priorities, reflecting a transition from isolated projects to building capabilities for more comprehensive and sustainable AI integration.
The KPMG report arrives at a time when Spanish companies are also accelerating their AI adoption but face similar challenges: measuring ROI and controlling costs. For executives, the message is clear: AI must demonstrate its profitability or risk becoming an expense without return.
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