AI agents got expensive fast. KPMG finds 49% of executives pulled back as bills beat benefits. The data shows rephasing, not retreat, plus the cost moves to make now.

KPMG's Q2 2026 survey of 2,145 executives finds only 7% can prove AI ROI, despite 76% saying AI delivers value and $188M average spend per

AI agents got expensive fast. KPMG finds 49% of executives pulled back as bills beat benefits. The data shows rephasing, not retreat, plus the cost moves to make now.