Artificial intelligence in business: the 15% that lead it grow the most and earn the most

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key driver of business results, but not all organizations are leveraging it equally. A new global study reveals that only 15% of companies—those leading the way in the strategic use of AI—are experiencing higher revenue growth and better profit margins compared to the rest.

The Global AI Report 2026: A Strategic Guide for Those Leading with AI, presented by NTT DATA, is based on a survey of 2,567 senior executives from 35 countries and 15 industries. According to the analysis, the top 15% of AI-driven organizations are 2.5 times more likely to exceed 10% revenue growth and three times more likely to achieve profit margins of 15% or higher, thanks to the effective implementation of AI-based solutions.

“The responsibility for AI has now shifted to the executive level and requires a cross-functional agenda across the entire organization,” said Yutaka Sasaki, President and CEO of the NTT DATA Group. “Our research shows that a small group of leaders are leveraging AI as a strategic differentiator, accelerating their growth and transforming how humans and machines create value.”

Strategy: the key to leading with AI

According to the report, companies leading in AI not only invest in technology, but also align their initiatives with a clear strategic vision. Among the factors that most distinguish them are:

Strategic alignment and speed: They integrate AI into the corporate strategy and turn that vision into concrete financial results.

Comprehensive and selective approach: Focus on high-value domains, redesigning end-to-end processes.

Multiplier effect: Early successes drive new investments that accelerate growth.

Reinvention from the core: Core applications are rebuilt with integrated AI from their base architecture.

“To achieve maximum value, organizations must be willing to be uncomfortable, rethink their approach, and challenge inertia,” explained Pablo Sáez, Head of Data and Analytics Iberia, IO, LATAM and Consulting in Benelux & France at NTT DATA. “This implies operational maturity, holistic governance, and focused, iterative execution.”

Execution: transforming strategy into real impact

Beyond a clear vision, what distinguishes leading AI companies is their ability to create a resilient technological foundation and foster internal adoption.

Among the most relevant elements are:

Security at scale: Scalable and secure infrastructure that guarantees privacy and data sovereignty.

AI focused on experience: Technology enhances human talent instead of replacing it.

Sustainable transformation: The adoption of AI is managed as a structured process of organizational change.

Scalable governance: AI oversight is centralized and the role of Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) is strengthened.

Strategic alliances: Collaboration with external partners accelerates the return on generated value.

“Once business and AI strategies are aligned, identifying high-impact domains and redesigning them with AI is the most effective approach,” said Abhijit Dubey, CEO and CAIO of NTT DATA, Inc. “Together with robust governance, modern infrastructure, and trusted partners, companies are turning pilot programs into real benefits.”

About the investigation

The survey was conducted between September and October 2025, with the participation of C-level executives, senior managers and corporate leaders from sectors such as technology, manufacturing, financial services, health, consumer goods and others.

Source: NTT DATA