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Companies Report Early Returns From AI Spending in Latest Earnings
Santander, Novartis and Carlsberg are among companies reporting early financial effects from AI in third-quarter results.
Key points
- Santander said AI initiatives generated 194 million euros ($216 million) in business value in the first nine months of 2026.
- Novartis reported third-quarter core operating income of $6.04 billion, up 10% year-on-year at constant currencies.
- Carlsberg CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen said the company is not seeing AI benefits at scale, though AI has affected internal processes.
Why it matters. Investors are looking for measurable gains as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Meta are expected to spend $700 billion combined this year on AI infrastructure.
Spanish banking giant Santander said on Wednesday that its AI initiatives generated 194 million euros ($216 million) in business value in the first nine months of 2026. Swiss drugmaker Novartis reported third-quarter core operating income of $6.04 billion, up 10% year-on-year at constant currencies. Carlsberg CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen said the brewer is not yet seeing AI benefits at scale.
Latest updates
Companies Report Early Returns From AI Spending in Latest Earnings
Some companies are beginning to report financial benefits from their artificial intelligence investments in the latest quarter. Santander and Novartis are among the firms saying AI is starting to boost revenue, reduce costs, or improve profitability. CNBC reports that interest in the technology is shifting from hype toward measurable returns. Investors have been seeking evidence that the heavy AI spending is paying off. The report draws on company earnings commentary rather than broad industry data.