Jul 28, 2026 … The hyperscalers should recognize the unfolding situation and cut the AI capex, but they are not; they are even increasing it. That’s the …
In a world where everyone is clamoring for the latest and greatest in artificial intelligence, you’d think that the folks who are spending big bucks on AI technology would have a solid grasp on their return on investment (ROI). But according to the CFO of Booking Holdings, even the so-called hyperscalers—those tech giants that are throwing money at AI like it’s confetti—are still scratching their heads when it comes to figuring out just what they’re getting in return.
Yes, you heard that right. The CFO, in a moment of candidness that is rare in the corporate world, revealed that even the big spenders in AI are essentially just guessing when it comes to ROI. This is a bit like tossing a coin and calling heads or tails—sure, you might get lucky once in a while, but you’re still rolling the dice.
Now, you might be wondering, how can it be that these mega-corporations, with their teams of analysts and data scientists, don’t have a clue about their ROI? Well, let’s face it, AI is still a bit of a wild west. It’s shiny, it’s new, and it promises everything from automating mundane tasks to predicting your next cup of coffee. But measuring the actual impact of all this technology? That’s a different ball game.
The CFO did mention something intriguing though—he’s learning from his ‘AI coach.’ Yes, you heard me right. An AI coach. It sounds like something out of a tech-savvy sitcom, but it’s real. Apparently, this AI coach is helping him navigate the labyrinth of data and analytics, which is a relief because we all know that most of us would rather binge-watch a series than sift through endless spreadsheets.
So, what does this mean for the average business? Well, if the titans of the industry are still trying to figure out if their AI investments are worth it, perhaps it’s time for smaller companies to take a step back and reassess their own AI strategies. Are they investing in AI because it’s trendy? Or do they have a clear plan for how to measure success?
In the end, it seems like the moral of the story here is that while AI can be a powerful tool, it’s not a magic wand. Companies need to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism and a clear understanding of their goals. Otherwise, they might find themselves in the same boat as the hyperscalers—spending big bucks with no idea if they’re actually getting anything back.
So here’s to the CFOs and decision-makers out there. May your AI coaches guide you wisely, and may your ROI be clearer than a sunny day in July. And remember, if all else fails, there’s always the option of flipping a coin.
Inspired by: “Booking Holdings CFO says even AI hyperscalers don’t know their ROI — but he’s learning from his ‘A…” (r/Business)