Can any business adopt AI, or is it only for larger companies?

Yes, any business can adopt AI, as there are free or low-cost tools like generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT that any business can use. Similarly, AI is embedded into some of the software programs that a small business might use. However, there are large-scale types of AI, like robotics, that may make sense only for larger companies.

How do companies measure the success of AI implementation?

Companies use a mix of various key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the performance of AI initiatives. Those include financial measurements like return on investment (ROI) and cost savings, model assessments that measure for accuracy and bias, and operational measurements that evaluate speed and efficiency.

What AI technologies are most commonly adopted by companies?

Among the AI technologies that are frequently adopted are machine learning, natural language processing, and robotic process automation. These technologies help machines get better as they work, interact with regular language, and automate repetitive tasks.

Can AI help companies reduce costs?

AI can absolutely help companies reduce costs. It can cut down on labor used for searching and finding pieces of data, and perform analytics that previously would have been done by humans. It can also automate repetitive workflows, eliminate layers of software, and replace physical tasks in some cases.

How does AI improve decision-making in companies?

AI can process and analyze data to assist with a wide range of decisions, such as location selection for a business expansion, designing a marketing strategy, or in areas like cost management.

How do companies handle data privacy and security with AI?

Companies have several protocols for ensuring data privacy and security, including conducting risk assessments, limiting data collection, and seeking consent from users from the public for their data.

What skills or teams are needed to successfully implement AI in a company?

Some of the skills needed to implement AI include data science and engineering, machine learning engineering, IT infrastructure and ethics, and AI governance and ethics.

10 Companies Using AI in Meaningful Ways

10 Companies Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Meaningful Ways

By Jeremy Bowman – Updated Mar 16, 2026 at 4:11 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

AI is increasing efficiency in companies, focusing on automation and decision-making aids.
Personalization through AI helps firms like Netflix shape user experience and ad effectiveness.
Physical AI advancements are pushing industries toward autonomous operations and robotics.

While artificial intelligence (AI) often grabs headlines through chatbots like ChatGPT, most real-world business value comes from less visible applications.

Today’s most impactful uses of AI tend to fall into a few categories:

Automation: Replacing or augmenting repetitive human tasks
Decision intelligence: Making better predictions using large data sets
Personalization: Tailoring products, content, or ads at scale
Physical AI: Powering robotics, autonomous vehicles, and industrial systems

The ten companies below illustrate how AI is being deployed across these areas in meaningful ways.

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Ten companies leveraging AI in compelling ways

Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market cap	Dividend yield	Industry
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN)	$2.8 trillion	0.00%	Multiline Retail
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM)	$798.0 billion	1.98%	Banks
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)	$1.6 trillion	0.34%	Interactive Media and Services
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX)	$366.4 billion	0.00%	Entertainment
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)	$4.8 trillion	0.21%	Interactive Media and Services
Upstart (NASDAQ:UPST)	$2.8 billion	0.00%	Consumer Finance
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)	$1.6 trillion	0.00%	Automobiles
Boeing (NYSE:BA)	$173.8 billion	0.00%	Aerospace and Defense
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)	$545.7 billion	2.29%	Pharmaceuticals
ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM)	$654.6 billion	3.21%	Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels

Data as of May 16, 2026. Showing 10 of 10 tickers.

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AI as operational leverage

1. Amazon

NASDAQ: AMZN

Amazon

Today's Change

(-1.19%) $-3.19

Current Price

$264.03

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$2.8T

Day's Range

$260.91 - $264.35

52wk Range

$196.00 - $278.56

Volume

1.5M

Avg Vol

47M

Gross Margin

50.60%

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Amazon (AMZN -1.19%) uses AI across nearly every layer of its business.

Behind the scenes, AI models forecast demand, optimize inventory, route deliveries, and manage warehouses. In customer-facing roles, AI improves product recommendations, search results, and voice interactions through Alexa+.

For Amazon, AI isn’t a feature. It’s a cost-reduction and efficiency engine operating at a massive scale.

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2. JPMorgan Chase

NYSE: JPM

JPMorgan Chase

Today's Change

(-0.70%) $-2.10

Current Price

$297.81

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$798B

Day's Range

$296.45 - $300.79

52wk Range

$256.00 - $337.25

Volume

8.7M

Avg Vol

9.5M

Dividend Yield

1.98%

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JPMorgan Chase (JPM -0.70%) uses AI to process enormous volumes of financial data more efficiently.

Its applications include:

Fraud detection
Credit risk assessment
Algorithmic trading
Internal research tools for employees

The bank has reported that AI tools save workers hours each day by surfacing relevant information quickly. In a data-heavy industry, those time savings translate directly into productivity gains.

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AI as personalization and engagement

3. Meta Platforms

NASDAQ: META

Meta Platforms

Today's Change

(-0.66%) $-4.05

Current Price

$614.38

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.6T

Day's Range

$609.45 - $621.18

52wk Range

$520.26 - $796.25

Volume

713K

Avg Vol

15M

Gross Margin

81.94%

Dividend Yield

0.34%

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Meta Platforms' (META -0.66%) advertising empire depends on AI.

Its algorithms determine what users see, what ads they’re shown, and how effectively advertisers reach their audiences. AI also moderates content, powers translations, and enables chatbots across its platforms.

More recently, Meta has pushed generative AI into ad creation and consumer-facing tools, positioning AI as a way to improve both engagement and monetization.

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4. Netflix

NASDAQ: NFLX

Netflix

Today's Change

(0.09%) $0.08

Current Price

$87.02

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$366B

Day's Range

$86.69 - $89.49

52wk Range

$75.01 - $134.12

Volume

32M

Avg Vol

44M

Gross Margin

49.44%

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Netflix (NFLX +0.09%) Netflix relies on AI to personalize nearly every aspect of its service.

Machine-learning models decide:

Which titles appear on your homepage
Which artwork you see
How content is localized and dubbed globally

Netflix is also experimenting with generative AI in production workflows, using it selectively for visual effects and creative efficiency.

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AI as product differentiation

5. Alphabet

NASDAQ: GOOGL

Alphabet

Today's Change

(-1.15%) $-4.60

Current Price

$396.47

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$4.8T

Day's Range

$393.18 - $399.55

52wk Range

$162.00 - $403.70

Volume

678K

Avg Vol

29M

Gross Margin

60.43%

Dividend Yield

0.21%

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Alphabet (GOOG -1.03%) (GOOGL -1.15%) applies AI across search, advertising, cloud computing, and autonomous vehicles.

Its Gemini models power chat, search enhancements, and developer tools, while Waymo applies AI to real-world driving. Google Cloud offers AI services that help businesses deploy their own models securely.

Few companies integrate AI as deeply across as many products as Alphabet does.

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6. Upstart

NASDAQ: UPST

Upstart

Today's Change

(-0.61%) $-0.18

Current Price

$29.53

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$2.8B

Day's Range

$28.41 - $30.65

52wk Range

$23.96 - $87.30

Volume

160K

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

97.87%

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Upstart (UPST -0.61%) uses AI to rethink credit underwriting.

Instead of relying solely on traditional credit scores, its models evaluate borrowers using thousands of data points. The company says this improves approval rates while maintaining risk standards.

AI isn’t a side feature here, it’s the company’s core product.

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AI in the physical world

7. Tesla

NASDAQ: TSLA

Tesla

Today's Change

(-4.74%) $-21.00

Current Price

$422.30

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.6T

Day's Range

$422.00 - $434.65

52wk Range

$273.21 - $498.83

Volume

Avg Vol

63M

Gross Margin

19.07%

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Tesla's (TSLA -4.74%) push toward autonomous driving is fundamentally an AI challenge.

Its systems use real-time camera data and neural networks to interpret the driving environment. Tesla is also developing humanoid robots designed to operate autonomously in industrial settings.

While timelines remain uncertain, Tesla’s AI investments aim to create entirely new revenue streams.

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8. Boeing

NYSE: BA

Boeing

Today's Change

(-3.75%) $-8.59

Current Price

$220.62

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$174B

Day's Range

$220.45 - $226.19

52wk Range

$176.77 - $254.35

Volume

414K

Avg Vol

6.8M

Gross Margin

4.83%

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Boeing (BA -3.75%) applies AI to manufacturing, safety, and aircraft operations.

AI systems help:

Inspect aircraft for damage
Optimize flight paths
Improve air traffic management
Predict maintenance needs

In industries where safety and efficiency are critical, AI offers incremental improvements with large downstream impact.

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9. Johnson & Johnson

NYSE: JNJ

Johnson & Johnson

Today's Change

(-1.77%) $-4.09

Current Price

$226.71

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$546B

Day's Range

$226.44 - $232.13

52wk Range

$149.04 - $251.71

Volume

12M

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

67.96%

Dividend Yield

2.29%

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Johnson & Johnson (JNJ -1.77%) In healthcare, AI is being used to assist, not replace, professionals.

Johnson & Johnson uses AI to:

Improve surgical precision
Assist with diagnostics
Accelerate drug discovery

By analyzing imaging data and biological samples at scale, AI helps reduce development timelines and improve outcomes.

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10. ExxonMobil

NYSE: XOM

ExxonMobil

Today's Change

(3.95%) $6.00

Current Price

$157.75

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$655B

Day's Range

$153.00 - $157.91

52wk Range

$101.19 - $176.41

Volume

855K

Avg Vol

21M

Gross Margin

20.92%

Dividend Yield

3.21%

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ExxonMobil (XOM +4.07%) applies AI to optimize complex, capital-intensive operations.

Machine-learning models help predict equipment failures, improve drilling efficiency, and manage massive data flows across global assets. Over time, the company aims to move toward more autonomous operations.

For energy companies, AI is a way to reduce costs and improve reliability.

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Top industries embracing artificial intelligence

Not surprisingly, the technology industry is rapidly responding to the AI shift. Semiconductor and hardware companies are racing to develop more powerful components to deliver AI computing, and software companies are also embracing AI to make them more useful and relevant, as AI-driven software can be a significant time-saver.

Industrials are also being affected by AI. Manufacturers like automakers are using AI to design cars with optimized aerodynamics and to power driver-assist systems and autonomous driving. In factories, AI is also being implemented through tools like collaborative robots and algorithmically for functions like inventory management and predictive maintenance.

In finance, AI is being used for fraud detection and prevention, risk management and credit scoring, and planning and forecasting. Industries with a lot of data tend to be well-suited to AI, and finance fits the bill there.

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Benefits of AI for companies

AI offers a wide range of benefits for companies. Here are some of the biggest ones.

Cost savings: AI is already impacting cost savings for businesses. It is replacing human labor in some areas, and custom tools developed with AI platforms like Claude Code are replacing traditional enterprise software programs. There's a large opportunity for businesses to use AI for cost savings.
Better data management: Organizations have a ton of data, but managing it, accessing, and analyzing it isn't always easy. AI can help with all of those tasks. Chatbots can make data retrieval easy, and AI agents can help analyze data and provide insights that might otherwise go unknown. Amplitude, a product analytics company, is helping its customers make better use of its data through AI agents.
Efficiency and productivity: AI is also helping companies do work more efficiently and increase productivity. With the help of AI, employees can be redeployed to places where they're needed. AI customer service agents can help triage and respond to customer requests, for example. Axon, a law enforcement technology company, introduced a generative AI product called Draft One that writes initial drafts of police reports based on camera footage. This kind of technology allows officers to spend time on other tasks.
Improved decision-making: Alongside better data management, AI can help companies make better decisions. It can leverage existing data to perform predictive modeling and compare different scenarios, and offer insights into current business circumstances and potential threats and opportunities.

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Challenges of utilizing AI in the business world

While AI is valuable in a number of ways, it can also present challenges for businesses.

AI is expensive: We're still in the expansion or "land grab" phase of AI, with companies rapidly opening data centers and spending billions of dollars to do so. That means both hardware and software companies are going to have to pay for the AI capabilities that are currently being built out, and the hundreds of billions of dollars in capital expenditures may be leading to a bubble in the industry.
Privacy concerns: There is a long history of AI raising privacy issues. For instance, Amazon's facial recognition tool, Rekognition, was the focus of much controversy when it rolled out to police. Other observers are wary of giving AI too much control of personal data.
Workforce disruption: AI is already changing the workforce as entry-level coding jobs are becoming much harder to find, a sign that work is being replaced by AI. We'll likely see the new technology disrupt other jobs in the coming years.
Misinformation: Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews are known for "hallucinating" at times, or making up facts. It's important for AI users to double-check information from chatbots with verifiable sources.

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Trends to watch among companies using AI

Things are changing quickly in AI. Let's take a look at some of the trends investors should keep on eye on.

Layoffs: There's a lot of fear in the tech sector about layoffs, and we're already starting to see some evidence that AI is causing layoffs. Block, the fintech company that owns Square and Cash App, said it was laying off 40% of its staff as it pivots to AI. Atlassian just said it would cut 10% of its workforce for the same reason, and Meta Platforms is cutting 20% of its employees as it plows money into AI.

Agentic AI adoption: Companies are moving beyond generative AI to agentic AI, meaning AI that handles tasks without direct human input. AI agents can help handle customer service requests, process insurance claims, and verify information. Expect companies to invest in agentic AI and make it a focus of their strategy.

Focus on ROI: By now, AI is past the stage of being a curiosity. Businesses have gotten familiar with it, and adoption is moving full-speed ahead. However, it's unclear if AI is delivering a meaningful return on investment. Look for management to begin focusing more attention on ROI and showing those results to investors.

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How many companies use AI?

AI adoption is growing rapidly, and the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 was a pivotal moment, showing how powerful AI had become. According to research from McKinsey, 88% of organizations were using AI for at least one business function in 2025, up 78% in 2024, and 79% were using generative AI for at least one function, up from 71% the year before. However, most organizations have yet to scale AI.

AI is still relatively new. At this stage, businesses seem to know that it's important, but don't quite know how to leverage it. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) report said that 95% of generative AI pilots are failing, showing that there's still a gap between available technologies like AI agents and how they're being implemented.

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FAQ

FAQ: Companies Using AI

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About the Author

Jeremy Bowman has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst, covering technology, consumer goods, and macroeconomic trends since 2011. Before The Motley Fool, Jeremy was a newspaper reporter, restaurant manager, and English teacher abroad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Colorado College and a master’s degree in business administration from American University. One of his Motley Fool headlines was briefly featured on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

TMFHobo

@TMFBowman

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Jeremy Bowman has positions in Amazon, Meta Platforms, Netflix, and Upstart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Boeing, JPMorgan Chase, Meta Platforms, Netflix, Tesla, and Upstart. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

10 Companies Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Meaningful Ways

Key Points

Ten companies leveraging AI in compelling ways

AI as operational leverage

1. Amazon

Key Data Points

2. JPMorgan Chase

Key Data Points

AI as personalization and engagement

3. Meta Platforms

Key Data Points

4. Netflix

Key Data Points

AI as product differentiation

5. Alphabet

Key Data Points

6. Upstart

Key Data Points

AI in the physical world

7. Tesla

Key Data Points

8. Boeing

Key Data Points

9. Johnson & Johnson

Key Data Points

10. ExxonMobil

Key Data Points

Top industries embracing artificial intelligence

Benefits of AI for companies

Challenges of utilizing AI in the business world

Trends to watch among companies using AI

How many companies use AI?

Related investing topics

Best AI Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

Can You Invest in ChatGPT Stock?

5 Best AI Chatbots in 2026 and How to Invest

How AI Is Impacting the World of Investing and 7 Ways You Can Use It

FAQ

FAQ: Companies Using AI

Can any business adopt AI, or is it only for larger companies?

Can any business adopt AI, or is it only for larger companies?

How do companies measure the success of AI implementation?

How do companies measure the success of AI implementation?

What AI technologies are most commonly adopted by companies?

What AI technologies are most commonly adopted by companies?

Can AI help companies reduce costs?

Can AI help companies reduce costs?

How does AI improve decision-making in companies?

How does AI improve decision-making in companies?

How do companies handle data privacy and security with AI?

How do companies handle data privacy and security with AI?

What skills or teams are needed to successfully implement AI in a company?

What skills or teams are needed to successfully implement AI in a company?

About the Author

Read Next

Stocks Mentioned

Premium Investing Services

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Top industries embracing artificial intelligence

Benefits of AI for companies

Challenges of utilizing AI in the business world

Trends to watch among companies using AI

How many companies use AI?

Best AI Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

Can You Invest in ChatGPT Stock?

5 Best AI Chatbots in 2026 and How to Invest

How AI Is Impacting the World of Investing and 7 Ways You Can Use It

FAQ: Companies Using AI

Can any business adopt AI, or is it only for larger companies?

Can any business adopt AI, or is it only for larger companies?

How do companies measure the success of AI implementation?