The 2025 State of AI Cost Governance report by Mavvrik and Benchmarkit reveals a growing financial crisis in AI operations. Based on data from 372 companies, 85% miss AI cost forecasts by over 10%, and 84% see gross margins fall by more than six points—often exceeding 16% for firms charging for AI. Most operate hybrid or multi-cloud infrastructures, but only 35% track on-prem costs and half include LLM API expenses, leaving major visibility gaps. Companies that monetize AI exhibit stronger governance, real-time monitoring, and precise cost attribution, while “free” AI offerings lack accountability. CFOs are urged to treat AI expenses as part of COGS, not innovation spend, and to unify reporting across all environments. As AI becomes a structural cost, forecasting accuracy, governance maturity, and financial visibility will define profitability in 2026.

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