AI Is Driving ‘the Next Industrial Revolution.’ Wall Street Is Cashing In.

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the booming demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology and how it is driving investments and growth in various industries beyond the tech sector, particularly in old-school "pick-and-shovel" stocks.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Demand for AI and its impact

1. What is driving the demand for AI technology?

• Deep-pocketed companies are investing heavily in AI technology, which has led to a windfall for chip makers like Nvidia and a host of businesses that supply power, labor, and raw materials to operate AI products.

2. How is the AI boom impacting various sectors?

• The utilities, energy, and materials sectors have outperformed the broader market, with the utilities sector returning 15% over the past three months.
• Industrial firms that stand to benefit from data center expansion and renovation are seeing surging share prices.

3. What are some examples of companies benefiting from the AI boom?

• Nvidia, the graphics-chip manufacturer, has seen its stock more than double this year due to strong demand for its AI capabilities.
• Vertiv Holdings, which makes equipment that powers and cools data centers, has seen its shares more than double this year, with new orders growing 60% in the first quarter.
• Eaton, a power-management equipment company, and Johnson Controls, which manufactures electronic systems for commercial buildings, have also seen significant stock price increases.

[02] Investing opportunities in the AI boom

1. What are the key investment opportunities arising from the AI boom?

• Data center builders and operators, as well as power and utilities companies, are seen as the main investable opportunities.
• Infrastructure stocks, such as the Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETF, have outperformed the broader market.
• Analysts believe that even with high valuations, industrial firms benefiting from the AI boom are less cyclical and have the potential for significant profit growth in the coming years.

2. What are some specific investment recommendations mentioned in the article?

• The article mentions that the firm Williams Jones Wealth Management owns shares of Eaton and Quanta Services, a company that supplies skilled labor to power companies, on behalf of its clients.