The whipping post

Why Some Analysts Believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) Winners Will Look Very Different This Year

Key Points

For artificial intelligence to work, you need a high-powered computer running powerful software. That’s why companies like Nvidia and SoundHound have been getting so much attention on Wall Street.

However, as more and more companies seek ways to use AI in their businesses, some analysts believe the next winners could be more traditional.

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Here are some companies you might want to look at.

A light bulb with the letters AI inside of it and graphics around it.

Image source: Getty Images.

Interacting with the world

Texas Instruments (NASDAQ: TXN) is a chipmaker like Nvidia. However, it makes a different kind of chip. Where Nvidia’s chips are the brains of AI, Texas Instruments’ analog chips are more like its fingers. Analog chips basically take real-world signals, like a button press, and convert them into digital signals. They also provide power management, making Texas Instruments’ chips vital to the data centers that host AI.

Texas Instruments believes data centers are a big enough opportunity for it to break these sales out as their own category. Sales in the segment grew 70% in 2025.

Powering the data centers

Texas Instruments’ huge spike in chip demand in the data center category is a sign that data center construction is taking off like a rocket. That means there will be increased demand for power, since a data center can’t operate without reliable electricity. Two interesting ways to play this are Bloom Energy (NYSE: BE) and Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEP)(NYSE: BEPC).

Bloom Energy makes hydrogen power cells and electrolyzers. What this company offers data centers is speed, since its power cells can usually be delivered more quickly than an electric utility can build power infrastructure. The company believes it has seven distinct sales channels for AI, spanning data center owners, energy companies, and utilities.

Notably, it has already signed deals with American Electric Power and Brookfield Asset Management to support their AI efforts.

That brings up Brookfield Renewable, a globally diversified clean energy company managed by Brookfield Asset Management. It is providing electricity to customers in the AI sector, with Microsoft and Google already onboard as customers. The real draw here, however, is going to be for dividend investors, given that the partnership class of Brookfield Renewable has a yield of 5.2%.

See also  <!DOCTYPE html><html><head><title>Blue Bird Corporation Stock Buzz: A Peek into the School Bus Manufacturer's Potential</title></head><body><h2>The Rise Above the 50-Day SMA</h2><p>Blue Bird Corporation, a renowned school bus manufacturer, has recently made a notable move, catching the eyes of market players. In a technical twist, the stock surged past its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) - a crucial juncture for traders, heralding a promising short-term uptick.</p><h2>Key Signals from Historical Movements</h2><p>Intriguingly, this isn't the first time Blue Bird has crossed above the 50-day SMA. Earlier in the year, it made a similar breakthrough on May 3, maintaining the position until July 1. Despite a brief dip below the SMA in July, the stock reclaimed its territory yesterday. This rebound marks a positive trajectory for the company.</p><h2>The Fundamental Strengths of Blue Bird</h2><p>Delving into Blue Bird's fundamentals, there are six notable reasons to be bullish on the stock:</p><ul> <li><strong>Massive Market Opportunity:</strong> With a rich legacy spanning a century in crafting school buses, Blue Bird is leaping into the future with innovative advancements in automotive technology. The company's stronghold in the market, especially in the electric school buses segment, promises lucrative gains.</li> <li><strong>Propane Advantage:</strong> Blue Bird doesn't just stop at electric buses; it also capitalizes on propane and gasoline, leveraging a strategic partnership to maintain its dominance in the alternative fuels domain.</li> <li><strong>Favorable Government and Regulatory Policies:</strong> Riding on government initiatives promoting electric buses, Blue Bird stands to benefit from supportive policies paving the way for growth.</li> <li><strong>Turnaround Efforts Paying Off:</strong> A resilient turnaround strategy post-pandemic hurdles has bolstered Blue Bird's financial health, propelling it towards profitability and enhanced operational efficiency.</li> <li><strong>Expansion & Safety Initiatives:</strong> With a vision to scale up production and bolster safety protocols, Blue Bird is gearing up for an expansion spree, aligning with the escalating demand.</li> <li><strong>Raised FY24 Guidance:</strong> Noteworthy revenue projections and an optimistic outlook underscore Blue Bird's confidence in its future performance.</li></ul><h2>A Glance at Stocks in Performance</h2><p>Blue Bird's stock has had an impressive run this year, showcasing a robust 94% surge year-to-date, significantly outshining industry counterparts and market benchmarks. The stock's ascent paints a promising picture amidst a competitive landscape.</p><h2>Charting Growth Trajectories & Valuation Metrics</h2><p>Peering into growth estimates and valuation ratios, Blue Bird stands out with a compelling growth narrative, with earnings poised to soar. The stock's forward-looking sales multiple and Value Score hint at a prudent investment opportunity, perched at an intriguing juxtaposition within the industry.</p><h2>Deciphering Investment Moves</h2><p>As Blue Bird's transformation story unfolds into one of growth and promise, investors are poised at a juncture of opportunity. With a steadfast focus on industry trends and the company's strategic roadmap, the decision to jump aboard the Blue Bird bandwagon beckons investors to ponder judiciously.</p></body></html><!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <title>Blue Bird Corporation Poised for Growth Amid Market Demand</title></head><body> <div> Blue Bird Corporation Poised for Growth Amid Market Demand

The next step could take a while

Now that the technology exists for AI, the next step is bringing the technology to the world. That’s where companies like Texas Instruments, Bloom Energy, and Brookfield Renewable come in. The investment opportunity could be a years-long trend, with 2026 being just the start of the process.

Should you buy stock in Texas Instruments right now?

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Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in Brookfield Renewable Partners and Texas Instruments. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bloom Energy, Brookfield Asset Management, Microsoft, Nvidia, SoundHound AI, and Texas Instruments. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable and Brookfield Renewable Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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