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Investors Shift to 'AI-Efficient' Stocks

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 8:22 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 - The relentless surge of interest in artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape investment strategies, but a crucial shift is occurring. Investors are moving beyond simply chasing companies developing AI, and are now actively seeking out those that are expertly deploying it - the "AI-efficient" stocks. This represents a nuanced evolution in how value is assessed, focusing on tangible improvements in operational performance driven by intelligent automation.

The initial wave of AI investment was largely speculative, focused on identifying the next big AI platform or technology provider. While those companies remain important, a new consensus is building: the real financial gains will be reaped by businesses that skillfully integrate AI into their core operations. This isn't about being a tech company; it's about becoming a more efficient company through technology.

"We're seeing a clear evolution," explains David Bahnsen, founder and head of Bahnsen Group. "The initial rush to find the 'AI play' is being replaced by a more discerning approach - identifying companies that can demonstrably do more with less, thanks to AI implementation. It's about recognizing the fundamental impact on a company's ability to generate returns."

Defining AI Efficiency: It's More Than Just Algorithms

AI efficiency isn't simply about throwing AI algorithms at problems. It's a holistic approach encompassing strategic investment, talent acquisition, and a willingness to fundamentally rethink business processes. Companies demonstrating genuine AI efficiency are focusing on several key areas:

• Hyper-Automation: Automating not just routine tasks, but entire workflows. This involves integrating AI with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and other technologies to create end-to-end automated processes, freeing up human capital for more strategic initiatives.
• Predictive Analytics & Data-Driven Decisions: AI excels at identifying patterns and making predictions based on massive datasets. AI-efficient companies are leveraging this capability to optimize pricing, forecast demand, mitigate risks, and make more informed strategic decisions. This goes beyond simple business intelligence, offering proactive insights.
• Personalization at Scale: Customers now expect tailored experiences. AI enables companies to deliver hyper-personalized products, services, and marketing messages, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. This includes dynamic pricing, personalized recommendations, and proactive customer support.
• Supply Chain Resilience & Optimization: The recent global supply chain disruptions highlighted the need for greater agility. AI is being used to predict disruptions, optimize inventory levels, and streamline logistics, creating more resilient and efficient supply chains.

New Metrics for a New Era of Investing

Traditional stock screening metrics are no longer sufficient. Analysts are now incorporating a range of AI-specific indicators to identify AI-efficient stocks. These include:

• Capital Expenditure & Return on AI Investment (ROAI): Assessing how effectively capital is allocated to AI initiatives and measuring the resulting return on investment.
• AI Talent Density: The concentration of skilled AI professionals within the company. This is a strong indicator of a company's commitment to AI and its ability to innovate.
• Operational Efficiency Metrics: Tracking improvements in key operational metrics like employee productivity, operating margins, and inventory turnover rates directly attributable to AI implementation.
• Data Infrastructure Maturity: Evaluating the quality and accessibility of a company's data, which is the fuel for AI algorithms.
• AI-Driven Innovation Pipeline: Analyzing the number of AI-powered products and services in development, indicating a commitment to ongoing AI integration.

Leading the Charge: Sectors and Companies to Watch

Certain sectors are particularly well-positioned to benefit from AI efficiency gains. Software, healthcare, and finance, with their vast datasets and complex processes, are leading the way. Companies like Salesforce, Microsoft, and Amazon, highlighted in earlier reports, continue to be at the forefront. However, the trend is broadening.

Increasingly, we're seeing AI efficiency gains in manufacturing (predictive maintenance, quality control), retail (personalized shopping experiences, supply chain optimization), and even energy (smart grids, predictive resource management). Look for companies that are actively demonstrating measurable improvements in these areas.

Navigating the Challenges & Future Outlook

Despite the promising outlook, investing in AI-efficient stocks isn't without its challenges. Accurately gauging a company's true AI capabilities can be difficult, as many companies are prone to "AI washing" - overstating their AI involvement. Furthermore, predicting the long-term impact of AI on a company's performance requires careful analysis and a degree of foresight.

"It's still relatively early days for this strategy," cautions Mark Newton, senior portfolio manager at Diamond Hill Capital Management. "But we strongly believe that those companies who can truly harness the transformative power of AI and build a demonstrably AI-efficient operation will not just survive, but thrive in the years to come." The future of investing isn't just about finding the companies building AI, but the companies winning with AI.