Nvidia (NVDA) is on the verge of releasing its earnings, offering investors a crucial glimpse into the state of AI spending. This year, the stock has witnessed an astonishing nearly 200% increase, and over the past five years, it has soared by more than 2,600% as the company's revenues have skyrocketed due to the soaring demand for its AI chips.
Goldman Sachs' Perspective
In a media roundtable on Wednesday, David Kostin, the chief US equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, presented a compelling case. He argued that it might be the right time for investors to explore other avenues to capitalize on the AI boom. According to Kostin, Nvidia's remarkable growth was the "phase one" of the AI trade. The "AI infrastructure" trade, which involves companies investing in AI chips to operate new servers and fuel the AI boom, has also taken off. In some cases, these companies have exceeded their projected earnings growth.However, the stocks in Goldman's "AI enabled revenue" group have not shown the same level of enthusiasm. Kostin explained that these companies can benefit from not having to make significant investments in expensive AI hardware while still reaping the overall benefits of AI.The "AI enabled revenue" group encompasses stocks such as Uber (UBER), Adobe (ADBE), Mastercard (MA), Salesforce (CRM), and others. Kostin stated, "We observe that the performance of stocks in this group has largely aligned with their earnings growth. Our analysis suggests that there is potential for multiple expansion in these stocks."Uber's Role in the AI Era
Uber, a prominent player in the transportation industry, is also making its mark in the AI space. With the integration of AI technologies, Uber is enhancing its ride-hailing services. The company is using AI algorithms to optimize route planning, improve driver allocation, and provide a more seamless experience for passengers. This not only leads to increased efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction. For example, by analyzing real-time data and predicting demand patterns, Uber can ensure that there are enough drivers available in busy areas, reducing wait times for riders. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots are being used to handle customer inquiries and provide assistance, improving the overall customer service experience.Adobe's AI Advancements
Adobe, a leader in creative software, has been leveraging AI to transform the creative process. The company's AI-powered tools allow designers and artists to automate repetitive tasks, generate creative ideas, and enhance the quality of their work. For instance, Adobe's Sensei AI can analyze an image and suggest color palettes, typography options, and composition ideas. This saves time and enables designers to focus on more creative aspects of their projects. Moreover, AI is being used in Adobe's video editing software to automate video editing tasks such as trimming, splicing, and adding effects. This not only speeds up the editing process but also allows for more creative experimentation.Mastercard's AI Integration
Mastercard is integrating AI into its payment systems to enhance security and fraud detection. By analyzing vast amounts of transaction data and using machine learning algorithms, Mastercard can detect suspicious activities and prevent fraud in real-time. This helps protect both merchants and consumers from financial losses. Additionally, AI is being used to personalize the payment experience for customers. Mastercard can analyze a customer's spending patterns and preferences to offer personalized offers and recommendations, making the payment process more convenient and engaging.Salesforce's AI-driven CRM
Salesforce, a leading customer relationship management (CRM) platform, is leveraging AI to improve sales processes and customer interactions. The company's AI-powered CRM system can analyze customer data and predict sales opportunities, enabling sales teams to focus their efforts on the most promising leads. AI-powered chatbots are also being used in Salesforce to handle customer inquiries and provide immediate support, improving response times and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, Salesforce is using AI to automate sales tasks such as lead scoring and opportunity management, freeing up sales reps' time to focus on building relationships with customers.