- Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a surge in energy demand, leading to a rally in utility stocks.
- Utilities, traditionally seen as defensive stocks, are experiencing unusual growth due to the increased energy requirements of data centers powering AI applications.
- As a result, utilities have become the best performing group in the S&P sectors, with a 13% gain year to date.
AI’s increasing energy demand is turning utility stocks from laggards to winners, offering new investment opportunities and potential for higher growth rates.
Artificial Intelligence: A Higher Growth Multiple For Utilities?
As AI applications require more energy, utilities are experiencing an unexpected surge in demand. This has led to a significant shift in the sector, with utilities transitioning from their traditional role as defensive stocks to becoming key players in the AI-driven growth. Adam Turnquist, Chief Technical Strategist at LPL Financial, notes that this could potentially attract new investors and justify a higher multiple for the sector.
Performance of Utility Stocks
So far this year, utilities have outperformed other sectors in the S&P, with a 13% gain. This is largely attributed to the increased energy requirements of data centers powering AI applications. Individual stocks to watch in the sector include AES (AES), Southern (SO), Edison International (EIX), and Portland General Electric (POR).
Conclusion
The rise of AI has inadvertently led to a rally in utility stocks due to the increased energy demand. This unexpected development presents new investment opportunities in the sector, with potential for higher growth rates. As AI continues to evolve and expand, the utility sector is likely to continue benefiting from this trend.
