The artificial intelligence (AI) industry is snowballing. This popular technology can potentially change the future. Many people expect to profit from the rise of AI. Five Canadian companies that use or adopt AI as business functions are lucrative options for long-term investors.
Global food security
Nutrien (TSX: NTR) is a leading producer and distributor of potash, nitrogen, and phosphate products. It caters to agricultural, industrial, and feed customers. Management said Nutrien is in the fourth year of its multi-year Next Generation Potash Transformation.
The $38.8 billion Canadian fertilizer company developed an AI-powered technology to help ensure the production of a vital nutrient for the world’s population. Nutrien trades at a discount (-19.6% year to date) but should recover lost ground with the help of technology and digital programs. At $78.21 per share, the agri-stock pays a 3.64% dividend.
Digital supply chain
Kinaxis (TSX: KXS) delivers unparalleled supply chain agility and resilience to supply chains across the globe. The $5.4 billion company combines human and machine intelligence to help enterprises in their integrated business planning and to better control the digital supply chain.
Its cloud-based supply chain management solution, RapidResponse, is the only platform capable of powering true concurrent planning. Management said the digital transformation of supply chain planning is a top initiative for growing companies. The tech stock trades at $189.30 and is flying high year to date (+24.6%).
E-learning champion
Docebo (TSX: DCBO) is one of the first organizations in the world to introduce AI into the e-learning market. Management believes AI can transform corporate e-learning into a competitive advantage for enterprises.
The $1.7 billion company continues to enhance its existing AI capabilities and add new capabilities to its platform. It recently acquired Edugo.AI, a generative AI-based learning technology that uses advanced large language models (LLM) and algorithms.
Docebo posted a net income of US$7 million in 2022 after three consecutive years of losses and despite macroeconomic headwinds. Market analysts recommend a strong buy rating. They forecast the current stock price of $52.44 (+17.2% year to date) to appreciate by 31.8% in one year.
Leveraging AI in Healthcare
WELL Health Technologies (TSX: WELL) is one of the TSX’s top growth stocks in 2023. At $4.75 per share, current investors enjoy a 67.3% year-to-date gain. Based on market analysts’ price forecasts, the upsurge is not yet over. Their 12-month average price target is $8.20 (+72.6%).
The $1.1 billion digital healthcare company leverages best-in-class technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients. Its new WELLHealth.ai program will launch several AI-based products and services. WELL AI Voice, the first transformational product, leverages generative AI to reduce administrative burden and save doctors up to 30% of practicing time.
Advancing a new energy system
Computer Modelling Group (TSX: CMG) provides advanced reservoir modelling capabilities to the energy industry. Its cutting-edge technologies support critical field development decisions for upstream planning and energy transition strategies.
The $537.3 million company leverages AI-based data analytics to improve efficiency, cut costs, and reduce risks of industry operators. Management said the AI-based analytics reduce data-intensive input and quickly estimate the upside value of undeveloped drilling locations using a physics-based approach.
CMG is a dividend payer, a rarity in the tech sector. At $6.66 per share (+15.9% year to date), the dividend offer is 3.13%.
Top buy
Nutrien is the only underperforming stock among the five names. However, it’s the top buy for its role in transforming agriculture and strengthening global food security.
