🟢 A recent Goldman Sachs report circulated to major institutional clients highlights what the bank believes will be the most significant investment theme for 2026. Unlike the widely discussed tech giants that dominated the first wave of AI profits, Goldman points to a different group of companies that could see substantial gains as AI adoption accelerates.
Their analysts predict strong earnings growth, with many of these companies potentially boosting profits by around 25% on average through productivity improvements. The research focuses on firms actually implementing AI in their operations rather than merely talking about it.
Goldman’s team found that corporate AI use is set to climb rapidly: about a third of companies use it today, but that number could reach half next year and nearly three quarters by 2028. This early stage of adoption suggests significant future upside.
Several industries are identified as major beneficiaries:
1️⃣ Banks and insurers are using AI for fraud detection, underwriting, customer service, and automation of back office work allowing them to increase output without adding staff.
2️⃣ Retailers such as Amazon and Walmart are deploying AI to refine supply chains, personalize shopping experiences, and streamline operations leading to lower costs and higher margins.
3️⃣ Logistics and transportation companies are cutting fuel use, optimizing routes, and automating paperwork through AI systems, which could materially improve profitability.
4️⃣ Healthcare providers are adopting AI to reduce administrative burdens and improve documentation efficiency.
5️⃣ Restaurants and fast food chains are rolling out AI for ordering, scheduling, and kitchen automation, addressing an industry that traditionally struggles with thin margins.
In a nutshell, many of these stocks underperformed in 2025, but Goldman sees them as prime candidates for an AI driven rebound.
$SPX500$AMZN (Amazon.com Inc)$WMT (Walmart Inc.)$GS (Goldman Sachs Group Inc)$NSDQ100
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