Feb. 24, 2026 – New York, NY – As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from software to financial technology, Deutsche Bank highlights manufacturing, aerospace & defense, and electrical infrastructure as potential AI beneficiaries. Analyst Scott Deuschle noted that AI can structurally reduce costs for commercial aerospace firms, enabling higher through-cycle margins. Top picks include GE Aerospace, which deploys AI in its Flight Deck lean-management platform, Howmet Aerospace for AI-driven production yield improvements, and Heico, which uses AI to accelerate certification of aftermarket parts.

The data center boom driven by hyperscalers Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet also benefits electrical infrastructure providers. Analyst Nicole DeBlase expects global data center power demand to jump from 82 GW in 2025 to 103 GW in 2026, with total investment in data center infrastructure projected at $7 trillion through 2030. Companies positioned to capture this growth include Eaton, nVent, and Vertiv, all rated Buy by Deutsche Bank.

Despite these opportunities, AI adoption remains selective. Goldman Sachs reports that only 19% of U.S. firms have implemented AI tools, with labor productivity gains concentrated in areas where AI has been deployed. Meanwhile, traditional software and fintech equities are under pressure, with the SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF down 19% year-to-date and the Global X FinTech ETF down 24%, reflecting investor concerns that AI might displace jobs without fully benefiting software companies’ margins.