Company Interview / Top stocks to take advantage of the AI shift

Key points:

AI currently used mainly for research, not deeply embedded in investment workflows Skinner expects AI to augment, not replace, most fundamental analysts Blackwattle plans firm‑wide AI integration across the investment process Prefers AI winners such as Goodman Group, Macquarie Technology Group, Pro Medicus and WiseTech Global Avoids structurally challenged areas such as traditional media, education and low‑value task sectors

Michael Skinner from Blackwattle Investment Partners sets out a bullish long‑term view on artificial intelligence, arguing that most investment firms still use tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot only for surface‑level research rather than embedding AI into core decision‑making. Skinner states that effective deployment depends on high‑quality, well‑structured data and that newer, digitally focused managers with data warehouses can extract far more value from AI across their processes.

Skinner maintains that AI is more likely to augment than replace fundamental investment analysts in Australia, automating repeatable, low‑value tasks and freeing time for higher‑value work. He notes that Blackwattle is committing significant capital to AI, planning to integrate it across macro analysis, stock selection, portfolio construction, risk management, client reporting and trading.

On sector positioning, Skinner highlights data centres, energy, healthcare and technology as key AI beneficiaries. He cites Goodman Group (ASX:GMG) and Macquarie Technology Group (ASX:MAQ) as preferred data‑centre exposures, and names Pro Medicus (ASX:PME) and WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) as technology leaders with strong data advantages. By contrast, he is cautious on traditional media, education and other low‑value task sectors, pointing to IDP Education (ASX:IEL) and Nine Entertainment (ASX:NEC) as examples facing potential multi‑year AI‑related headwinds despite seemingly attractive valuations.