Artificial intelligence (AI) remains one of the most transformative forces in the modern economy. And investing in AI stocks is still a compelling strategy for those with a long-term outlook. As businesses increasingly adopt AI to optimize operations, improve decision-making, and create innovative solutions, AI stocks at the forefront of this technology are positioned to benefit from sustained growth.

Among these, Kinaxis (TSX:KXS) has emerged as a standout contender. Offering robust fundamentals and exciting growth potential for 2025 and beyond. Let's get into why.

Why AI stocks

The case for AI stocks as a long-term play lies in their ability to address real-world challenges with cutting-edge solutions. AI is not just about automation. It's about using data in ways that were previously impossible, driving efficiency and creating new business opportunities.

AI stocks that have successfully integrated AI into operations are experiencing notable improvements in efficiency, cost management, and customer satisfaction. This trend suggests that AI stocks are not just a fad. They are foundational to the future economy.

Why Kinaxis stock?

Kinaxis stock exemplifies the type of company poised to capitalize on this shift. Known for its AI-driven supply chain management solutions, Kinaxis helps businesses manage increasingly complex global supply chains with speed and precision. By leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning, its RapidResponse platform enables clients to react quickly to disruptions, optimize inventory, and maintain operational continuity. This value proposition has only grown more critical in a world still grappling with supply chain challenges post-pandemic.

The AI stock's recent performance reflects its growing dominance in this space. In its third-quarter earnings report for 2024, Kinaxis posted a 16% increase in software-as-a-service (SaaS) revenue, thus signalling strong demand for its subscription-based solutions. Its annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew by 14%, underscoring the stickiness of its customer relationships. Meanwhile, its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin rose to 25%, demonstrating the company's ability to scale profitably. These figures not only highlight Kinaxis's resilience but also its potential to drive shareholder value in the long term.

Looking ahead

Kinaxis stock has already seen impressive appreciation over the years, with its market capitalization growing steadily to over $5 billion. Despite this, analysts believe the company still has a significant runway for growth. Forecasts suggest that Kinaxis's earnings could grow by nearly 43% annually. Driven by the expanding adoption of its AI-powered solutions across diverse sectors, including life sciences, industrial manufacturing, consumer goods, and automotive. The AI stock's ability to attract clients from such varied industries reflects the universal appeal of its offerings.

Beyond its strong performance metrics, Kinaxis's financial stability provides further confidence to investors. The AI stock has a healthy cash position of $294.63 million and manageable debt levels of $50.32 million, translating to a debt-to-equity ratio of just 12.12%. This solid balance sheet gives Kinaxis the flexibility to invest in innovation, explore acquisitions, and expand its market presence — all without compromising its financial health.

Looking ahead, Kinaxis stock is uniquely positioned to benefit from macroeconomic trends. Global supply chains are becoming more intricate. And the need for real-time, AI-powered solutions has never been greater. Whether it's helping manufacturers predict disruptions or enabling retailers to manage inventory during demand surges, Kinaxis's tools are becoming essential to its clients' operations. As a result, the AI stock is likely to capture an even larger share of the $20 billion or higher supply chain management software market in the coming years.

Bottom line

AI stocks like Kinaxis are well-positioned to deliver long-term returns as the global economy continues to embrace digital transformation. With its strong financials, innovative solutions, and growing market share, Kinaxis stock offers a compelling investment case for 2025 and beyond. For investors seeking a mix of growth and resilience in their portfolios, Kinaxis could be a stock to watch. The AI stock's focus on AI-driven supply chain optimization places it at the intersection of two of the most critical trends of the decade, making it a potential standout performer in the years to come.