AI is no longer just about headline growth stories. As cheaper models and rising infrastructure costs reshape where profits may sit, the focus is shifting toward companies that help cut the AI bill rather than inflate it. This article looks at how recent news on open-weight models, hyperscaler spending plans, and geopolitical pressures is influencing cost-focused AI exposure. It will walk through 3 stocks from the AI Cost-Optimization Beneficiaries screener that appear well aligned with the theme, helping you think about where AI-related spending might concentrate and what that could mean for your watchlist.

Tantalus Systems Holding (TSX:GRID)

Overview: Tantalus Systems Holding is a Canadian technology company that equips utilities in Canada and the United States with smart meters, connected devices and AI driven software to monitor and manage power grids more efficiently. Its platform helps utilities extend the life of existing infrastructure, cut operating costs and gain granular data on everything from advanced metering to distributed energy resources.

Operations: Tantalus Systems Holding generates about $37.9m from Connected Devices and $19.4m from Software and Services, with almost all of its $57.3m revenue coming from the United States and a small portion from Canada.

Market Cap: CA$260.9m

Tantalus Systems Holding sits squarely in the current focus on AI driven cost management, using grid data, machine learning and connected devices to help utilities seek more value from existing assets instead of buying new hardware. Recent commentary highlights demand for data centric grid modernization and more granular analytics. Q1 2026 sales of $15.09m and a smaller net loss of $0.405m reflect a business that is scaling while still working toward profitability. Heavy reliance on North American utilities, exposure to tariffs and a single key manufacturing location remain important watchpoints. For investors tracking developments in AI and energy infrastructure spending, an important consideration is how these factors might influence Tantalus’ earnings mix and resilience.

AI driven grid efficiency is becoming a bigger story for Tantalus Systems Holding. However, the real question is whether its earnings mix and balance of risks stack up. Review the Tantalus Systems Holding financial health report

Samsara (IOT)

Overview: Samsara is an IoT and software company that connects data from vehicles, equipment and worksites into a single AI enabled platform so customers in sectors like transportation, logistics and public services can improve safety, monitor assets and cut operating costs. Its tools use sensor and video data to provide real time visibility, automated alerts and workflow insights across large physical operations.

Operations: Samsara generates about US$1.73b from Software & Programming, with roughly US$1.48b from the United States and US$255.6m from other markets.

Market Cap: US$19.29b

Investors looking for AI cost savings rather than pure model exposure may want to pay attention to Samsara. The company sits on a vast proprietary data set from physical operations, which is hard to copy and is central to products that help customers cut fuel, accident and maintenance costs. Recent earnings show Samsara moving into profitability while still posting strong ARR growth, although valuation remains rich and there has been insider selling and reliance on external funding. With AI agent products, public sector contracts and international expansion all progressing, the key question is how far this operational data moat and AI toolkit can support future margins and justify today’s pricing.

Samsara’s shift toward profitability with a rich valuation has many investors focused on growth, not the full picture. Get the analyst forecasts for Samsara and see what that pricing might really be baking in.

CEVA (CEVA)

Overview: CEVA provides chip makers and electronics companies with ready made silicon and software IP building blocks, from 5G baseband and Wi Fi to Bluetooth, ultra wideband and neural processing units, so they can add wireless connectivity and AI capabilities into their own system on chips without designing everything from scratch.

Operations: CEVA generates about US$112.4m from licensing its IP, with most revenue coming from China (US$67.1m), followed by the United States (US$23.1m), other Asia Pacific markets (US$16.4m) and Europe and the Middle East (US$5.8m).

Market Cap: US$1.01b

CEVA operates in the segment of cheaper, more efficient AI. Its edge focused NPUs and wireless IP help customers push AI inference out of the cloud and into low power devices, which aligns with the current shift toward lower cost models and on device workloads. Recent AI licensing deals outside its traditional semiconductor base and growing interest from both U.S. and Chinese customers indicate potential for deeper royalty streams, although the company is still loss making and depends heavily on a handful of large clients. For investors considering AI cost optimization plays beyond the big data centers, the combination of possible royalty upside and meaningful execution risks makes CEVA a company some may wish to monitor closely.

CEVA’s edge AI royalties could be just getting started, while heavy client concentration keeps risk high. Read the 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs to see what might really tilt the odds on this story.

The three stocks covered here are only a starting point. The full AI Cost-Optimization Beneficiaries screener surfaces 7 more companies that pair AI exposure with clear cost optimization angles and detailed stories behind each ticker. Use Simply Wall St to identify the specific catalysts, filter narratives and analyze which of these AI cost optimization plays best match your conviction level.

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Seeking Fresh Alternatives Before They Fly

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.