Must-Buy Non-Tech Stocks for 2026 Amid AI-Driven Data Center Boom
ZACKS·2025-12-02 13:55

Industry Overview - The artificial intelligence (AI) sector, bolstered by the growth of cloud computing and data centers, is experiencing robust demand, particularly for data center capacity to manage and store cloud-based data [1] - The "magnificent 7" stocks are projected to invest $380 billion in 2025 for AI infrastructure development, representing a 54% year-over-year increase in capital expenditure [2] Company Summaries Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX) - FIX operates in the HVAC markets, providing services primarily in commercial and industrial sectors [7] - The demand for specialized HVAC solutions is increasing due to the data center boom driven by AI and cloud computing [8] - FIX has an expected revenue growth rate of 14.7% and earnings growth rate of 16.4% for the next year, with earnings estimates improving by 21.1% in the last 60 days [11] Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) - VRT is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and services for data centers and communication networks [12] - The company is expanding capacity to meet the growing demand for AI-enabled solutions, supported by strategic acquisitions [13] - VRT has an expected revenue growth rate of 20.7% and earnings growth rate of 26.3% for the next year, with earnings estimates improving by 0.4% over the last 30 days [15] Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL) - STRL is an engineering firm benefiting from strong momentum in its E-Infrastructure business, which is the primary growth driver [16] - In Q3 2025, STRL's revenues from E-Infrastructure reached $417.1 million, growing approximately 58% year-over-year, with AI-powered data center market revenues rising over 125% [17] - STRL has an expected revenue growth rate of 19.1% and earnings growth rate of 14.6% for the next year, with earnings estimates improving by 8.8% in the last 30 days [19] Dominion Energy Inc. (D) - D is focused on strengthening its electric and natural gas infrastructure while adding renewable assets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 [20] - The company is experiencing increased demand from large data centers, which is enhancing its service performance [21] - D has an expected revenue growth rate of 6% and earnings growth rate of 5.9% for the next year, with earnings estimates improving by 0.3% over the last 30 days [22] Alcoa Corp. (AA) - AA is positioned as a potential dark horse in the AI-driven data center boom, as aluminum is critical for various data center components [23] - The company is exploring opportunities to unlock value from its closed sites with large power capacities for conversion into data centers [24] - AA has an expected revenue growth rate of 3.1% and earnings growth rate of 3.1% for the next year, with earnings estimates improving by 17.8% in the last seven days [24]