3 Picks-and-Shovels Ways to Invest in AI Without Betting on Chipmakers

Core Insights - The AI boom is creating a new class of winners, particularly companies involved in building and maintaining data centers, as well as expanding the grid to support increased energy demands [3][7] Group 1: Company Performance - EMCOR Group is experiencing significant growth due to data center buildouts, with a projected revenue increase of 15% in 2025, marking its second-fastest annual growth in the last decade [4] - EMCOR's remaining performance obligations (RPOs) in the Network and Communications sector reached a record $4.3 billion, nearly doubling from the previous year [5] - The stock has delivered a total return of approximately 38% in 2025, indicating strong market performance [4] Group 2: Market Outlook - Analysts have a positive outlook on EMCOR, with a consensus price target near $693, suggesting an 11% upside, while more bullish targets from DA Davidson and Robert W. Baird average around $757, indicating a potential 21% increase [6] - Companies like Cummins and GE Vernova are also positioned to benefit from the AI boom, with all three stocks up more than 35% in 2025, and analysts continue to see further upside [7]