Best AI Data Center Stocks to Watch Beyond Nvidia in 2026

Nvidia remains a major name in artificial intelligence, but the AI investment opportunity extends far beyond graphics processing units (GPUs). 

As companies expand AI computing capacity, they also need electricity, cooling systems, advanced networking equipment and specialised data centre facilities. 

This creates opportunities for investors looking at companies supporting the infrastructure behind the AI boom. In 2026, six interesting stocks to watch include Vertiv, Arista Networks, Broadcom, Digital Realty, GE Vernova and Super Micro Computer.

Key Takeaways

• Infrastructure matters: AI growth is increasing demand for data centre power, cooling, networking and computing equipment.

• Six stocks to watch: Vertiv, Arista Networks, Broadcom, Digital Realty, GE Vernova and Super Micro Computer offer exposure to different parts of the AI ecosystem.

• Investment risks remain: Valuations, electricity constraints, competition and hyperscaler spending could influence future performance.

Why AI Data Centre Stocks Are Worth Watching in 2026

source by AI

Artificial intelligence requires enormous computing resources. Training and operating advanced AI models involve thousands of processors working together, generating substantial electricity consumption and heat.

As a result, building an AI data centre involves much more than purchasing GPUs. Operators need reliable power distribution, sophisticated cooling technology, high-speed networking, specialised servers and suitable facilities.

This creates opportunities for companies providing the essential infrastructure behind AI development.

Investors often describe these businesses as the picks and shovels of the AI industry. Rather than competing directly in AI model development, they supply the equipment and services that allow the technology to operate at scale.

Several companies are already reporting strong demand.

For example, Vertiv reported third-quarter 2026 net sales of $4.31 billion, representing 61% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, Arista Networks generated approximately $3.66 billion in quarterly revenue, up 58.5% compared with the previous year. 

These results highlight how infrastructure suppliers are benefiting from expanding AI requirements.

However, strong business performance does not automatically mean a stock is attractively valued. Investors should also consider earnings expectations, cash flow, competition and future capital expenditure.

6 Best AI Data Center Stocks to Watch Beyond Nvidia

Here are six companies offering different ways to gain exposure to the expanding AI infrastructure market.

1. Vertiv (VRT): Data Centre Cooling and Power Management

Vertiv is one of the most direct ways to gain exposure to AI data centre infrastructure.

The company provides power management, thermal management, liquid cooling and other critical infrastructure solutions. These technologies are increasingly important as AI servers become more powerful and generate greater amounts of heat.

Its third-quarter 2026 results demonstrate strong business momentum. Vertiv reported $4.31 billion in net sales, up 61% year on year, while organic orders increased by more than 100%. The company also raised its full-year 2026 financial guidance.

Its cooling and power solutions position it to benefit from continued data centre expansion.

Main risk: High market expectations and dependence on hyperscaler capital expenditure could make the stock vulnerable to valuation corrections.

2. Arista Networks (ANET): AI Networking Infrastructure

Arista Networks specialises in high-performance networking equipment used by cloud providers and large data centres.

AI computing clusters require rapid communication between thousands of processors. Without reliable, high-speed networking, even powerful computing systems cannot operate efficiently.

Arista provides Ethernet networking solutions designed to connect these systems and manage increasing data traffic.

Its third-quarter 2026 revenue reached approximately $3.66 billion, representing 58.5% year-on-year growth. The company also highlighted its expanding role in AI networking through partnerships with major technology companies.

Main risk: Customer concentration and competition in the networking industry could affect future revenue growth.

3. Broadcom (AVGO): Custom AI Chips and Connectivity

Broadcom offers another interesting opportunity beyond Nvidia.

The company develops custom AI accelerators, networking semiconductors and connectivity solutions. Its technology helps major cloud companies develop specialised computing infrastructure suited to their AI requirements.

Unlike businesses focused mainly on data centre facilities, Broadcom benefits from demand across both the semiconductor and networking segments.

In its third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, Broadcom reported AI semiconductor revenue of $16.7 billion, increasing 221% year on year. Management also projected further growth in its AI semiconductor business for the following quarter.

Main risk: Its performance depends partly on a relatively small group of major customers, while high market expectations could increase valuation pressure.

4. Digital Realty (DLR): Data Centre Real Estate

Digital Realty provides exposure to AI infrastructure through physical data centre facilities.

As AI companies require more computing capacity, they need suitable locations with sufficient electricity, cooling and connectivity. Digital Realty operates data centres and colocation facilities serving cloud providers, enterprises and technology companies.

Its third-quarter 2026 revenue reached $1.9 billion, increasing 21% year on year. More importantly, its signed-but-not-commenced lease backlog reached a record $2.5 billion in annualised base rent.

This provides visibility into future leasing revenue as additional capacity becomes operational.

Main risk: Higher interest rates, construction expenses and electricity availability could affect profitability and expansion plans.

5. GE Vernova (GEV): Electricity and Grid Infrastructure

AI data centres cannot function without reliable electricity.

GE Vernova is therefore an interesting company to monitor because it operates across power generation, electrification and grid infrastructure.

As electricity requirements increase, data centre operators may need additional generation capacity, transformers, switchgear and grid upgrades.

GE Vernova's third-quarter 2026 results showed strong momentum, with revenue reaching $12.6 billion, up 27% year on year. Its total backlog also increased to $197 billion.

Although the company serves several industries beyond AI, its power and electrification businesses offer exposure to the growing demand for electricity infrastructure.

Main risk: Project execution, supply chain constraints and delays in infrastructure investment could affect future results.

6. Super Micro Computer (SMCI): AI Servers and Computing Systems

Super Micro Computer, commonly known as Supermicro, develops high-performance servers and rack-scale computing systems.

Its products support AI training, high-performance computing and enterprise data centre operations.

The company is particularly relevant because AI infrastructure requires specialised servers capable of integrating powerful processors, memory, networking and cooling systems.

Supermicro reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 net sales of approximately $19.9 billion, compared with $5 billion in the same quarter a year earlier. However, its gross margin was 12.7%, highlighting the importance of monitoring profitability alongside rapid revenue growth.

Main risk: Intense competition, relatively thin margins, customer concentration and working capital requirements could create pressure.

How to Evaluate AI Infrastructure Stocks in 2026

source by AI

Choosing AI data centre stocks should involve more than identifying companies with the strongest revenue growth.

Investors should examine several factors before making decisions.

1. Revenue growth and order backlogs

Companies with growing revenues, strong order pipelines and signed contracts may have better visibility into future business activity. However, investors should distinguish between confirmed orders and revenue that has already been recognised.

2. Electricity and cooling exposure

Power availability and heat management are becoming important considerations for AI infrastructure. Businesses providing transformers, power distribution and liquid cooling could benefit as data centre operators expand capacity.

3. Profitability and valuation

Rapid growth does not guarantee attractive investment returns. Examine operating margins, free cash flow, debt levels and valuation multiples to determine whether a company's share price already reflects optimistic expectations.

4. Diversification

Rather than concentrating entirely on one company, investors can consider exposure across different infrastructure segments:

• Power and cooling: Vertiv and GE Vernova.

• Networking and connectivity: Arista Networks and Broadcom.

• AI computing systems: Super Micro Computer.

• Data centre facilities: Digital Realty and Equinix.

Equinix is another company worth monitoring, having reported record annualised gross bookings of $533 million in the third quarter of 2026, up 35% year on year.

Ultimately, the strongest approach is to understand how each business contributes to the AI infrastructure ecosystem rather than assuming every AI-related stock will benefit equally.

Conclusion

The AI investment opportunity in 2026 extends well beyond Nvidia. Companies supplying cooling systems, electricity infrastructure, networking equipment, AI servers and data centre facilities are becoming increasingly important as computing demand expands. 

Vertiv, Arista Networks, Broadcom, Digital Realty, GE Vernova and Super Micro Computer are six stocks worth researching, although valuations and execution risks remain important considerations. 

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FAQ

What are the best AI data centre stocks to watch in 2026?

Some notable AI data centre stocks include Vertiv (VRT), Arista Networks (ANET), Broadcom (AVGO), Digital Realty (DLR), GE Vernova (GEV) and Super Micro Computer (SMCI). Each provides exposure to a different part of AI infrastructure.

Which AI infrastructure stock benefits from data centre cooling demand?

Vertiv is one of the most direct beneficiaries because it provides power management, thermal management and liquid cooling solutions for high-density data centres.

Is Broadcom a good AI stock beyond Nvidia?

Broadcom is worth researching because it supplies custom AI accelerators, networking semiconductors and connectivity solutions. Its AI semiconductor revenue grew 221% year on year in its third-quarter fiscal 2026 results. However, investors should assess its valuation and customer concentration.

Why are electricity companies important for AI data centres?

AI data centres require substantial and reliable electricity to operate powerful computing systems. This increases demand for power generation, grid upgrades, transformers and electrical equipment, creating opportunities for companies such as GE Vernova.

Are AI data centre stocks risky investments in 2026?

Yes. These stocks can experience significant volatility due to high valuations, changing interest rates, competition, construction delays and fluctuations in hyperscaler capital expenditure. Investors should assess individual financial performance and risk tolerance before investing.

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.