Artificial intelligence is turning data centers into one of the most important infrastructure themes of 2026. Demand for computing power remains strong, capacity is still constrained, and hyperscalers continue spending heavily on AI infrastructure.
For investors looking beyond semiconductor stocks, several data center operators, cloud providers and infrastructure suppliers stand out.
Equinix and Digital Realty Offer Established Data Center Exposure
Equinix (EQIX) remains one of the largest pure-play data center companies. The company raised its 2026 outlook after its second-quarter results and now expects annual revenue of roughly $10.21 billion to $10.29 billion, representing growth of about 11%–12%. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at more than $5.2 billion.
Digital Realty (DLR) provides another large-scale option. The data center REIT recently raised its full-year funds-from-operations forecast as demand from cloud computing and generative AI remained strong. Its second-quarter results sent the stock sharply higher, while management pointed to continued AI-driven expansion.
Vertiv, CoreWeave and Nebius Target Faster AI Growth
Vertiv Holdings (VRT) provides power, cooling and other critical infrastructure used inside data centers. Second-quarter sales jumped 24% year over year to $3.27 billion, while adjusted EPS rose 60%. The company also raised its full-year guidance as demand for high-density AI infrastructure continued to expand.
CoreWeave (CRWV) offers much more direct exposure to AI computing. Its second-quarter revenue backlog reached $104.2 billion, reflecting contracts for Nvidia-powered cloud infrastructure. The stock remains volatile, but rapid demand growth has made CoreWeave one of the most closely watched AI infrastructure companies.
Nebius Group (NBIS) is pursuing a similar neocloud strategy. Second-quarter revenue surged more than 500% year over year to approximately $575 million, supported by large AI capacity contracts. The company is investing aggressively in GPUs and new data centers, which creates significant growth potential but also requires heavy capital spending.
Which Data Center Stocks Look Strongest?
For more established exposure, Equinix and Digital Realty offer mature businesses with recurring data center revenue. Vertiv provides a way to benefit from the power and cooling requirements behind the AI buildout.
CoreWeave and Nebius potentially offer faster growth, but their heavier spending and financing requirements make them more speculative. Investors are increasingly focused not simply on which companies can build AI capacity, but which can convert that demand into sustainable profits and cash flow.
