April 30 (Reuters) - Electrical equipment maker Hubbell HUBB.N beat estimates for first-quarter results and raised its 2026 profit forecast on Thursday, betting on strong demand for its products that are used in data centers and energy projects.

Demand for artificial intelligence technologies has led to a global surge in data center construction, benefiting companies such as Hubbell, which makes wiring and lighting systems, among other electrical products.

Industrial equipment makers have also gained from grid modernization and aging infrastructure upgrades, as utilities ramp up investment to support rising power demand.

Sales in Hubbell's electrical segment were up 12% to $568 million in the first quarter, while those from its utility solutions business rose 11% to $949 million.

The company now expects a 2026 adjusted profit between $19.30 and $19.85 per share, the midpoint of which is higher than that of its previous forecast range of $19.15 to $19.85.

Shares of the Shelton, Connecticut-based company rose 3.6% in premarket trading.

Excluding items, the company reported a first-quarter profit of $3.93 per share, compared with analysts' estimates of $3.88, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Quarterly net sales came in at $1.52 billion, compared with analysts' average expectation of $1.5 billion.