A surge of attention around Nvidia, Salesforce and CrowdStrike earnings, plus the reported US$12.9b Nvidia move for Hugging Face, has pushed AI infrastructure into the spotlight again. That story is not just about chip designers. It runs through transformers, cooling, backup power and the utilities that keep data centers online. This article walks through three stocks that screen well on quality and value, and explains how current AI enthusiasm and the latest Fed watch could matter for each one.

The three stocks highlighted next are only a starting sample from this AI data center infrastructure theme, with the full screen surfacing 45 more large, liquid companies with similarly detailed business stories that are not covered below. To see the wider field and quickly identify which ones best fit your thesis, head straight to the AI Data-Center Infrastructure and Utilities Beneficiaries screener.

Belden (BDC)

Overview: Belden is a data infrastructure specialist that supplies the high performance copper and fiber cabling, connectivity, racks and power and cooling hardware that keep AI ready data centers and networks running reliably. Its portfolio reaches from inside hyperscale and enterprise data centers to 5G, building automation and industrial automation, which links the AI data center story to factories, utilities and transport systems.

Market Cap: US$4.6 billion

Belden provides exposure to the AI data center build out through the physical layer that often gets less attention than chips but is essential for moving and managing data. The company is tying that cabling and connectivity heritage to higher value, software enabled automation and networking solutions, including contracts with Tier 1 hyperscalers and an expanding role in IT and operational technology convergence. The current P/E sits below many electronic equipment peers. The trade off is a meaningful debt load, especially after funding acquisitions like RUCKUS Networks, which makes Belden more sensitive to interest rates and capital spending cycles. For investors willing to weigh that balance sheet risk, there is more to consider in Belden’s AI infrastructure story.

Belden’s push into higher value networking and automation can be easy to overlook given its lower P/E and acquisition driven debt. Get the full picture with the 5 key rewards and 1 important warning sign

Legence (LGN)

Overview: Legence designs, installs and maintains mission critical heating, cooling, electrical and mechanical systems for large buildings, including high power, heavily cooled data centers that support AI workloads. Its engineers and technicians work across design, fabrication and long term maintenance, which ties AI data center demand to a broader base of clients in technology, healthcare, life sciences, education and government.

Operations: Legence generates about US$3.0 billion of revenue from Installation & Maintenance services and about US$757 million from Engineering & Consulting, almost all of it in the United States at roughly US$3.7 billion.

Market Cap: US$6.3 billion

Legence gives investors exposure to the work behind AI data centers, from custom cooled facilities to the electrical and mechanical systems that keep them running, backed by a multi year project backlog and analyst commentary on its revenue and earnings potential. The stock also provides scale exposure to hospitals, labs and universities, which can help steady cash flow if tech spending slows. At the same time, Legence is still working through losses, carries meaningful borrowings and recently booked asset impairments, so the path to the profit and return targets discussed by analysts is a key watchpoint. For investors who want more than chip exposure from the current AI enthusiasm, this is a company some may choose to monitor closely.

Legence’s AI ready data center work sits on top of a US$3.7b revenue base that many investors may not fully appreciate yet. See how the story lines up against consensus in the analyst forecasts for Legence

Huber+Suhner (SWX:HUBN)

Overview: Huber+Suhner supplies the power and data connectivity hardware that helps large data centers, telecom networks and transport systems move huge volumes of traffic reliably, from fiber and coaxial cables to antennas, cable assemblies and fiber management systems. Its components and systems are used across data centers, EV charging, telecoms, aerospace, defense and rail, which ties AI driven data center demand to a broader industrial and infrastructure footprint.

Operations: Huber+Suhner generates revenue across three segments, with CHF360 million from Industry, CHF253 million from Communication and CHF263 million from Transportation.

Market Cap: CHF3.1 billion

Huber+Suhner may be worth a closer look if you want AI data center exposure that is rooted in physical infrastructure rather than pure software or chips. The company is pushing fiber management and optical switching technology that can support heavier AI traffic in data centers, while also relying on EV charging, aerospace and defense to broaden its revenue base. Recent results show revenue growth paired with slightly softer net income, which keeps the focus on margins, funding costs and how quickly new projects fill gaps such as the large Indian 4G contract. For investors who care about both potential upside and resilience, governance structure, external borrowing and share price volatility are key details to weigh before deciding how it fits in a portfolio.

Huber+Suhner’s broad footprint across data centers, EV charging and transport can make it harder to see what is really going on with its AI driven connectivity story. Get the analysis report for Huber+Suhner to see the crucial twist investors often miss

Seeking Fresh Alternatives Beyond AI?

New themes can move from quiet to breakout before most investors notice. Scan these under the radar ideas while the information is fresh and prices still reflect early momentum. Consider these approaches while you evaluate your options.

• Target resilient cash generators that can hold up when sentiment swings by reviewing a curated list of solid balance sheet and fundamentals (50 results) before the crowd catches on.
• Explore potential income opportunities from companies designed around steady payouts by checking the hand picked 12 dividend fortresses while yields and coverage still look appealing.
• Position ahead of possible infrastructure and commodity shifts by scanning the focused 9 top copper producer stocks that spotlights producers tied to long term electrification demand.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.