With fund managers running lean on cash and optimism about corporate earnings back at 2021 highs, investor attention is locked on anything tied to AI and data center infrastructure. This surge in risk appetite can create sharp moves, both positive and negative, for stocks linked to the latest AI spending plans. This article highlights 3 stocks from our Global AI and Data Center Infrastructure Beneficiaries screener that appear closely exposed to these news-driven themes.

The 3 stocks covered below are just a starting sample from this theme. The full screen surfaced 60 more companies with equally compelling AI and data center narratives that are not included here. To go beyond this short list, analyze and filter the wider opportunity set directly through the Global AI and Data Center Infrastructure Beneficiaries screener.

Belden (BDC)

Overview: Belden is a data infrastructure company that supplies the cables, racks, enclosures, power, cooling and networking hardware that let data centers, factories and buildings move and manage data for AI, cloud and automation workloads. Its solutions span copper and fiber networks, data center power and airflow management, and software enabled digitization tools used across sectors from industrial automation to broadband and 5G.

Market Cap: US$5.4b

Belden provides exposure to the infrastructure behind AI and data center expansion, from hyperscale fiber connectivity contracts to the recently closed RUCKUS Networks acquisition, which lifts combined annual revenue guidance to about US$3.6b. The company is focusing on higher value software and integrated solutions tied to automation and OT IT convergence, which can support margins and more recurring style revenue. At the same time, Belden carries meaningful debt, including a US$1.85b term loan for RUCKUS, and operates in markets where basic cabling can face heavy price competition. For investors who want to explore how those positives and risks balance out, the latest earnings and transcript commentary only begin to outline the full story.

Belden’s shift toward software and higher value data center solutions could reshape its story, but the real question is how that US$1.85b term loan and competitive cabling pressure fit into the 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign

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Belden and the two other stocks in this article all came from a single screener, but your edge comes from tailoring the search to your own rules. Use our flexible Screener to mix filters like valuation, growth, financial health and risks, or start with one of our curated Investing Ideas for ready made shortlists.

Viavi Solutions (VIAV)

Overview: Viavi Solutions supplies the test, monitoring and optical equipment that helps telecom carriers, cloud providers and data centers keep high speed fiber and wireless networks running reliably. This is essential as AI workloads push more traffic through these systems. It also uses its optical technologies in areas like anti counterfeiting, aerospace and industrial markets, adding a second leg of demand beyond pure communications spending.

Operations: Viavi generates most of its revenue from the Network and Service Enablement segment at about US$1.18b, with the Optical Security and Performance Products segment contributing around US$335 million.

Market Cap: US$11.4b

Viavi Solutions may be worth a closer look if you are trying to tap into the plumbing behind AI and data center growth rather than the headline chip stocks. The company supplies test gear for 400G, 800G and emerging 1.6T optical links, and management commentary highlights growing orders tied to hyperscale data center interconnects and AI fabrics. At the same time, Viavi is still loss making today and relies in part on higher risk borrowing and acquisitions, which adds execution and balance sheet risk if telecom or wireless spending stays weak. The mix of data center aligned growth products, diversification into aerospace and defense, and exposure to cyclical carrier budgets creates a complex story that can encourage deeper research beyond the AI buzzwords.

Viavi Solutions sits at the junction of AI data traffic and fragile telecom budgets, yet the full risk reward balance is not obvious from headlines. See how the mix of growth products, carrier exposure and balance sheet complexity shows up in the 2 key rewards and 1 important warning sign.

SK hynix (KOSE:A000660)

Overview: SK hynix is a global semiconductor company that supplies DRAM and high bandwidth memory used in AI accelerators, data center servers and other devices, alongside NAND flash, SSDs and foundry services for a wide range of computing and automotive applications.

Operations: SK hynix generates essentially all of its ₩189,170,675 million revenue from the manufacture and sale of semiconductor products.

Market Cap: ₩1,211,374,461 million

SK hynix is often viewed as one of the clearest pure plays on the memory chips that feed AI accelerators and hyperscale data centers, from high bandwidth HBM for GPUs to server DRAM and enterprise SSDs. Recent commentary from management highlights demand from major cloud and AI customers, tight supply, and multi year contracts that can influence pricing, while large projects like the Yongin and Cheongju fabs underline the scale of the company’s capacity plans. That opportunity comes with trade offs for investors to weigh, including substantial investment needs, exposure to export and geopolitical rules, and the usual swings in memory pricing. For AI focused portfolios, it is a stock that may merit closer homework rather than quick headlines.

SK hynix is riding the AI memory wave, and the real story is how its massive fab projects, contracts and geopolitical pressures fit together. Get the full context in the analysis report for SK hynix

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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.