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Which Companies Stand to Gain from Microsoft’s $80 Billion AI Investment?
The AI Investing Pulse
January 9th, 2025
In this week’s edition:
Analysis - Which companies stand to gain from Microsoft’s $80bn AI investment?
Stock Ideas - Analysts reveal AI stock picks for 2025
News - Quantum computing stocks tumble after Nvidia CEO’s comments
Startups - AI startups drive VC funding resurgence
Trends - 98.4% of organisations to expand AI and data investments in 2025
Other News - AI revolution in stock analysis
Which Companies Stand to Gain from Microsoft’s $80 Billion AI Investment?
Microsoft’s $80 billion investment in AI-enabled data centres represents a landmark moment in technology. This substantial initiative underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence as a transformative force across industries.
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, projects that companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft will collectively invest $1 trillion in AI-related data centre upgrades. This industry-wide trend highlights the increasing focus on AI infrastructure and its importance in shaping the future technology landscape.
We highlight some of the key beneficiaries below, though this investment is likely to create opportunities for other companies and industries as well.
Beneficiaries in the AI Ecosystem
AI Hardware Leaders
The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure relies heavily on cutting-edge hardware.
Nvidia (NVDA):
Nvidia’s GPUs are critical components for AI infrastructure. The company is expected to play a significant role in supporting Microsoft’s expansion of AI capabilities.Advanced Micro Devices (AMD):
AMD provides alternatives to Nvidia’s GPUs, enabling it to participate in the growing demand for AI-focused hardware.Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM):
As a leading chip manufacturer, TSM supports the production of advanced processors used by Nvidia, AMD, and others.
Semiconductor Companies
The increased focus on AI infrastructure has boosted activity in the semiconductor sector, involving companies such as:
Micron Technology (MU): Supplies memory solutions essential for AI workloads.
Applied Materials (AMAT): Specialises in semiconductor fabrication equipment.
Lam Research (LRCX) and KLA Corp (KLAC): Focus on tools and technologies for high-performance chip production.
Cooling Systems
As data centres grow in size and power requirements, efficient cooling systems are essential for maintaining optimal performance and managing energy costs.
Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT): Provides energy-efficient cooling solutions tailored for high-demand data centres.
Trane Technologies (TT): Delivers advanced HVAC systems, meeting the precision cooling needs of large-scale operations.
Data Centre Real Estate
Data centre real estate investment trusts (REITs) are integral to providing the infrastructure necessary to house AI operations.
Equinix (EQIX): Offers data centre solutions across the globe.
Digital Realty Trust (DLR): Focuses on building and maintaining data centre facilities to meet rising demand.
ETFs
For a diversified exposure to AI infrastructure, several ETFs provide a broader view of the ecosystem:
Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate SCTR ETF (SRVR): Targets data centre REITs and digital infrastructure companies, including Equinix and Digital Realty Trust.
Global X Data Centre & Digital Infrastructure ETF (DTCR): Specialises in companies driving data-driven technologies, aligning with the expansion of AI infrastructure.
Microsoft’s $80 billion investment in AI data centres reflects a broader industry shift towards AI driven innovation. From hardware and semiconductors to data centre infrastructure, this investment’s impact is likely to resonate across multiple sectors. While we’ve highlighted some key players, the broader implications of this trend will continue to shape industries and technologies for years to come. Understanding the impact of such monumental investment can help navigate evolving market dynamics and uncover new opportunities in the ever expanding AI ecosystem.
Disclaimer - This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, personal recommendations, or an invitation to engage in any investment activity. The information presented is derived from publicly available sources and should not be solely relied upon for making investment decisions. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment choices.
TOP AI STOCKS
COMPANY | SECTOR | WEEKLY |
---|---|---|
Cerence (CRNC) | Technology | 99.36% |
Micron Technology (MU) | Technology | 18.12% |
Arm Holdings (ARM) | Technology | 17.70% |
TOP AI ETFs
ETFs | SECTOR | WEEKLY |
---|---|---|
Round Hill Inv. (CHAT) | GenAI & Tech | 2.62% |
iShares (ARTY) | Future AI & Tech | 2.59% |
Robo Global (THNQ) | Global AI | 2.10% |
AI STOCKS IDEAS
AI stocks will outperform again in 2025 and Nvidia will hit $200 - The Motley Fool
Two agentic AI Stocks to watch - Yahoo Finance
Analysts reveal AI stock picks for 2025 - TheStreet
AI STOCKS & ETFs NEWS
Quantum computing stocks tumble after Nvidia boss Jensen Huang says the tech is still 20 years away - Markets insider - The losses come after Huang, speaking at the Consumer Electronic show on Tuesday, said "very useful" quantum computers are still likely 15-30 years away.
AI, energy and travel: What propelled 2024’s top 5 stocks to new heights - Investing.com - Stocks rallied in 2024, delivering a second consecutive year of gains exceeding 20%.
How ServiceNow CEO McDermott aims to win the AI race for enterprises - IBD - ServiceNow is racing to integrate artificial intelligence into its products. Monetising AI-driven products will be key to ServiceNow's future growth.
AI STARTUPS
AI startup Anthropic to raise $2 billion at $60 billion valuation - Reuters - The new funding will mark a jump in valuation for Anthropic who was valued at around $18 billion in a fundraise led by Menlo Ventures last year.
AI gold rush and a billion-dollar bet on the future - Bankinfosecurity - It was a strong year for AI startups that raked in billions of dollars in investments, as the technology matured from experimental to essential across industries.
AI startups drive VC funding resurgence, capturing record US investment in 2024 - Reuters - AI startups also captured a record 46.4% of the total $209 billion raised last year, compared to less than 10% a decade earlier.
AI TRENDS
98.4% of organisations to expand AI and data investments in 2025 - Techmonitor - A new study published in the Harvard Business Review reveals that 90.5% of organisations have ranked AI and data as top business priorities for 2025.
2025's first major trend: Why AI agents are taking over crypto - Coinmarketcap - We're heading toward a future where AI agents handle everything from managing your DeFi portfolio to creating personalised content.
What does OpenAI's Sam Altman mean when he says AGI is achievable - Emerge - OpenAI's CEO made bold claims about artificial general intelligence and the adoption of AI agents in 2025, but experts aren't quite convinced.
OTHER
AI revolution in stock analysis - Mi Valle - AI-driven stock analysis employs machine learning algorithms to examine vast datasets, identifying patterns and trends often invisible to human analysts.
The most eye-catching and absurd AI products unveiled at CES 2025 so far - Emerge - AI powers CES 2025's quirkiest gadgets, including robot vacuums, smart TVs, and even a smart mirror that tracks health metrics.
How did AI grow in 2024 and what’s in store for 2025? - Knowledge Wharton - Lynn Wu, Wharton Professor said the race to incorporate AI into daily operations shows no signs of slowing down.
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Disclaimer - The information contained on this newsletter does not constitute investment advice or a personal recommendation, nor is it an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity. You should seek independent financial and, if appropriate, legal advice as to the suitability of any investment decision. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of investments, and the income from them, can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the full amount invested and, in some cases, nothing at all. The information presented is based on publicly available data and sources believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Market conditions can change rapidly, and the information provided may no longer be up to date. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.