As data centers scramble to upgrade for the AI era, a critical bottleneck has emerged in optical communications. AXT, Inc., a specialist in compound semiconductor substrates, finds itself at the center of this shift, leveraging a unique supply chain advantage to meet explosive demand for indium phosphide.
As global investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure accelerates, a handful of semiconductor giants stand to reap outsized rewards. We examine the foundational players whose technology is enabling this historic build-out.
Barclays raises Astera Labs' price target to $165, naming it a top pick for AI integration plays in its 2026 semiconductor outlook, while contrasting analyst views highlight the evolving debate on AI's infrastructure demands.
A wave of analyst upgrades for Applied Materials underscores growing confidence in global semiconductor capital expenditure, driven by the AI infrastructure boom and demand for advanced manufacturing tools. The company's strategic position in wafer fabrication equipment places it at the heart of the industry's next growth phase.
Navitas Semiconductor is strategically shifting its focus from volatile consumer electronics to the high-growth, high-margin arenas of AI data centers and electric vehicles, underscored by a pivotal partnership with industry giant Nvidia.
NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) reports Q4 2025 earnings after the bell today. With Wall Street eyeing modest growth, the chipmaker's performance in its core automotive segment—nearly 60% of revenue—will be the key test for its 2026 trajectory.
A KKR-led group is finalizing a deal to acquire Singapore-based data centre operator STT GDC, a move that underscores the intense global competition for digital infrastructure assets as AI-driven demand surges across Asia.
After a challenging transitional year in 2025, Navitas Semiconductor's pivot towards high-margin data center and industrial markets is expected to accelerate growth and deliver investor returns by 2026, despite near-term revenue pressures.
While investor attention fixates on flashier names, Marvell Technology's critical role in custom AI chips and data center infrastructure positions it for explosive growth, making its current valuation a potential opportunity.
Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI infrastructure build-out, securing a significant 800G transceiver order from a hyperscale customer and expanding its Texas manufacturing footprint. While these moves signal strong revenue momentum, they also amplify existing concerns over customer concentration and profitability.
While public attention focuses on flashy AI applications, Baseten is building the critical infrastructure beneath them. Its explosive growth and backing from investors like Nvidia signal its pivotal role in the AI economy's next phase.
Tower Semiconductor (TSEM) has captured market attention with record revenue guidance and a major $650 million capacity expansion targeting silicon photonics and SiGe technologies. While shares have surged over 58% in 90 days, analysts are now debating whether the stock's premium valuation fully prices in future growth in AI, 5G, and data center markets.
With hyperscalers projected to pour $500 billion into AI infrastructure by 2026, investors are looking beyond headline chipmakers to the essential, yet often overlooked, backbone providers of the AI revolution.
MaxLinear Inc. reported a 48% year-over-year revenue jump for Q4 2025, powered by its infrastructure business, even as it manages a near-term dip in broadband and intensifying competition in key markets.
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners capped a strong 2025 with double-digit FFO growth, a record capital recycling program, and a raised distribution. Management highlighted a massive, disciplined expansion in data infrastructure to meet AI-driven demand, forecasting a return to 10%+ growth targets.
Chip designer MaxLinear capped off a transformative 2025 with a strong fourth quarter, reporting 30% full-year revenue growth and positive cash flow ahead of schedule. CEO Kishore Seendripu pointed to surging demand in data center optical interconnects and wireless infrastructure as key catalysts, positioning the company for even faster growth in 2026.
As Mueller Water Products prepares to release its fourth-quarter results, investors are watching for signs of sustained growth in the critical water infrastructure sector. The company has a strong track record of exceeding revenue expectations.
Cloud provider CoreWeave faces investor lawsuits over capacity claims just as Nvidia doubles down with a major investment, placing the company at the center of a high-stakes debate on AI infrastructure's future.
As hyperscalers like Amazon prepare to report earnings, the focus is shifting from quarterly sales to massive capital investments in AI infrastructure and strategic partnerships with GPU-as-a-service providers.
As aging pipes waste billions of gallons, Badger Meter's smart technology is becoming essential for utilities. But with shares near record highs, is the water infrastructure play already priced in?
