CNBC's Jim Cramer says the AI and data center boom is far from over—and it's creating winners across the entire economy, not just in Silicon Valley. In a recent segment, he laid out a comprehensive list of stocks that are cashing in on the explosion of AI demand, from the obvious chipmakers to the less obvious power companies keeping data centers running.
Let's break down his picks, because this isn't just about Nvidia anymore. The AI wave is lifting a lot of boats.
Chipmakers: The Engines of AI
Cramer started with the obvious: semiconductor companies. Data centers need massive computing power, and that means chips. He highlighted Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) as the leading beneficiary, but also pointed to rivals Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel Corp. (INTC) as key players riding the AI wave.
But it's not just about the processors themselves. AI workloads generate huge amounts of data, which needs to be stored and moved. That's where memory and storage companies come in. Cramer mentioned Western Digital Corp. (WDC) and Micron Technology (MU) as beneficiaries of increased data storage needs. And to make all those chips, you need equipment. That's why ASML Holding (ASML) and Applied Materials (AMAT) are also on his list—they make the machines that make the chips.
Cloud Giants: The AI Hosts
Once you have the chips, you need somewhere to run all those AI models. That's where the cloud comes in. Cramer said the rapid adoption of AI is driving growth for cloud computing leaders, including Amazon.com (AMZN) with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) with Azure, and Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) with Google Cloud. As businesses and consumers use more AI, these cloud platforms see surging demand for their infrastructure and computing services.
Infrastructure: The Backbone
Data centers aren't just about software—they need physical hardware too. Cramer identified a slew of infrastructure and networking companies that are benefiting from AI expansion. For servers, he pointed to Dell Technologies (DELL). For cooling systems (because those chips run hot), there's Vertiv Holdings (VRT). For electrical equipment, Eaton Corp. (ETN) is a key player. Networking is critical too, with Cisco Systems (CSCO) and Arista Networks (ANET) providing the gear that connects everything. And don't forget the fiber optic cables from Corning Inc. (GLW)—data centers need fast, reliable connections.
Power: The Unsung Hero
Here's where it gets interesting. Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity—enough to power small cities. That's driving demand for power companies. Cramer highlighted Vistra Corp. (VST), GE Vernova (GEV), and Constellation Energy Corp. (CEG) as key beneficiaries of rising AI-related energy demand. And because data centers can't afford downtime, backup power is crucial. That's where Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) and Cummins Inc. (CMI) come in—they provide generators and other equipment to keep data centers running even when the grid falters.
Cramer summed it up by saying the AI boom has evolved into a broad economic shift, with companies across industries benefiting from what he described as an "explosion of profits" tied to AI and data centers. It's not just a tech story anymore—it's an infrastructure story, a power story, and a manufacturing story all rolled into one.