4 Under-the-Radar AI Stocks to Buy for 2026

The next wave of artificial intelligence adoption is not merely about the algorithms or the end-user applications but the invisible infrastructure and enablers that power them. As AI systems grow in complexity and scale, the demand for specialized hardware, data center capacity, and niche software tools is accelerating. While giants like NVIDIA dominate headlines, smaller firms are quietly capturing critical segments of this ecosystem. Here, we analyze four under-the-radar stocks poised to benefit from the 2026 AI boom, drawing on recent financial performance, market dynamics, and analyst insights.

1. MKS Instruments (MKSI): Semiconductor Enabler for AI's Hardware Revolution

MKS Instruments, a leader in precision instruments for semiconductor manufacturing, is a linchpin in the AI infrastructure supply chain. Its Q3 2025 results underscore its strategic relevance: revenue surged to $988 million, a 10% year-over-year increase, with non-GAAP earnings per share hitting $1.93, exceeding expectations. The company's focus on advanced packaging chemistries and semiconductor subsystems positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for AI chips, which require increasingly sophisticated manufacturing processes as reported in earnings.

Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya has highlighted MKSI as a key player in the $1.2 trillion AI data center systems market, particularly in non-accelerator technologies like power systems and testing equipment according to recent analysis. With wafer fab equipment demand expected to pick up in 2026, MKSI's gross margin discipline (exceeding 47%) and operational resilience make it a compelling long-term bet.

2. Nebius Group (NBIS): Full-Stack AI Infrastructure with Aggressive Expansion

Nebius Group, a full-stack AI infrastructure provider, has emerged as a standout in 2025. Its Q2 2025 revenue of $105.1 million-a 625% year-on-year jump-reflects explosive growth driven by partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Meta. Analysts have responded with enthusiasm: as of December 2025, 10 Wall Street analysts assigned a "Buy" consensus, with a 12-month price target of $144.71 (69.91% upside from its $85.17 price).

Nebius's $5 billion 2025 capital expenditure plan-a fivefold increase from prior guidance-signals its intent to dominate the AI data center race. While this aggressive expansion may temporarily pressure profitability, the company aims to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA by year-end 2025 as projected. Recent speculation about a potential acquisition further elevates its profile.

3. WhiteFiber (WYFI): Data Center Capacity for the AI Era

WhiteFiber, a data center infrastructure provider, has seen its revenue surge by 65% year-over-year in Q3 2025, reaching $20.2 million. The company's cloud services revenue alone grew to $16.6 million in Q2 2025, reflecting strong demand for AI-driven computing power. Despite operating at a loss, WhiteFiber's expansion into GPU-centric data centers aligns with the sector's need for scalable infrastructure. Analysts view its growth trajectory as highly leveraged to the AI boom, with Wall Street noting its potential to become a "hidden gem" in the space.

4. AudioEye (AUDIO): AI Accessibility as a Niche Growth Engine

AudioEye, a provider of AI-powered digital accessibility solutions, reported record revenue of $10.2 million in Q3 2025, a 15% year-over-year increase. Its recurring revenue model and focus on automating compliance with accessibility standards position it to benefit from the growing integration of AI in web and app development. While the company's small size and client concentration pose risks, its market advantage in a niche with limited competition makes it an intriguing speculative play.

Conclusion: Balancing Opportunity and Risk

These four stocks represent distinct but complementary segments of the AI infrastructure and application enabler ecosystem. MKSI and NBIS offer exposure to the hardware and full-stack solutions underpinning AI's growth, while WYFI and AUDIO target niche but high-potential markets. However, investors must remain cautious: pricing pressures, regulatory shifts, and the inherent volatility of under-the-radar stocks could amplify risks. For those willing to navigate these challenges, the next 12 months may present a rare opportunity to invest in the unsung heroes of the AI revolution.