The Smartest Data Center/AI Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right Now: A 2025 Investment Guide

Oliver BlakeSaturday, May 10, 2025 7:12 pm ET
101min read

As AI and data center infrastructure become the backbone of the global tech economy, investors are racing to capitalize on companies driving this revolution. With projections of 20-25% annual data center growth through 2030 (McKinsey), and AI chip demand surging, now is the time to allocate even small sums like $2,000 to high-potential stocks. Below, we analyze five top picks that offer compelling growth trajectories, backed by robust financials and strategic advantages.

1. Vertiv (VRTX): The Data Center Backbone

Why Buy Now?
Vertiv is a critical supplier of power, cooling, and IT infrastructure for data centers. Its backlog grew 10% in Q1 2025, and it raised full-year revenue guidance to 18% growth, driven by hyperscaler AI deployments and enterprise digital transformation.

Key Metrics:
- Market Cap: $36.1B
- Free Cash Flow (FCF): Expected to hit $1.3B in 2025, rising to $1.79B by 2027.
- Valuation: Trading at 28x 2025 FCF, reasonable given its infrastructure dominance.

VRT Trend
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Risk: Tariffs and geopolitical supply chain issues could slow growth, but its diversified client base mitigates this.

2. nVent (NVT): Electrical Solutions for the AI Era

Why Buy Now?
nVent’s electrical infrastructure—critical for power distribution in data centers—benefited from a mid-teens order surge in Q1 2025. It raised 2025 revenue guidance to 5–7% growth, with earnings projected to jump 22–26%.

Key Metrics:
- FCF: $406M in 2025, rising to $561M in 2026.
- Valuation: Traded at <20x 2025 EPS, a bargain for a sector leader.

NVT Trend
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Risk: Tariffs and macroeconomic slowdowns could delay infrastructure spending.

3. Marvell Technology (MRVL): AI Chip Innovator

Why Buy Now?
Marvell’s AI-specific ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) are powering hyperscaler AI workloads. Its AI revenue exceeded $1.5B in 2025, with projections to hit $2.5B+ in 2026.

Key Metrics:
- 2025 Revenue Growth: 42% to $8.2B.
- EPS: Jumped 78% to $2.80 in 2025.
- Valuation: Trading at <23x forward EPS, cheaper than rivals like NVIDIA.

Risk: Competition from NVIDIA and Intel’s AI chip pipelines.

4. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): Data Center Dominance

Why Buy Now?
AMD’s Q1 2025 results were stellar: data center revenue soared 57% YoY to $3.7B, fueled by its Instinct GPUs and EPYC CPUs. Despite U.S. export restrictions on China, AMD’s global partnerships (e.g., Microsoft, Google) keep momentum strong.

Key Metrics:
- Q1 EPS: $0.96 non-GAAP, up 55% YoY.
- 2025 Revenue Guidance: $7.4B for Q2, implying 27% YoY growth.
- Valuation: Trading at 24x forward EPS, reasonable for its AI leadership.

Risk: Export restrictions and inventory write-downs could pressure margins in 2025.

5. Super Micro Computer (SMCI): AI Server Specialist

Why Buy Now?
Super Micro’s liquid-cooled AI servers now command a 23% market share (up from 10% in 2023). Its Q1 2025 revenue rose 57%, and it projects 41% growth in 2026 as it scales production.

Key Metrics:
- Market Cap: $4.5B (undervalued relative to growth).
- Valuation: Trading at 14x forward EPS, offering upside if regulatory hurdles ease.

SMCI Trend
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Risk: Regulatory scrutiny and competition from larger peers like Dell.

Conclusion: Allocate $2,000 Wisely for Long-Term Gains

The data is clear: data center and AI infrastructure stocks are positioned for explosive growth. With $2,000, consider the following allocations to diversify risk and capture upside:
1. $700 in AMD (VRTX): Core infrastructure for AI workloads.
2. $500 in Marvell (MRVL): AI chip innovator with strong FCF growth.
3. $400 in nVent (NVT): Stable electrical infrastructure plays.
4. $300 in Super Micro (SMCI): High-growth AI server specialist.
5. $100 in Vertiv (VRTX): Critical backbone of the data center ecosystem.

These picks are underpinned by McKinsey’s 20-25% data center growth forecast, AMD’s 57% data center revenue surge, and Marvell’s AI revenue doubling in two years. While risks like regulatory overreach and macroeconomic slowdowns exist, the AI revolution is irreversible—and these companies are its engines.

SMCI, VRTX, AMD, MRVL, NVT Closing Price

Investors who act now may secure multiyear gains as AI transforms industries from healthcare to autonomous vehicles. The time to act is now—don’t let your $2,000 sit idle in a low-yield account.

All data as of May 2025. Past performance does not guarantee future results.