Forecast for artificial intelligence (AI)-related stocks in 2026: Investment strategy in the post-NVIDIA era
If 2024 and 2025 were the era of building GPU infrastructure for learning large language models (LLM), 2026 is the era of 'execution and monetization' to efficiently operate the built infrastructure and apply it to actual services. Market interest is now rapidly expanding beyond a single stock, NVIDIA, to power, electronic devices, and software sectors that are essential for the sustainability of the AI ecosystem.
1. Power and cooling solutions: the lifeblood of AI data centers
The rapid increase in power consumption due to large-scale AI server operation is one of the biggest bottlenecks in 2026. Due to the advancement of AI models, data center power demand is increasing several times more than before.
- Power distribution infrastructure: Demand for replacing transformers, wires, and transmission networks is growing explosively, and traditional power infrastructure companies such as Eaton and Schneider Electric are being reinterpreted as AI beneficiaries.
- Liquid Cooling: As liquid immersion cooling is introduced to overcome the limitations of air cooling to control server heat, the market dominance of companies specializing in cooling solutions such as Vertiv is strengthening.
2. Edge AI and NPU semiconductor: evolution of on-device
Moving away from the method of processing all calculations in the cloud, the 'on-device AI' market, which runs AI in smartphones, cars, and home appliances themselves, has begun in earnest.
- NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit): NPU design capabilities that perform high-performance AI inference at ultra-low power have become a core competitive advantage for companies. In addition to Apple and Qualcomm, fabless companies that design custom chips based on the ARM architecture are attracting attention.
- PC and mobile replacement cycle: In the first half of 2026, as the distribution of hardware that natively supports AI functions expands, the performance of the entire supply chain of related parts is expected to improve.
3. Vertical AI SaaS and cybersecurity
After infrastructure construction is completed, the area that creates the greatest added value is software services (SaaS) specialized for specific industries.
- Specialized AI models: Companies that provide precise AI models specialized for medical, legal, and financial data instead of general-purpose models are securing higher margins and subscription revenue. Representative examples include Palantir and ServiceNow.
- AI-based security: As agentic AI becomes more autonomous, security threats also become more intelligent. The importance of cybersecurity companies such as CrowdStrike, which provides real-time AI security solutions in response, is becoming more prominent.
Conclusion: Pay attention to vertical expansion of the value chain
The investment strategy for 2026 goes beyond simply chip manufacturers and requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses the physical foundation for AI to run (power, cooling) and the final stage where it meets users (SaaS, devices). It is time to recognize that the center of gravity of the market is moving as quickly as technology develops, and to have the insight to select sectors that generate real profitability.
(Caution: This analysis is based on general market information and is not an investment recommendation. You are responsible for all investment decisions.)
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