Just been diving into an interesting angle that most people overlook when talking about the AI boom. Everyone's focused on the big tech names pumping billions into data center capex, but there's a whole ecosystem of non-tech plays that could quietly deliver solid returns if you know where to look.

So here's the thing - we're talking about companies that directly benefit from this infrastructure buildout. The massive $380 billion capital spend happening this year across the Mag 7 isn't just about chips and servers. You need HVAC systems that can handle extreme cooling demands, power infrastructure, materials, engineering services. These are the unglamorous but essential pieces.

Let me break down five stocks worth considering if you want to invest in data infrastructure plays:

Comfort Systems USA (FIX) is riding the precision cooling wave hard. Data centers need specialized HVAC solutions that can deliver exact temperature and humidity control. Their revenue and earnings are expected to grow around 14.7% and 16.4% next year. The backlog is filling up as more facilities need these upgrades.

Vertiv (VRT) is probably the most direct play here. They're basically the critical infrastructure backbone for modern data centers - thermal management, liquid cooling, power systems, modular solutions. Their partnership with NVIDIA to stay one GPU generation ahead on power efficiency is a smart positioning. Looking at 20.7% revenue growth and 26.3% earnings growth projected. This is a company that's actively expanding capacity to capture the AI wave.

Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) is an engineering firm that's seeing explosive demand. Their E-Infrastructure segment (60% of revenues) grew revenues over 125% year-over-year in Q3, driven almost entirely by AI data center projects. The backlog hit $2.6 billion, up 64% from last year. If you want exposure to the actual construction and engineering side, this is where it's happening.

Dominion Energy (D) is the steadier play. They're investing heavily in grid infrastructure and renewable assets while also exploring Small Modular Reactors. Data centers need reliable, scalable power - that's exactly what they provide. The Amazon partnership on SMR development shows how critical their role is becoming.

Alcoa (AA) might be the dark horse nobody's talking about. Aluminum is essential for data center infrastructure - cooling towers, server racks, radiators, solar panels for renewable power. The demand multiplication effect hasn't fully played out yet, but it's coming.

The broader thesis here is solid: if you want to invest in data stocks and infrastructure, you don't necessarily need to chase the mega-cap tech names. These plays offer cleaner growth narratives and less crowded valuations. Each of these companies has strong fundamentals and clear visibility into multi-year project cycles. Worth researching if you're building a portfolio around the AI infrastructure theme.