Data Center Construction Materials Stocks: Barclays Flags Winners of the AI Infrastructure Buildout

EditorVahid Karaahmetovic
Published 03/31/2026, 10:14 AM
Updated 03/31/2026, 10:15 AM
Data Center Construction Materials Stocks: Barclays Flags Winners of the AI Infrastructure Buildout

Investing.com -- Barclays has identified leading U.S. stocks in the data center construction materials sector as hyperscaler capital expenditure continues to surge.

The firm’s technology team projects annual AI infrastructure spending from Western hyperscalers and AI labs could surpass $1 trillion before peaking in 2028, driven by the ongoing AI arms race.

Barclays analyzed over 400 public and private companies playing essential roles across 19 digital and power infrastructure subcategories, highlighting nine top picks in data center construction materials.

CRH

The company offers a connected portfolio of aggregates, precast concrete, and subterranean water and power infrastructure for data sites, positioning it as one of Barclays’ top picks in the sector.

Ferguson Enterprises

Ferguson distributes above ground materials including HVAC and plumbing, as well as below the ground materials for data centers and surrounding infrastructure.

Several analyst firms have updated their outlook on Ferguson Enterprises, with Morgan Stanley raising its price target to $280, Jefferies to $300, and Bernstein to $310. The firms cited factors including the company’s fiscal guidance and growth in the data center market.

Amrize

The company supplies specialized AI-optimized concrete mixes and advanced roofing systems designed specifically for data center campuses.

Vulcan Materials Company

Vulcan delivers construction aggregates and aggregates-intensive downstream products required for building data center shells and surrounding infrastructure.

Martin Marietta

The company supplies essential aggregates including crushed stone, sand, and gravel for foundation work and power generation sites supporting data center operations.

Martin Marietta recently completed an asset exchange with Quikrete, acquiring several aggregates operations and $450 million in cash. Following the deal, Jefferies raised its price target to $785 and RBC Capital increased its target to $630.

Advanced Drainage Systems

Advanced Drainage Systems supplies water management solutions, including pipe used for drainage and infrastructure for data centers and surrounding areas.

Carlisle

The company provides single-ply roofing membranes and building envelope solutions essential for protecting high-value data center assets.

Core & Main

Core & Main distributes below the ground water infrastructure for data centers and surrounding infrastructure.

Owens Corning

The company provides advanced insulation technologies directly integrated into data center builds.

Barclays notes that these companies serve critical pick-and-shovel roles in the expanding data center infrastructure buildout, with potential additional upside from sovereign AI initiatives and China before the anticipated 2028 peak.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2026 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.