Got $5,000? 2 "Pick-and-Shovel" Growth Stocks to Buy Before the AI Supercycle Peaks

Despite recent pullbacks, it is unlikely that stocks in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm will stop rising. As these companies lead the way in advancing tech, rising demand almost ensures their growth for the foreseeable future.

That potential is particularly notable in so-called "pick-and-shovel" plays, or stocks that provide the tools for AI companies. Since this constitutes the critical infrastructure that makes AI advancement possible, it has drawn increasing interest from investors.

Knowing that, investors could likely profit with a $5,000 investment in this sector, and these AI stocks will likely serve investors well during the AI supercycle.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. ASML

Investors often overlook ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML) due to its unique role in AI. Its EUV machines help companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) manufacture the most advanced semiconductors.

According to Grand View Research, the AI chip market is expected to grow by 29% through 2030. That will increase demand for ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machines. These machines can cost up to $400 million, and due to their role in chip manufacturing, they give ASML a monopoly on the most important machines in tech. Additionally, ASML generates around one-fourth of its revenue from maintenance of these machines, giving the company a recession-resistant revenue source.

Admittedly, ASML has a fairly limited customer base for the EUV machines, with only TSMC, Samsung, and Intel purchasing them. Still, it also competes in the deep ultraviolet lithography (DUV) market, which helps foundries make larger chips. Although it has competitors in this market, it gives it a more expanded client base.

In 2025, ASML generated revenue of 33 billion euros ($37 billion), a 16% increase from year-ago levels. Since the company kept cost and expense growth in check, its 9.6 billion euros ($11 billion) in net income surged 27% higher over the same time frame. Indeed, ASML could be in for slower growth in 2026, as the company forecasts between 34 billion and 39 billion euros in revenue.

The stock was up by about 85% over the last year, and the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 46 is slightly above the five-year average earnings multiple of 41. Nonetheless, it likely commands a premium due to ASML's unique position in the marketplace. Since $2,580 will buy two shares, investors can have a starting position in a company that remains essential to AI advancement.

2. Vertiv

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) provides infrastructure and support, primarily for data centers. That includes power supplies, energy storage equipment, and cooling solutions such as in-rack refrigeration and liquid cooling centers.

According to research outfit MarketsandMarkets, the liquid cooling industry will grow at a 32% compound annual growth rate through 2033. That puts Vertiv at the center of the data center boom, and not surprisingly, the financial and stock price growth of Vertiv reflects its successes.

In 2025, the company generated just over $10 billion in net sales, a 28% rise from 2024. The led to a surge in its cost of sales, but since it has limited operating expense growth and, unlike in 2024, it had no change in the fair value of its warrant liabilities, its $1.3 billion in net income in 2025 surged far above its $496 million in profits in 2024.

For 2026, Vertiv forecasts between $13.25 billion and $13.75 billion in net sales, which would amount to a 28% rise at the midpoint. Amid those improvements, The stock rose by around 225% over the previous year.

Also, even with that increased popularity, it has a 71 P/E ratio. Nonetheless, because of anticipated growth, its forward P/E is 40, a level that could still attract buyers given Vertiv's key role in the data center market.

As conditions stand now, a $2,420 investment buys around 10 shares. With the building boom in data centers and Vertiv's critical role in the industry, paying 71 times earnings is arguably a fair price for the growth that the company will likely experience in the coming years.

Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Vertiv. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.