3 Millionaire-Maker Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks
Key Points
Cipher Digital continues to attract hyperscalers as energy becomes the main constraint in the AI build-out.
Silicon Motion Technology is a memory stock that remains under the radar.
Sterling Infrastructure builds the AI data centers that big tech wants.
- 10 stocks we like better than Silicon Motion Technology ›
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be one of the best investing opportunities of our lifetimes. Several leading AI stocks have produced fivefold and tenfold returns over the past five years, but Sandisk's (NASDAQ: SNDK) nearly 4,000% gain over the past year highlights the possibilities.
Investors who want to maximize their returns in this industry shouldn't focus on yesterday's winners. They should set their sights on smaller companies operating in the industry and gaining market share. These three millionaire-maker artificial intelligence stocks fit the description nicely.
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Cipher Digital
Cipher Digital (NASDAQ: CIFR) is a neocloud provider that offers AI capacity to tech giants. It signs long-term deals with tenants that secure high cash flow for years to come, and demand for Cipher Digital's services continues to surge.
The company announced that it had signed a third deal with a hyperscaler tenant for one of its AI data center campuses. Meanwhile, the company continues to build more AI data centers to serve more customers.
Cipher Digital has more than four gigawatts in its pipeline, and that AI capacity can become quite lucrative when it's all online. Amazon agreed to a 15-year deal with Cipher Digital for AI capacity on Amazon Web Services. That deal includes 300 megawatts of capacity for $5.5 billion, or approximately $367 million per year.
Cipher Digital can support more than 10 deals just like that one after its AI data centers are fully built. That long-term thesis keeps many investors hooked, even as the company raises substantial capital to build its facilities. Notably, Cipher Digital has a lower-cost business model than other neocloud providers such as Iren and Nebius. Cipher Digital provides the facilities, but hyperscalers are responsible for bringing their own AI chips, which reduces Cipher Digital's operating expenses.
Silicon Motion Technology
Silicon Motion Technology (NASDAQ: SIMO) benefits from the same tailwinds as Sandisk. It's a memory play that specializes in NAND flash controllers, while Sandisk makes most of its money from NAND flash chips. The stock has already more than tripled year to date, but its fundamental strength and guidance suggest it is still overlooked.
The company showed some momentum in its Q4 2025 results. Sales increased by 15% sequentially, and the company guided for up to $306 million in Q1 revenue.
Then, Q1 results arrived, and they shattered expectations. Silicon Motion Technology delivered $342.1 million in Q1 revenue, which represented 23% sequential growth. This took place during what is normally the company's slowest quarter, as AI infrastructure demands continue to benefit companies with exposure to memory chips.
Revenue more than doubled year-over-year, and Silicon Motion Technology expects that trend to continue in Q2. The high end of guidance implies 107% year-over-year sales growth.
Sterling Infrastructure
AI data centers can create exciting business opportunities, but companies must build those data centers first. Sterling Infrastructure (NASDAQ: STRL) is one of the construction companies that is leading the charge.
Its E-Infrastructure solutions cater to businesses looking to build AI data centers, which is the main reason the stock has taken off. Shares have more than doubled year-to-date and have surged by almost 3,000% over the past five years.
The fundamentals back up the recent rise. Sterling Infrastructure posted 92% year-over-year revenue growth in the first quarter. E-Infrastructure sales more than doubled year over year, with a recent acquisition contributing to the growth.
Sterling Infrastructure already has a steady stream of customers, but it also acquires smaller construction companies to expand its footprint. For instance, the company recently acquired Stone Ridge Contracting to gain market share in the Pacific Northwest for its E-Infrastructure solutions.
Smart deals like these position Sterling Infrastructure as a vital part of the AI boom. While AI chips and memory solutions capture the most headlines, construction services are just as important for the build-out. Sterling Infrastructure has positioned itself as a long-term winner.
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Marc Guberti has positions in Cipher Mining, Iren, and Silicon Motion Technology. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Sterling Infrastructure. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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