Three Lesser-Known AI Infrastructure Stocks Driving the Upcoming Expansion
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy BKH?
Source: Marketbeat
AI Investment Trends: The focus in AI investment is shifting from major tech companies to the supporting businesses that provide essential resources like land, power, and infrastructure for data centers, indicating a broader understanding of the AI ecosystem.
Prologis and Gladsone Land: Prologis is positioned to become a significant player in the data center market due to its extensive land and power resources, while Gladstone Land Corporation is leveraging its agricultural land investments to benefit from the AI economy.
Black Hills Corporation: Black Hills Corporation is highlighted for its potential in the data center space, particularly in regions like Wyoming, where land and electricity costs are favorable for data center operations.
Market Outlook: Investors are encouraged to consider these infrastructure-related stocks as they may offer substantial returns, especially as the demand for data centers continues to grow in the AI sector.
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Analyst Views on BKH
Wall Street analysts forecast BKH stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 76.070
Low
72.00
Averages
81.00
High
87.00
Current: 76.070
Low
72.00
Averages
81.00
High
87.00
About BKH
Black Hills Corporation is a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company. It serves 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Its segments include Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. Its Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 225,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Its Electric Utilities own 1,394 megawatts of generation and 9,196 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. Its Gas Utilities segment serves over 1,128,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Its Gas Utilities own and operate 4,648 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines and 44,524 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines, seven natural gas storage sites, over 50,000 horsepower of compression, and 516 miles of gathering lines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Utility Stocks Poised for New Growth Opportunities
- New Revenue Catalyst: Utility companies are experiencing a new revenue source driven by increasing energy and resource demands from data centers, which could not only boost stock prices but also maintain or even grow dividend payouts, enhancing investor confidence.
- Infrastructure Investment: American Electric Power plans to invest $72 billion in infrastructure over the next five years to support its operations and capitalize on the growth of the data center market, which is projected to rise from approximately $300 billion in 2026 to around $699 billion by 2034.
- Strategic Merger: The merger between American Water Works and Essential Utilities will enable the combined entity to meet the demand for water and cooling solutions from data centers, with expectations that the new entity will continue to follow American Water's dividend growth targets, further enhancing market competitiveness.
- M&A Potential: Black Hills is planning a merger with NorthWestern Energy Group, which, if approved, will create Bright Horizon Energy, expected to continue paying dividends with a current yield of 3.7%, the highest among the three highlighted companies, indicating strong cash flow and investment appeal.
See More
Utility Companies Embrace New Revenue Growth Catalyst
- Revenue Growth Potential: Utility companies have traditionally faced revenue growth constraints due to regulated pricing structures; however, the increasing demand from data centers is changing this dynamic, which is expected to drive sales growth and enhance stock prices.
- Infrastructure Investment: American Electric Power plans to invest $72 billion in infrastructure over the next five years to support its operations and capitalize on the growth opportunities in the data center market, with the global data center market projected to grow from $300 billion in 2026 to $699 billion by 2034.
- Strategic Merger: The merger between American Water Works and Essential Utilities will enable the company to meet the demand for water and cooling solutions from data centers, further strengthening its market position in the utility sector while maintaining a 2.5% dividend yield.
- M&A Outlook: Black Hills' planned merger with NorthWestern Energy Group, if approved, will create Bright Horizon Energy, which is expected to continue paying a 3.7% dividend, further solidifying its competitive position in the electricity and natural gas markets.
See More
High Dividend Opportunities in AI Stocks
- Qualcomm's AI Strategy: Qualcomm (QCOM) is positioning its Snapdragon mobile processors to enable AI capabilities in smartphones and laptops, with only 11% of U.S. smartphone users currently upgrading for AI features; however, as market demand grows, this will enhance Qualcomm's penetration into the data center processor space, supporting its streak of 23 consecutive years of dividend growth.
- Oracle's Capital Expenditure: Oracle (ORCL) plans to spend $50 billion on capital expenditures in 2023, and despite its stock being down over 50% from its September peak, it expects annual revenue to grow from $67 billion to $225 billion by fiscal 2030, primarily driven by its AI cloud infrastructure, indicating strong future dividend growth potential.
- Black Hills' Dividend Potential: Black Hills (BKH), a utility company with a market cap just over $5 billion, currently boasts a forward-looking dividend yield near 4%, and its strategic geographic presence allows it to meet the rising electricity demand from AI data centers, likely extending its 56-year streak of uninterrupted annual dividend increases.
- Industry Consolidation Outlook: The upcoming merger between Black Hills and rival NorthWestern Energy is not expected to alter the investment thesis but may enhance fiscal efficiency through scale, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the growing AI-driven electricity demand market.
See More
Black Hills Corp and NorthWestern Energy Merger Approved by Shareholders
- Shareholder Approval: Black Hills Corp and NorthWestern Energy received shareholder approval at their Special Shareholder Meetings, marking a significant milestone toward their planned merger into Bright Horizon Energy Corporation in the second half of 2026, which is expected to enhance market competitiveness and financial strength.
- Strategic Importance of Merger: CEO Linn Evans of Black Hills Corp stated that the merger will increase scale and growth opportunities, thereby providing safer, more reliable, and affordable energy services, further solidifying their market position across eight states.
- Pending Regulatory Approvals: While shareholder approval has been secured, the merger still requires federal and state regulatory approvals, including Hart-Scott-Rodino and FERC reviews, which may impact the timeline and execution of the merger.
- Value for Customers and Communities: NorthWestern Energy CEO Brian Bird emphasized that the merger will combine two complementary utilities, expected to deliver long-term value to customers, shareholders, and the communities served, further promoting sustainable development.
See More
Think Investments Acquires Stake in Black Hills Corporation
- New Investment Position: Think Investments initiated a new position in Black Hills Corporation (BKH) by acquiring 537,637 shares in Q4 2026, resulting in a stake value increase of $37.32 million at quarter-end, reflecting confidence in the company's growth potential.
- Asset Allocation Significance: This acquisition accounts for 4.16% of Think Investments' reportable AUM in the 13F filing, indicating the growing importance of Black Hills within the fund's investment strategy.
- Performance Metrics: Black Hills reported GAAP earnings of $3.98 per share and adjusted earnings of $4.10 per share for 2025, aligning with management's guidance midpoint, supported by customer growth and new rate recovery, with 2026 earnings guidance set at $4.25 to $4.45 per share.
- Consistent Dividend Record: The company has increased its dividend for the 56th consecutive year, maintaining one of the longest payout streaks in the utility sector, appealing to long-term investors seeking stable cash flow and predictable earnings growth.
See More
Investor Rights Law Firm Investigates Multiple Companies
- Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the merger between Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) and NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., where Black Hills shareholders will own approximately 56% of the combined entity upon completion, potentially impacting shareholder rights and future returns.
- Cash Acquisition Analysis: Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CWAN) is being sold to Permira and Warburg Pincus for $24.55 per share in cash, a transaction that may not fully reflect the company's true value, prompting Halper Sadeh LLC to seek increased consideration to protect shareholder interests.
- Legal Rights Reminder: European Wax Center, Inc. (NASDAQ: EWCZ) is being sold to General Atlantic for $5.80 per share in cash, with Halper Sadeh LLC urging shareholders to understand their legal rights and options to ensure fair treatment in the transaction.
- Investor Protection Advocacy: Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors globally, focusing on combating securities fraud and corporate misconduct, having successfully recovered millions of dollars for defrauded investors, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding investor rights.
See More
Utility Stocks Poised for New Growth Opportunities
- New Revenue Catalyst: Utility companies are experiencing a new revenue source driven by increasing energy and resource demands from data centers, which could not only boost stock prices but also maintain or even grow dividend payouts, enhancing investor confidence.
- Infrastructure Investment: American Electric Power plans to invest $72 billion in infrastructure over the next five years to support its operations and capitalize on the growth of the data center market, which is projected to rise from approximately $300 billion in 2026 to around $699 billion by 2034.
- Strategic Merger: The merger between American Water Works and Essential Utilities will enable the combined entity to meet the demand for water and cooling solutions from data centers, with expectations that the new entity will continue to follow American Water's dividend growth targets, further enhancing market competitiveness.
- M&A Potential: Black Hills is planning a merger with NorthWestern Energy Group, which, if approved, will create Bright Horizon Energy, expected to continue paying dividends with a current yield of 3.7%, the highest among the three highlighted companies, indicating strong cash flow and investment appeal.
See More
Utility Companies Embrace New Revenue Growth Catalyst
- Revenue Growth Potential: Utility companies have traditionally faced revenue growth constraints due to regulated pricing structures; however, the increasing demand from data centers is changing this dynamic, which is expected to drive sales growth and enhance stock prices.
- Infrastructure Investment: American Electric Power plans to invest $72 billion in infrastructure over the next five years to support its operations and capitalize on the growth opportunities in the data center market, with the global data center market projected to grow from $300 billion in 2026 to $699 billion by 2034.
- Strategic Merger: The merger between American Water Works and Essential Utilities will enable the company to meet the demand for water and cooling solutions from data centers, further strengthening its market position in the utility sector while maintaining a 2.5% dividend yield.
- M&A Outlook: Black Hills' planned merger with NorthWestern Energy Group, if approved, will create Bright Horizon Energy, which is expected to continue paying a 3.7% dividend, further solidifying its competitive position in the electricity and natural gas markets.
See More
High Dividend Opportunities in AI Stocks
- Qualcomm's AI Strategy: Qualcomm (QCOM) is positioning its Snapdragon mobile processors to enable AI capabilities in smartphones and laptops, with only 11% of U.S. smartphone users currently upgrading for AI features; however, as market demand grows, this will enhance Qualcomm's penetration into the data center processor space, supporting its streak of 23 consecutive years of dividend growth.
- Oracle's Capital Expenditure: Oracle (ORCL) plans to spend $50 billion on capital expenditures in 2023, and despite its stock being down over 50% from its September peak, it expects annual revenue to grow from $67 billion to $225 billion by fiscal 2030, primarily driven by its AI cloud infrastructure, indicating strong future dividend growth potential.
- Black Hills' Dividend Potential: Black Hills (BKH), a utility company with a market cap just over $5 billion, currently boasts a forward-looking dividend yield near 4%, and its strategic geographic presence allows it to meet the rising electricity demand from AI data centers, likely extending its 56-year streak of uninterrupted annual dividend increases.
- Industry Consolidation Outlook: The upcoming merger between Black Hills and rival NorthWestern Energy is not expected to alter the investment thesis but may enhance fiscal efficiency through scale, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the growing AI-driven electricity demand market.
See More
Black Hills Corp and NorthWestern Energy Merger Approved by Shareholders
- Shareholder Approval: Black Hills Corp and NorthWestern Energy received shareholder approval at their Special Shareholder Meetings, marking a significant milestone toward their planned merger into Bright Horizon Energy Corporation in the second half of 2026, which is expected to enhance market competitiveness and financial strength.
- Strategic Importance of Merger: CEO Linn Evans of Black Hills Corp stated that the merger will increase scale and growth opportunities, thereby providing safer, more reliable, and affordable energy services, further solidifying their market position across eight states.
- Pending Regulatory Approvals: While shareholder approval has been secured, the merger still requires federal and state regulatory approvals, including Hart-Scott-Rodino and FERC reviews, which may impact the timeline and execution of the merger.
- Value for Customers and Communities: NorthWestern Energy CEO Brian Bird emphasized that the merger will combine two complementary utilities, expected to deliver long-term value to customers, shareholders, and the communities served, further promoting sustainable development.
See More
Think Investments Acquires Stake in Black Hills Corporation
- New Investment Position: Think Investments initiated a new position in Black Hills Corporation (BKH) by acquiring 537,637 shares in Q4 2026, resulting in a stake value increase of $37.32 million at quarter-end, reflecting confidence in the company's growth potential.
- Asset Allocation Significance: This acquisition accounts for 4.16% of Think Investments' reportable AUM in the 13F filing, indicating the growing importance of Black Hills within the fund's investment strategy.
- Performance Metrics: Black Hills reported GAAP earnings of $3.98 per share and adjusted earnings of $4.10 per share for 2025, aligning with management's guidance midpoint, supported by customer growth and new rate recovery, with 2026 earnings guidance set at $4.25 to $4.45 per share.
- Consistent Dividend Record: The company has increased its dividend for the 56th consecutive year, maintaining one of the longest payout streaks in the utility sector, appealing to long-term investors seeking stable cash flow and predictable earnings growth.
See More
Investor Rights Law Firm Investigates Multiple Companies
- Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the merger between Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) and NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., where Black Hills shareholders will own approximately 56% of the combined entity upon completion, potentially impacting shareholder rights and future returns.
- Cash Acquisition Analysis: Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CWAN) is being sold to Permira and Warburg Pincus for $24.55 per share in cash, a transaction that may not fully reflect the company's true value, prompting Halper Sadeh LLC to seek increased consideration to protect shareholder interests.
- Legal Rights Reminder: European Wax Center, Inc. (NASDAQ: EWCZ) is being sold to General Atlantic for $5.80 per share in cash, with Halper Sadeh LLC urging shareholders to understand their legal rights and options to ensure fair treatment in the transaction.
- Investor Protection Advocacy: Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors globally, focusing on combating securities fraud and corporate misconduct, having successfully recovered millions of dollars for defrauded investors, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding investor rights.
See More
