Buy 5 Building Sector Shares Poised to Surge Amid AI-Driven Data Center Expansion

AI Data Centers Fuel Construction Sector Growth

The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked unprecedented expansion in the data center industry. Robust demand for facilities capable of handling massive volumes of cloud-based information is driving this surge, making the sector increasingly resilient.

According to Dell'Oro, global spending on data center infrastructure is projected to hit $1.7 trillion by 2030, largely due to aggressive investments from major tech companies. McKinsey estimates that between $5.2 trillion and $6.7 trillion in capital will be needed by 2030 to support the development of AI-focused data centers.

Top Construction Companies Poised to Benefit

We have identified five construction firms that stand to gain significantly from the AI-driven data center boom:

• MasTec Inc.
• EMCOR Group Inc.
• AECOM
• Jacobs Solutions Inc.
• Sterling Infrastructure Inc.

All five companies currently hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The following chart illustrates the year-to-date stock performance of these companies.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

MasTec Inc.

MasTec specializes in infrastructure construction, offering engineering, installation, maintenance, and upgrades for communications, energy, utilities, and other sectors across the U.S. and Canada.

MTZ is at the forefront of the expanding energy sector, supporting the growing needs of AI, domestic manufacturing, and more. The company is a key player in the surge of AI-enabled data centers.

As a leader in wireless network design, construction, and maintenance, MTZ ensures high-speed connectivity, which is crucial as AI-powered devices become more prevalent in both business and home environments.

MasTec operates through four divisions: Communications (wireless and fiber infrastructure), Power Delivery (utility transmission and distribution), Pipeline Infrastructure (natural gas pipelines), and Clean Energy & Infrastructure (renewable energy and industrial projects).

The convergence of AI, electrification, and domestic manufacturing is driving simultaneous growth across MasTec’s portfolio, aligning with major infrastructure investment trends.

For the current year, MasTec anticipates revenue growth of 9.2% and earnings growth of 29.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has risen by 1.5% over the past week.

EMCOR Group Inc.

EMCOR Group delivers essential infrastructure solutions for AI-driven data centers, including electrical systems, mechanical and cooling installations, and fire safety measures.

EME is experiencing strong momentum in the rapidly expanding data center construction market, which is boosting its backlog and performance obligations. The company leverages its expertise to handle complex projects with diverse requirements.

By focusing on operational excellence and disciplined project management, EME is well-positioned to seize new opportunities. Growing demand across regions is leading to steady project wins and a more predictable pipeline of future work.

The increasing volume of data center projects is expected to sustain EMCOR’s order book and revenue outlook, supporting consistent performance into 2026.

EMCOR Group forecasts revenue growth of 5.4% and earnings growth of 8.6% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has increased by 0.01% in the past 60 days.

AECOM

AECOM continues to see strong demand in transportation, water, environmental, energy, and advanced facilities, bolstered by government infrastructure initiatives and opportunities in the Middle East that enhance revenue visibility.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, ACM emphasized its investments in AI, digital delivery, and technology-driven engineering, which are increasingly valued by clients seeking improved asset design, efficiency, and resilience.

These capabilities have led to major project wins, such as large-scale water and transportation programs, where ACM combines technical expertise, advisory services, and innovative solutions to deliver tangible benefits. ACM also supports next-generation computing, including AI and high-performance computing, with scalable cooling systems.

AECOM expects revenue growth of 4.8% and earnings growth of 13.5% for the current fiscal year ending September 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has improved by 5.4% in the last month.

Jacobs Solutions Inc.

Jacobs Solutions reported a record backlog of $26.3 billion last quarter, with exposure to long-term infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and digital consulting. The company benefits from increasing demand for high-margin digital and advisory services via PA Consulting, enhancing earnings quality and diversifying its business.

Strong cash flow and shareholder returns further strengthen Jacobs’ financial position. The first quarter of fiscal 2026 was driven by life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and critical infrastructure, with significant wins in storm surge protection, airport upgrades, and AI-focused data center projects.

These sectors are supported by sustained public funding and private investment, positioning Jacobs for multi-cycle growth rather than short-term fluctuations.

Jacobs Solutions projects revenue growth of 9.4% and earnings growth of 16.5% for the current fiscal year ending September 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has increased by 1.6% in the past 30 days.

Sterling Infrastructure Inc.

Sterling Infrastructure operates in E-Infrastructure, Building, and Transportation Solutions, mainly across the Southern, Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountain States, California, and Hawaii.

STRL is recognized for constructing advanced data centers, e-commerce distribution hubs, and manufacturing facilities, and is a leading provider of high-density, AI-enabled data centers. The company is a prominent beneficiary of the AI data center boom.

E-Infrastructure Solutions focus on large-scale site development for data centers, distribution centers, warehousing, transportation, and energy projects.

Building Solutions include residential and commercial concrete foundations, parking structures, elevated slabs, and other concrete works. Transportation Solutions cover infrastructure and rehabilitation for highways, bridges, airports, ports, rail, water, wastewater, and storm drainage systems.

Sterling Infrastructure expects revenue growth of 18.8% and earnings growth of 17.2% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has risen by 0.3% in the past week.

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