Neo-Cloud & AI Infrastructure Stocks Under the Spotlight

 

How CoreWeave, Nebius, Core Scientific, and Applied Digital Are Positioned for the AI Computing Revolution

The rise of generative AI and large-scale machine learning has sparked a new wave of demand for dedicated computing infrastructure. Companies beyond traditional hyperscale clouds are racing to provide GPU-native cloud services, high-performance data centers, and energy-efficient compute capacity to meet this demand. Below are four notable names in this emerging space—CoreWeave, Nebius Group, Core Scientific, and Applied Digital—each with distinct business models and growth prospects.



1. CoreWeave (NASDAQ: CRWV) – AI-Native Cloud Leader

Company Overview

CoreWeave is a US-based AI cloud infrastructure company that specializes in providing GPU-accelerated compute resources for AI development and high-performance computing. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in New Jersey, it has rapidly expanded its footprint across the United States and Europe with data centers optimized for AI workloads. The company went public in March 2025, capturing investor attention as a pure play on AI compute demand. 

CoreWeave supports large enterprise customers and AI labs by offering cloud services tailored to massive GPU workloads that traditional cloud providers often cannot provide at scale.

Valuation & Analyst Targets

  • Consensus 12-month price target: ~$126 average based on Wall Street analysts, suggesting ~64% upside potential.

  • Range: Low target ~$68 to high target ~$180.

  • Analyst view: Consensus rating leans toward Moderate Buy, reflecting strong growth expectations alongside execution and concentration risks. 

Outlook

CoreWeave has secured multi-billion-dollar contracts with major AI players, including a long-term agreement with OpenAI, and has expanded its data center capacity aggressively. However, high capital requirements and reliance on a concentrated customer base (e.g., Microsoft and OpenAI) create volatility and execution risk. 

2. Nebius Group (NASDAQ: NBIS) – Global AI Infrastructure Builder

Company Overview

Nebius is a Dutch technology company focused on building full-stack AI infrastructure. It operates GPU clusters and data centers across Europe and the United States and offers cloud services, storage, and developer tools for AI workloads. Rooted in a spin-off from Yandex, Nebius combines infrastructure with software services and strategic stakes in emerging tech assets. 

The company’s broad geographic footprint and diversified offerings set it apart from some peers that focus primarily on raw compute. Nebius has also secured significant contracts with hyperscale tech companies to supply AI computing capacity. 

Valuation & Analyst Targets

  • Current price: ~$108.73

  • Consensus 12-month average price target: ~$150–158, with a high estimate near $211 and a low estimate near $126.

  • Analyst rating: Predominantly Buy or Strong Buy, reflecting confidence in growth prospects. 

Outlook

Nebius has landed multi-billion-dollar AI infrastructure agreements with major tech firms, including a multi-year, ~$17.4 billion contract with Microsoft. While quarterly results show rapid revenue growth and ongoing net losses, the strategic partnerships and global expansion plan position Nebius for substantial scaling in a market hungry for AI compute. 

3. Core Scientific (NASDAQ: CORZ) – Infrastructure Pivot from Mining to AI

Company Overview

Core Scientific is one of North America’s largest owners and operators of digital infrastructure originally focused on bitcoin mining. In recent years, it has pivoted much of its footprint into hosting AI and high-performance computing workloads, particularly by partnering with CoreWeave for GPU computing deployment. The company operates multiple data centers across the U.S. and has substantial power capacity, which is essential for scaling compute-intensive AI tasks. 

Historically, hosting agreements with cloud computing players have become a core revenue driver, supplementing its bitcoin mining operations.

Valuation & Analyst Targets

  • Analyst price targets for Core Scientific are less widely published, but community-level discussion suggests a range around $30–$35 per share, reflecting a valuation tied to contracted AI hosting revenue rather than pure mining operations. 

Outlook

Core Scientific’s recent long-term contracts to host high-performance computing infrastructure for CoreWeave point to a revenue stream that may reach billions over multi-year terms. However, legacy mining exposure and dependence on single large contracts introduce execution risk. 

4. Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD) – AI & HPC Data Center Operator

Company Overview

Applied Digital operates digital infrastructure and data center solutions focused on artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), and cloud hosting. Originally serving crypto mining clients, the company repositioned itself to support AI workloads, offering scalable and energy-efficient data centers across North America. It hosts large-scale GPU infrastructure for clients including CoreWeave under long-term lease agreements. 

The company has leveraged multi-gigawatt power capacity at sites like Ellendale, North Dakota, to build out infrastructure that supports future AI compute expansion.

Valuation & Analyst Targets

  • Consensus 12-month price target: Approximately $56.20 based on a weighted average of recent analysts’ forecasts, implying ~50% upside from recent prices.

  • Target range: Analysts’ low estimates around $36 and high estimates near $99 reflect differing views on growth trajectory and execution.

  • Market cap ~ $10.5 billion with negative earnings per share in recent periods, reflecting ongoing capital investment and a shift toward AI hosting. 

Outlook

Applied Digital’s growth narrative is driven by strong demand for AI data center capacity and expanding long-term lease revenue streams. Strong revenue beats and major lease expansions have lifted shares significantly in 2025 and 2026, but profitability remains tied to ramping new facilities and securing additional high-value contracts. 


📪Final Thoughts

The AI infrastructure segment is rapidly evolving, with traditional and emerging players carving out unique roles:

  • CoreWeave and Nebius are at the forefront of GPU-driven AI cloud services, capturing much of the compute demand from AI developers and hyperscalers alike.

  • Core Scientific represents a transitional player moving from legacy mining into AI compute hosting.

  • Applied Digital is building scalable facilities to host next-generation workloads, with strong revenue backing from long-term contracts.

Each company’s valuation and target price reflect not only current revenues but future growth expectations tied to the AI compute demand explosion. As this market continues to expand, investors closely watch contractual wins, data center deployments, and energy optimization strategies as key performance indicators.

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