Meta Microsoft secure $46B AI cloud deals as AMD Apple grow

Key Takeaways

• Nebius Group secured major AI cloud deals worth up to $46 billion with Meta Platforms and Microsoft for dedicated GPU infrastructure.
• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Apple are identified as strong AI growth stocks, with AMD's Instinct GPUs and Apple's AI software monetization potential.
• Snowflake and Palantir Technologies offer growth opportunities in AI software, with Snowflake integrating AI into its data platform and Palantir expanding its market.
• Investor demand for OpenAI shares is declining in the secondary market, with a preference for competitor Anthropic, which raised $7.3 billion from Amazon.
• Foundational AI startups raised $178 billion in Q1 2026, doubling 2025's total, with OpenAI securing $10 billion and Anthropic $7.8 billion.
• The U.S. attracted 73% of global AI investment in 2025, dominating venture capital funding in the sector.
• OpenAI's $852 billion valuation has generated significant investor returns, including Microsoft's $215.3 billion in unrealized gains.
• Dell, Vertiv, Nvidia, Digital Realty, and Credo Technology are key beneficiaries of the massive AI infrastructure spending.
• Jack Dorsey suggests AI should replace middle managers, citing its capability for information routing and coordination.
• The Solana blockchain is becoming a key platform for AI agent transactions, handling an estimated 65% of agentic on-chain payments.

Dell, Nebius, Vertiv: Top AI Infrastructure Stocks to Buy

Dell, Nebius Group, and Vertiv are highlighted as strong AI infrastructure stocks to consider. Dell has a large backlog of AI server orders and a low stock price relative to its earnings. Nebius Group is experiencing rapid growth in its AI cloud platforms due to high demand for GPU compute power. Vertiv is benefiting from the essential need for cooling and power management in AI data centers, with a significant increase in orders and backlog.

AMD and Apple: AI Stocks to Buy for Growth

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Apple are recommended as AI stocks with strong growth potential. AMD's data center business, driven by its Instinct GPUs and Epyc CPUs, is seeing significant adoption by major AI companies. Apple, despite being seen as behind in generative AI smartphones, has a massive device base and a significant opportunity in AI software monetization. Analysts expect strong earnings growth for both companies.

AMD and Apple: Top AI Stocks for Investors

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Apple are identified as key AI stocks for investors. AMD's earnings are expected to grow significantly due to its strong position in AI chips, with its Instinct GPUs and Epyc processors being adopted by major tech companies. Apple, while facing competition in AI smartphones, has a vast installed base of devices and a substantial opportunity in AI software services. Both companies are poised for future growth in the AI sector.

Snowflake and Palantir: AI Stocks to Buy After Sell-Off

Snowflake and Palantir Technologies are highlighted as AI stocks that have experienced a sell-off but offer strong growth potential. Snowflake's cloud data platform is increasingly incorporating AI solutions, leading to strong adoption of its AI products and growing revenue. Palantir operates in the rapidly growing AI software market, with solid customer growth and contract expansion driving its performance. Both companies are seen as good buying opportunities before a potential market rebound.

Nebius Group Secures $46 Billion in AI Cloud Deals

Nebius Group has signed major AI cloud deals worth up to $46 billion with Meta Platforms and Microsoft. These long-term contracts for dedicated GPU infrastructure capacity are expected to significantly accelerate Nebius' growth. The company is rapidly expanding its data center capacity to meet the demand. Analysts forecast massive revenue growth for Nebius, suggesting significant potential returns for investors.

Nvidia, Digital Realty, Credo Technology: Top AI Spending Stocks

Nvidia, Digital Realty Trust, and Credo Technology Group are identified as key stocks benefiting from the massive AI infrastructure spending. Nvidia is a primary beneficiary of AI buildout with its processors, despite recent stock pullbacks. Digital Realty provides essential data centers and connectivity services for AI operations, with a strong backlog of bookings. Credo Technology is experiencing rapid revenue growth, tripling year over year in its latest quarter.

OpenAI Shares Decline in Secondary Market Amidst Anthropic Competition

OpenAI's shares are facing reduced demand in the secondary market, with investors showing more interest in its competitor, Anthropic. Several institutional investors have withdrawn from deals to buy OpenAI shares, and its valuation has been cut significantly. This shift is attributed to Anthropic's conservative approach to AI safety and its successful fundraising efforts, including a $7.3 billion round from Amazon. The competition between the two AI giants is intensifying.

Investors Favor Anthropic Over OpenAI in Secondary Market

OpenAI shares are becoming difficult to sell on the secondary market as investors increasingly favor its competitor, Anthropic. Demand for OpenAI shares has dropped significantly, with buyers indicating strong interest in Anthropic, which has a lower valuation and is seen as a better risk-reward. While both companies are preparing for potential IPOs, Anthropic's focus on safety and its strong enterprise client base are appealing to investors. OpenAI faces challenges with high operating costs and slower enterprise client acquisition.

Foundational AI Startups Raise Double Q1 Funding Compared to All of 2025

Venture funding for foundational AI startups has doubled in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the entire previous year, reaching $178 billion. OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI received the largest funding rounds, with OpenAI raising $10 billion and Anthropic securing $7.8 billion. This surge in investment highlights the growing concentration of capital in a few major AI players. While no foundational AI model companies are public yet, OpenAI and Anthropic are preparing for potential IPOs.

AI Investment Concentrates in US, Dominating Global Venture Capital

Global venture funding has become highly concentrated in the U.S., primarily driven by artificial intelligence investments. U.S. AI firms attracted 73% of global AI investment in 2025, representing over half of all venture funding. This concentration is due to the immense infrastructure demands of AI development, such as data centers and specialized chips, which are more readily available in the U.S. Many international AI startups struggle to compete with the scale and funding of U.S. counterparts.

AI and Rising Tuition Question College Value

The increasing impact of artificial intelligence on job prospects and rising college tuition costs are raising questions about the value of a college education. AI is reshaping the job market, potentially altering the return on investment for traditional degrees. This evolving landscape prompts a reevaluation of higher education's role and its financial viability for future graduates.

Jack Dorsey: AI Should Replace Middle Managers After Block Layoffs

Jack Dorsey believes AI should replace middle managers, following Block's restructuring that cut approximately 4,000 jobs. He argues that AI tools can now handle the information routing and coordination previously done by managers. Dorsey proposes using AI-driven 'world models' to manage company operations and product development, leading to a leaner organizational structure with individual contributors, directly responsible individuals, and player-coaches.

Truist Cautious on Corning Despite AI and Cloud Spending Growth

Truist has initiated coverage of Corning Incorporated with a 'Hold' rating and a $125 price target, expressing caution despite strong AI and cloud spending tailwinds. While acknowledging Corning's potential to benefit from increased demand for optical fiber in data centers, Truist cited risks in the optical communications segment and volatility in the automotive market. The price target suggests limited upside potential, indicating that current growth expectations may already be factored into the stock price.

AI Storytelling Startup Wrtn Aims for $100 Million in Sales

Wrtn Technologies, an AI storytelling startup based in Seoul, is on track to generate $100 million in annual sales. The company currently earns over $8 million per month from its AI tools that assist users with writing tasks like marketing copy and social media posts. Wrtn's success highlights the potential for specialized AI consumer applications, focusing on user-friendly interfaces and specific use cases to achieve significant market traction.

Honeywell and Rhombus Launch AI-Powered Security Platform

Honeywell has partnered with Rhombus to introduce a new AI-powered security platform. This collaboration integrates Rhombus's cloud-based video management system with Honeywell's security solutions. The new platform will leverage artificial intelligence for advanced features like real-time threat detection and automated incident reporting. This move enhances Honeywell's offerings in cloud-connected security and access solutions, aiming to improve operational efficiency and security for customers.

Solana Blockchain Benefits from AI Agent Transactions

The Solana blockchain is emerging as a key platform for AI agent transactions due to its speed and low fees. AI agents are increasingly using Solana for autonomous commerce, with an estimated 65% of agentic on-chain payments occurring on the network. This activity burns Solana tokens, potentially impacting supply and demand. The agentic commerce market is projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2030, positioning Solana as a significant player in this growing space.

OpenAI's $852 Billion Valuation Creates Massive Investor Returns

OpenAI's current valuation of $852 billion has resulted in extraordinary returns for its investors. The OpenAI Foundation holds a stake worth $219.8 billion with zero cost basis. Microsoft has seen a 17.6x return on its investment, generating $215.3 billion in unrealized gains. Early angel investors have achieved a 140x return on their initial investments, highlighting the immense wealth creation in the AI sector.

Sources

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