Artificial intelligence is fueling one of the biggest infrastructure booms in history, creating unprecedented demand for data centers and the real estate companies that own them.
As tech giants pour hundreds of billions of dollars into AI infrastructure, investors are searching for the best AI data center stocks and REITs positioned to benefit from this long-term growth trend. Better yet, many of these companies also pay attractive dividends, offering investors the opportunity to generate passive income while gaining exposure to one of the market’s fastest-growing industries.
If you’re looking to capitalize on the AI revolution without investing directly in volatile technology stocks, these three data center REITs and infrastructure investments deserve a closer look.
Massive Data Center Growth Ahead
Right now, according to MIT Technology Review, there are about 3,000 data centers across the U.S. Plus, according to a McKinsey report, $5.2 trillion in AI infrastructure investments will be needed by 2030.
McKinsey’s analysis also ‘suggests that demand for AI-ready data center capacity will rise at an average rate of 33 percent a year between 2023 and 2030 (reflecting a trend that is already underway.),’” as reported by BOMA International.
We also have to consider that AI demand isn’t slowing, which increases the need data centers.
Forecasts now place AI’s value between $1.7 and $3.5 trillion by the early 2030s, with the most aggressive estimates topping $7 trillion by 2035. And judging by the surge in corporate investment, the market is moving toward the high end of those projections.
In addition, some of the largest tech companies are sending a clear message that the AI boom is far from over. Just look at recent capex spending.
- Google raised its 2026 capex outlook to $180 to $190 billion
- Microsoft raised its capex outlook to about $190 billion
- Meta raised its capex spending to a range of $125 billion to $145 billion
- Amazon raised its spending for 2026 to $200 billion
For investors, these numbers are impossible to ignore. Even better, analysts at UBS expect global AI capex to hit $571B in 2026, with a runway to $3 trillion by 2030.
That being said, there are three interesting ways to invest in the data center boom and earn yield along the way. That includes:
Digital Realty Trust
With a yield of about 2.53%, the Digital Realty Trust (NYSE: DLR) is a major data center provider that is heavily invested in AI infrastructure. It also just paid a dividend of $1.22 per share on June 30 to shareholders of record as of June 15.
In its most recent quarter, funds from operations (FFO) was $1.96, which beat by a penny. Revenue of $1.64 billion, up 16.3% year over year, beat by $40 million.
“Digital Realty saw a further acceleration in data center demand and our growth trajectory in the first quarter, with record 0–1 megawatt plus interconnection leasing and the largest hyperscale lease in company history, which contributed to double-digit growth in core FFO per share,” said President and CEO Andy Power.
Iron Mountain
With a yield of 2.55%, Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) has been actively expanding its data center business to meet the surging demand from artificial intelligence. It will soon pay a dividend of $0.864 per share on July 3 to shareholders of record as of June 15.
In its most recent quarter, its EPS of 60 cents beat by eight cents. Revenue of $1.94 billion, up 21.3% year over year, beat by $80 million. The company also raised guidance, expecting revenue of $1.965 billion, compared with estimates of $1.92 billion; adjusted FFO per share of $1.40, compared with estimates of $1.37; and adjusted EBITDA of $715 million, compared with estimates of $700.9 million.
Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate ETF
With an expense ratio of 0.49%, the Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA: SRVR) offers exposure to companies that generate a significant amount of their revenue from real estate operations in the data and infrastructure sector. Some of its top holdings include Digital Realty Trust, Equinix, American Tower Corp., Crown Castle, and Iron Mountain, to name just a few.
Why These REITs Stand Out
The AI revolution is still in its early stages, and the companies building the infrastructure behind it could remain among the biggest beneficiaries for years to come.
As hyperscalers continue spending billions to expand their AI capabilities, demand for data centers and the real estate that supports them should only increase. For income-focused investors, that’s an attractive combination of long-term growth potential and reliable dividend income.
Whether you prefer owning industry leaders such as Digital Realty Trust and Iron Mountain or taking a diversified approach with the Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate ETF, these investments offer compelling ways to profit from the AI data center boom while collecting yield along the way.
