Missed Nvidia? 3 Picks-and-Shovels AI Stocks I’d Buy Instead

Three Canadian AI plays could offer income, growth, and hardware upside without paying NVIDIA-level prices.

Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks continue to be some of the most popular options for investors these days. We’ve all seen the benefits of AI in our daily lives, and that goes far beyond ChatGPT. It’s clear why a stock like NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) has been so popular and surged to become one of the largest stocks in the world.

Yet if you’re worried that you’ve missed the boat on AI stocks, there are still amazing options out there. In fact, some are still undervalued! So today, we’re going to look at why investors may instead want to consider these three AI stocks.

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.

Source: Getty Images

BIP.UN

First off, we’re going to look at what makes AI work in the first place, and that’s infrastructure. This is why Canadian option Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (TSX: BIP.UN) is a top choice. It provides you with exposure to AI, plus delivers a dividend yield.

And right now, it’s a great time to buy. During its most recent earnings report, BIP reported funds from operations (FFO) were up 5% year over year to $638 million, or $0.81 per share. This was driven by inflation-linked pricing as well as strong data and midstream performance. Yet more is on the way.

Colonial Pipeline, Hotwire FTTH, and a railcar platform are three growth catalysts to watch. Plus, it holds $1.5 billion in commissioned projects. Of particular interest? Data centres. Yet right now, the AI stock offers a 5.6% dividend yield you can’t get from other AI stocks. It’s therefore a great core investment for those wanting income, AI growth, and lower volatility.

WELL

Then we have an operator in an essential AI space. WELL Health Technologies (TSX: WELL) uses AI in the healthcare space, whether through e-documents or telehealth, it’s an area that’s only going to expand further. A driver of growth we’ve seen time and time again from WELL stock.

During the second quarter, WELL stock reported record results yet again, with revenue up 57% to $356.7 million and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) hitting $49.7 million, up 231%! Management has now increased its guidance for full-year 2025 to the upper half of between $1.4 and $1.45 billion in revenue.

The AI stock is, therefore, a great way to get into an area where AI adoption is only becoming stronger. It also holds a reasonable valuation, trading at just 11.5 times forward earnings per share (EPS). While there isn’t a dividend, the AI stock focuses on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This allows you to continue seeing those record results again and again.

Celestica

Finally, we have Celestica (TSX: CLS), supporting that AI growth through hardware. While there is momentum, investors will be a bit more careful with this one because more momentum means more risk. Still, it’s a strong AI stock that seems to be operating at a solid click.

Most recently, the company’s second-quarter earnings reported a 21% increase in revenue to $2.9 billion and adjusted EPS at $1.39. Management also raised its guidance to $11.6 billion in full-year revenue. All this positive performance does mean one thing, though: it’s on the pricier side, trading up over 400% in the last year alone.

Still, if you want direct exposure to AI stocks, this is the biggest pure play. It gives you the same AI compute cycle as NVIDIA, with guidance for momentum to boot. Though if you’re looking for less risk, it might not be your safest option.

Bottom line

NVIDIA stock is a strong investment showing strong momentum, though for a high share price. Plus, it’s looking like a riskier option. If you want a balanced choice, go with BIP, a cheap stock. WELL is your best bet, or a Canadian momentum AI stock, Celestica offers that up as well. All together, this trio won’t replace NVIDIA, but can certainly help you get into the AI space with a better balance of income, valuation, and risk.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Tech Stocks

Close up of an egg in a nest of twigs on grass with RRSP written on it symbolizing a RRSP contribution.
Dividend Stocks

The RRSP Deadline Is in March: Why Starting in November Gives You the Advantage

Many investors hold stocks like Shopify Inc (TSX:SHOP) in their RRSPs.

Read more »

man studies at computer
Dividend Stocks

Here Are The 3 Canadian Stocks I’d Tell a New Investor to Buy ASAP

Discover strategies for investing in stocks that can help you thrive in a market filled with volatility and uncertainty.

Read more »

Canada Day fireworks over two Adirondack chairs on the wooden dock in Ontario, Canada
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution Before 2026 Is Over

Put your $7,000 TFSA contribution to work before 2026 ends. Explore BMO, CN and Constellation Software for income and long-term…

Read more »

moving into apartment
Tech Stocks

Your TFSA Contribution Room Could Be Larger Than You Think

Shopify Inc (TSX:SHOP) stock has delivered large returns. Those who cashed out TFSA SHOP positions may have more room than…

Read more »

woman relaxes with phone
Dividend Stocks

BCE Cut its Dividend: Has the Stock Become a Better Income Investment?

BCE’s new payment offers income, but cash after spending still has to support the recovery.

Read more »

A chip in a circuit board says "AI"
Tech Stocks

Celestica Stock: Is AI Growth Worth the Risk in a Retirement Portfolio?

Celestica offers retirement growth potential, with a cash-flow trade-off that deserves more attention than sales alone.

Read more »

A person's hand cupped open with a hologram of an AI chatbot above saying Hi, can I help you
Tech Stocks

CGI vs. OpenText: Which Canadian Tech Stock Offers the Better Long-Term Case?

CGI gets my long-term preference, while OpenText offers a recovery case that still needs stronger sales.

Read more »

young adult uses credit card to shop online
Tech Stocks

Is Shopify Stock Too Expensive? A Great Quarter Meets a Sky-High Valuation

Shopify's latest quarter was impressive, but its expensive valuation could make investors think twice before buying.

Read more »