Elon Musk's SpaceX is heavily investing in natural gas infrastructure for its xAI data centers and Starship rocket fuel production, signaling that natural gas will remain integral to the economy during the energy transition. This trend is benefiting equipment manufacturers and engineering contractors, particularly GE Vernova and Argan, which are experiencing surging backlogs and strong order momentum.

The article highlights eight dividend-paying stocks with yields up to 8.3% that are expected to increase their payouts soon. These companies have demonstrated strong earnings growth and maintain low payout ratios, suggesting room for dividend increases. The stocks span various sectors including construction, healthcare, aerospace, HVAC, telecommunications, tobacco, investment management, and energy infrastructure.

While investors focus on semiconductor giants like NVIDIA, infrastructure companies supporting AI data center buildout are delivering stronger earnings and better value. Marc Chaikin identifies three stocks—Argan, MasTec, and Quanta Services—that are positioned to benefit from the multi-year expansion of power plants, electrical grids, and construction needed for AI infrastructure.

Argan, a power generation and infrastructure specialist, has nearly doubled in value this year driven by surging demand for electricity to power AI data centers. The company more than doubled its backlog to $2.9 billion in fiscal 2026, with 50% year-over-year revenue growth. Analysts expect the AI infrastructure boom to sustain beyond 2030, positioning Argan for continued strong growth as data center electricity demand is projected to nearly triple by 2030.

Options markets are pricing significant implied moves between 15.92% and 21.71% across 10 stocks reporting this week, spanning AI infrastructure suppliers, nuclear power, cybersecurity, and consumer staples. The largest moves are expected for Netskope (21.71%), Brown-Forman (20.51%), and Planet Labs (18.95%), with major mega-cap companies like Broadcom, CrowdStrike, and Palo Alto Networks also reporting amid continued AI infrastructure demand.

As tech stocks dominate market gains, contrarian investors can capitalize on discounted closed-end funds offering yields up to 11.8%. Three funds—Gabelli Equity Trust (GAB), DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (DSL), and NXG Nextgen Infrastructure Income Fund (NXG)—provide diversified exposure to stocks, bonds, and infrastructure while trading at significant discounts to net asset value.

The article highlights three companies positioned at the intersection of industry and energy sectors that could benefit from rising electricity demand. Navitas Semiconductor makes power-efficient semiconductors for industrial applications; Argan builds power production facilities with a growing backlog; and NuScale Power designs small modular nuclear reactors for industrial clients. All three are positioned to capitalize on increasing electricity needs from AI data centers and industrial operations.

Argan's stock surged 37.98% after reporting stronger-than-expected Q4 earnings with net income jumping 57% to $49 million. The engineering company, which builds power plants for data centers and AI infrastructure, posted a $2.9 billion project backlog and benefits from growing demand for reliable energy infrastructure.

Argan (AGX) stock surged nearly 20% this week after the industrial construction company crushed bottom-line earnings estimates in its Q4 2025 results, posting net income of $49.2 million ($3.47 per share) versus the consensus estimate of $2.13 per share. Though revenue fell short of expectations at $262 million versus the $271 million forecast, the strong earnings performance prompted JPMorgan analyst Michael Fairbanks to upgrade the stock to overweight with a $550 price target. The company is benefiting from increased demand for data center construction to support AI infrastructure.

ARGAN held its general assembly on March 26, 2026, approving a robust 2026 development plan with €165M in secured investments across 8 projects. The company increased its dividend by 5% to €3.45 per share based on excellent 2025 performance, which included 7% growth in rental income to €212M, 13% increase in recurring group profit to €155M, and 7% growth in EPRA NTA to €91.5 per share. The company continues its debt reduction strategy with LTV EPRA ratio declining to 41.1%.

ARGAN held its Combined General Meeting on March 26, 2026, confirming a sustained 2026 development plan with €165 million in secured investments across 8 projects. The company reported excellent 2025 performance including 7% growth in rental income to €212 million, 13% increase in recurring net income to €155 million, and a 7% increase in EPRA NTA to €91.5 per share. Shareholders approved a 5% dividend increase to €3.45 per share and all resolutions supported by the Executive and Supervisory Boards.

Laurence BATLLE, an experienced executive with 30+ years in business and former CEO of RATP Dev and Foncia, has been appointed as an independent member of ARGAN's Supervisory Board effective January 1, 2026, replacing Jean-Claude LE LAN Junior. This appointment helps ARGAN maintain the required one-third independent board members ratio under Middlenext governance code and establishes gender parity on the board. The appointment is provisional and subject to ratification at the March 26, 2026 General Assembly.