Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) are two of the largest companies in the world, each playing a distinct role in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. SpaceX, now an AI application investment, has become a close partner of Nvidia, using its latest-generation Vera Rubin processor architecture exclusively in its new data centers. Nvidia remains the segment's biggest infrastructure play, while SpaceX focuses on AI applications, offering investors exposure to two primary facets of the AI trend.
AI infrastructure spending is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Nvidia projects that global data center capital expenditures will reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030. In 2026 alone, the big five AI hyperscalers are expected to spend nearly $800 billion on capital expenditures. SpaceX, which acquired CEO Elon Musk's company xAI, is also a major spender on AI infrastructure. In the third quarter, revenues from SpaceX's artificial intelligence segment, renamed its "super intelligence" (SI) segment, soared 830% year over year.
A $10,000 investment split evenly between SpaceX and Nvidia today could be worth about $29,000 by 2030. For Nvidia, if total AI spending in 2030 reaches the bottom end of its projection, the business could grow threefold, transforming a $5,000 investment into $15,000. SpaceX's revenue growth is harder to predict, but CEO Elon Musk has projected that the company could have $500 billion to $1 trillion in annual recurring revenue by the end of next year. If SpaceX generates $500 billion in revenue by 2030 and the stock trades at 10 times sales, the company could be valued at $5 trillion, up from around $1.8 trillion today, turning a $5,000 investment into nearly $14,000.
Investors should consider that SpaceX was not among the 10 best stocks identified by The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team. However, the potential for impressive returns from both companies makes them smart buys for investors looking to capitalize on the AI boom.