NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares are pushing higher today.
Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) data centre operator and developer closed yesterday trading for $12.81. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $12.83 apiece, up 0.2%.
For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.3% at this same time.
After sinking over the last three months of 2025, NextDC shares are up 2.4% in 2026, outpacing the 0.1% year to date losses posted by the benchmark index.
And with an eye on the year ahead, EnviroInvest's Elio D'Amato forecasts more outperformance for the ASX AI stock (courtesy of The Bull).
Here's why.
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Should you buy NextDC shares today?
"NextDC develops and operates data centres across Australia," D'Amato said.
Citing the first reason he's bullish on the ASX 200 stock, he noted:
Net revenue of $189.2 million in the first half of fiscal year 2026 rose 13% on the prior corresponding period. Underlying EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation] of $9.9 million was up 9%.
D'Amato's buy recommendation on NextDC shares also hinges on the company's environmentally friendly and efficient energy production.
According to D'Amato:
NXT sources renewable energy for its facilities and designs highly efficient cooling systems, reducing carbon intensity per megawatt. Digital infrastructure is energy intensive, but efficient operators are poised to benefit.
As for the third reason you may want to buy NextDC shares today, he concluded, "Structural demand and execution momentum, in our view, support further upside."
Commenting on that demand following the release of the company's half year results in February, NextDC CEO Craig Scroggie said, "Our record forward order book is expected to drive a material uplift in revenues and earnings as we deliver this capacity across the period to FY29."
Advantage Aussie data centres
NextDC shares also could find themselves in the sweet spot amid new laws spruiked by United States President Donald Trump last week.
The proposed regulations would see the nation restrict AI chip exports to countries that don't have US approval.
Commenting on the potential impact of the proposed laws, Belinda Dennett, CEO of Data Centres Australia – whose members include NextDC – said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):
We would anticipate that Australia, as a Five Eyes security partner with the US and with the critical minerals trade deal negotiated by the Albanese government, would be at the top of the list to secure a licence under this proposal.
This would give Australia an advantage over other markets, adding to land availability, abundant renewable energy, political stability, a highly skilled workforce and globally recognised leading local data centre operators in making us a favourable destination for data centre investment.
