These Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks Have Crushed Nvidia in 2026 With Gains of 67% and 121%. They Can Still Soar Higher

Although Nvidia has delivered standout results, its 2026 stock performance trails the broader AI-driven rally, up only 12% year-to-date as the PHLX Semiconductor Sector climbs about 74%. By contrast, Lumentum Holdings and Applied Materials have roared higher, up 121% and 67%, respectively, driven by AI-infrastructure spending. Lumentum, which makes lasers, transceivers and other optical components, saw revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2026 surge 72% to just over $2 billion, with guidance of about $985 million for the current quarter. Industry forecasts from Cignal AI project optical components market growth around 21% annually through 2029, totaling $30 billion by period end.