The Rise of DigitalOcean: A Hidden Gem in the Cloud Computing Industry The Rise of DigitalOcean: A Hidden Gem in the Cloud Computing Industry

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By Ronald Tech

Years ago, businesses stored data on physical servers. Now, cloud computing giants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Alphabet’s Google Cloud dominate the industry. However, a new player, DigitalOcean (NYSE: DOCN), is making waves by focusing on small and mid-sized businesses and venturing into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

Embracing AI Technology

DigitalOcean’s entry into AI is significant. While tech behemoths target larger enterprises, DigitalOcean’s tailored approach to SMBs has carved a niche. By acquiring Paperspace, a start-up specializing in AI hardware, DigitalOcean offers cutting-edge technology at affordable prices, challenging industry giants.

Strategic Shift for Sustainable Growth

Despite a recent revenue growth slowdown, DigitalOcean’s shift towards profitability amid rising interest rates shows prudence. By cutting operating costs and focusing on net income, the company aims for financial stability. This strategic pivot positions DigitalOcean well for future growth once economic conditions improve.

The Investment Opportunity

With a projected $775 million revenue in 2024 and a vast SMB cloud services market, DigitalOcean stands at the cusp of exponential growth. As AI technologies gain prominence, DigitalOcean’s potential expansion into this domain could unlock new revenue streams, elevating its market prospects.


The Golden Opportunity Lurking in DigitalOcean Stock

Driving a Productivity Boom

Ark Investment Management’s ambitious projections predict AI software companies could amass a staggering $14 trillion in revenue. Although the future remains uncertain, innovations like ChatGPT are already revolutionizing productivity by swiftly generating text, images, videos, and computer code. This advancement stands as a gold rush opportunity with potential to reshape the technology landscape.

Capitalizing on the AI Revolution

Within this landscape, DigitalOcean emerges as a crucial player, serving as a pivotal resource for small and medium-sized businesses looking to stake their claim in the AI boom. By providing essential data center infrastructure and a cloud platform, DigitalOcean – in collaboration with Paperspace – equips businesses to thrive in the era of artificial intelligence. The company’s CEO acknowledges the overwhelming demand surpassing current supply levels, hinting at a fertile ground for growth.

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"Over time, it takes just a few winners to work wonders." -- Warren Buffett, from the 2022 Berkshire Hathaway letter to shareholders

One big winner can make a fortune. No one knows this better than the Oracle of Omaha.

Take Apple, one of Buffett's most famous investments. A $50,000 investment, made in 2007 -- the same year the iPhone debuted -- would have grown to a cool $3.5 million today, a mere 17 years later.

Are there any stocks out there today with that type of potential? Of course. Here are three that might have what it takes.

Image source: Getty Images.

Microsoft: The Giant's Stride in AI

Topping the list is Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). The company that made former CEOs Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer some of the richest men in the world is once again the largest company on the face of the Earth with a market cap topping $3 trillion. And thanks to its many artificial intelligence (AI)-related ventures...

Let's start with the company's cloud services business. It's already a massive moneymaker for Microsoft, generating $25.9 billion in its most recent quarter (the three months ended Dec. 31, 2023). That makes it the second-largest cloud services vendor globally, trailing only Amazon Web Services.

As AI usage ramps up, Microsoft stands to benefit from increased cloud services. Indeed, after decelerating some in 2022, cloud spending appears to be reaccelerating as organizations explore how AI can improve their processes and generate efficiencies.

In addition, Microsoft's longstanding partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, makes Microsoft a major player in the race to develop the next AI breakthrough.

Microsoft has multiple pathways to riches on the AI front. Given its outstanding track record and excellent management, Microsoft could be one AI stock that makes many fortunes going forward.

CrowdStrike: Safeguarding Fortunes with AI

Next is CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD). While nowhere near the size of Microsoft, CrowdStrike is still likely to make a number of fortunes in the coming years, thanks to its cutting-edge AI-powered cybersecurity offerings.

The company runs perhaps the premier cybersecurity platform available today, which protects networks, endpoints, and data through add-on modules that are tailored to its customers' needs...

Financially, CrowdStrike is rocking and rolling. In its most recent quarter (the three months ended Oct. 31, 2023), the company reported $786 million in revenue, up 35% from a year earlier. Moreover, annual recurring revenue (ARR)...

In short, this means CrowdStrike is growing its subscription base, through bringing in new customers and by upselling additional security modules to existing customers.

At any rate, the company's solid growth points to big things ahead, as the number of cyber threats continues to grow -- meaning CrowdStrike's growth curve could extend for many years to come.

Nvidia: Riding the AI Wave to Great Heights

Last, but by no means least, is Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). Let's face it: No company or stock has ridden the AI wave better or to greater heights than Nvidia. The company is now America's third-largest public company...

Exploring the Meteoric Rise of Nvidia in the Tech MarketThe Unstoppable Ascendancy of Nvidia in the Tech Market

A Distant Echo of Glory

Despite DigitalOcean’s current stock trading approximately 70% below its zenith reached during the frenzied tech era of 2021, the valuation then was deemed somewhat fanciful. While the company has faced investor backlash due to a recent deceleration in revenue growth, contrarians view this setback as a serendipitous entry point. Savvy investors with a long-term perspective, spanning at least five years, could potentially capitalize on DigitalOcean’s resurgence fueled by the blossoming influence of AI.

Reflecting on Historical Bounty

Recalling past success stories like Nvidia, which made it big following a Motley Fool Stock Advisor endorsement back in 2005, offers a glimpse into the transformative power of strategic investments. Imagine a mere $1,000 deployed at that historic juncture evolving into an impressive $559,743. The anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable potential for growth in the stock market, especially when guided by insightful recommendations.

Final Considerations

In a world brimming with investment opportunities, DigitalOcean stands out as a beacon of promise amidst the shadows of uncertainty. While short-term fluctuations may raise doubts, the long-term outlook, underpinned by the expanding reach of AI, paints a compelling picture for investors poised to seize the moment. With prudent guidance and a strategic mindset, this may well be the golden age for those willing to embrace the risk and reap the rewards.