Can APLD's Power Advantage Strengthen Its AI Edge Over WULF & CRWV?

Applied Digital's 1.4 GW contracted IT load and North Dakota power strategy could sharpen its AI edge as it expands campuses amid execution risks.

Subhasish Mukherjee

2 min read

Applied Digital APLD could strengthen its AI infrastructure edge over TeraWulf WULF and CoreWeave CRWV by leveraging its access to large-scale, cost-competitive power, a critical constraint and competitive differentiator in the AI data-center market.

APLD has secured roughly 1.4 GW of contracted critical IT load, representing about $36 billion in contracted lease revenues, while its North Dakota strategy is designed to expand access to reliable, low-cost power. The company is also working with Base Electron on approximately 1.2 GW of natural-gas-fired generation, which could unlock additional capacity at existing campuses and support future AI Factory development.

This power position could become increasingly valuable as AI workloads require higher-density infrastructure and the industry faces significant power constraints. APLD has already demonstrated its ability to convert power into operating capacity, bringing 175 MW at Polaris Forge 1 online while continuing to develop additional campuses.

However, the advantage carries execution risks. Base Electron is an independent power producer, meaning APLD does not directly control the project that could provide additional power. Moreover, Applied Digital competes with other power-advantaged developers, making timely conversion of power access into operational AI capacity critical to sustaining its competitive position.

According to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, revenues are projected to grow by 49.7% in fiscal 2027; therefore, the successful execution of APLD’s power and campus expansion plans is crucial for realizing this expected growth. Overall, the company’s power advantage could strengthen its AI edge over WULF and CRWV, provided it can execute these plans on schedule and convert its scarce power access into revenue-generating AI capacity.

How Are APLD's Competitors Positioned?

TeraWulf competes with APLD by controlling power-advantaged sites, interconnection and electrical infrastructure to convert scarce electricity into AI/HPC capacity. TeraWulf’s Lake Mariner and Kentucky projects pair grid access with phased, long-term leases, while its 250-500 MW annual contracting target challenges APLD’s expansion pipeline. TeraWulf therefore competes directly for power, customers and AI capacity.

CoreWeave competes with APLD by aggressively securing power and converting it into AI cloud capacity at scale. CoreWeave reached 1.5 GW of active power and 4.2 GW contracted, with a goal of at least 8 GW by 2030. Its powered-land and self-build strategy directly contests APLD for scarce power, sites and AI workloads.

APLD’s Share Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

APLD shares have surged 70.6% in the past year, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s 12.1% growth.

APLD’s 1-Year Price Performance

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, APLD appears overvalued, trading at a trailing 12-month price/book (P/B) ratio of 4.51, above the industry average of 3. The company carries a Value Score of F.

APLD’s Valuation

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The fiscal 2027 bottom-line outlook remains challenging, with the consensus estimate currently pegged at a loss of $1.09 per share, widening by 9 cents over the past 30 days and compared with a loss of 91 cents in fiscal 2026.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

APLD stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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