With an upside potential of 34.46%, Belden Inc. (NYSE:BDC) is among the 7 Best Hardware Stocks to Buy for the AI PC Revolution.
On May 1, Truist lowered the firm’s price target on Belden Inc. (NYSE:BDC) to $150 from $184 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst noted that Belden delivered solid Q1 results and issued favorable Q2 guidance, although the acquisition of RUCKUS Networks raised broader questions surrounding long-term strategy and capital allocation. Despite those concerns, the transaction is expected to be approximately 15% accretive to earnings per share, according to the research note.
On April 30, Belden Inc. (NYSE:BDC) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RUCKUS Networks from Vistance Networks for approximately $1.85 billion. The acquisition positions Belden as a leading provider of end-to-end IT and operational technology networking solutions. RUCKUS serves more than 48,000 global customers through an integrated portfolio of Wi-Fi, enterprise switching, and AI-driven cloud networking platforms designed for high-density, mission-critical environments. Belden stated that RUCKUS’ high-margin profile is expected to improve gross margins, adjusted EBITDA margins, and adjusted EPS immediately following the transaction. The company also expects the acquisition to accelerate long-term growth, supported by RUCKUS’ high-single-digit revenue growth, gross margins above 60%, and adjusted EBITDA margins exceeding 20%. Belden plans to prioritize debt reduction post-close, with net leverage projected to decline below 3.0x within the first full year and toward its long-term target of approximately 1.5x by 2029. The acquisition, which has been approved by both companies’ boards, is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Belden Inc. (NYSE:BDC) founded in 1902 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading provider of network infrastructure, signal transmission systems, and fiber and copper connectivity solutions. The company serves as a critical infrastructure supplier within the AI and high-performance computing ecosystem by delivering advanced cabling, networking, and connectivity equipment essential for data center expansion, cloud computing infrastructure, and AI-driven industrial automation.
Belden’s acquisition of RUCKUS significantly enhances its exposure to high-growth AI-driven networking markets while strengthening its financial profile through higher-margin recurring business. Combined with strong operational execution and earnings accretion potential, the company appears well-positioned to benefit from expanding demand for enterprise connectivity and next-generation infrastructure solutions.
While we acknowledge the risk and potential of BDC as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BDC and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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