TLDR
- Wall Street analyst Dan Ives selects five AI-focused stocks for 2026, choosing Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, Palantir, and CrowdStrike over Nvidia.
- Microsoft Azure cloud services projected to benefit from rising AI infrastructure needs with Wedbush setting $625 price target for 2026.
- Tesla’s autonomous driving tech and Cybercab robotaxi launching April 2026 could push market value to $2 trillion according to analyst estimates.
- Palantir continues strong performance with 144% gains in 2025 driven by high demand for its artificial intelligence platform services.
- CrowdStrike expanding AI-powered cybersecurity products with analysts expecting undervalued growth potential and $600 price target.
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives has unveiled his five preferred AI stock selections for 2026. Nvidia does not appear on the list despite receiving consistent positive coverage from Ives during 2025.
The analyst believes artificial intelligence is reaching an inflection point in 2026. His selections focus on companies positioned to capitalize on AI technology growth across multiple sectors.
Microsoft takes the top position as Wedbush’s preferred large-cap technology investment for next year. Ives argues the market is undervaluing Azure’s growth prospects as demand for AI infrastructure expands.
Microsoft Corporation, MSFT
The company posted 16% gains in 2025. Wedbush projects Azure will drive revenue growth as businesses increase AI deployments. The firm maintains a $625 price target representing 28% upside potential.
Apple appears on the list despite facing questions about its AI timeline. The iPhone maker delayed Siri assistant upgrades multiple times throughout 2025. Wall Street analysts criticized the company’s AI rollout strategy.
Apple Inc., AAPL
Ives acknowledges Apple’s “head scratching AI strategy” but sees monetization potential ahead. CEO Tim Cook plans to remain through 2027 to oversee AI initiatives. The company operates 2.4 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones globally providing a massive user base.
Electric Vehicle and Data Analytics Picks
Tesla earned the third spot based on autonomous vehicle development and robotics programs. The electric vehicle maker plans to start Cybercab production in April 2026. Ives describes next year as potentially transformative for Tesla.
The company’s market capitalization stands at approximately $1.5 trillion. Wedbush forecasts Tesla could reach $2 trillion valuation within the next year. Full self-driving technology development remains a key focus area for investors.
Tesla stock increased 19% during 2025. Wedbush assigns a $600 price target indicating 32% potential upside from current levels.
Palantir Technologies secured a position on the list after strong 2025 performance. The data analytics company’s stock surged 144% compared to 17% for the S&P 500 index. Demand for Palantir’s AI platform continues at elevated levels.
Some investors express concern about valuation metrics. Ives maintains confidence the company will justify its price through sustained growth. Wedbush sees a path toward trillion-dollar market capitalization and sets a $230 price target.
Cybersecurity Play Completes List
CrowdStrike Holdings completes the five-stock selection. The cybersecurity company has embedded AI technology throughout its product lineup. Stock performance showed 36% gains in 2025.
Wedbush views cybersecurity as an indirect beneficiary of broader AI adoption trends. CrowdStrike appears to be capturing market share as it expands available services. Ives believes growth potential remains underappreciated by other analysts.
The firm establishes a $600 price target for CrowdStrike representing 26% upside. Demand for AI-enhanced security products continues to build across enterprise customers.
All five companies appear in the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF. The fund launched in 2025 based on Ives’s research recommendations. Regulatory restrictions prevent Ives from personally holding the ETF or component stocks.
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Source: https://blockonomi.com/wedbush-dan-ives-analyst-names-best-ai-stocks-for-2026/
