Dan Ives Reveals Top 5 Stocks to Buy as AI Evolves in 2026
As we look toward 2026, Dan Ives, a prominent analyst at Wedbush Securities, has identified five top stocks that are set to benefit from the evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. Surprisingly, Nvidia is not included in his selections. Instead, Ives emphasizes his focus on major tech firms that he believes will lead the charge in AI advancements.
Dan Ives’ Top 5 AI Stock Picks for 2026
Ives describes AI as approaching an “inflection point” in 2026, with several companies positioned for significant growth. Below are his recommendations:
1. Microsoft (Ticker: MSFT)
- 2025 Performance: +16%
- Wedbush Price Target: $625 (28% upside)
- Rationale: Microsoft is expected to leverage its Azure platform for AI enhancements, making it a key player moving forward.
2. Apple (Ticker: AAPL)
- 2025 Performance: +11%
- Wedbush Price Target: $350 (28% upside)
- Rationale: With 2.4 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones sold, Apple is poised to monetize its AI products significantly.
3. Tesla (Ticker: TSLA)
- 2025 Performance: +19%
- Wedbush Price Target: $600 (32% upside)
- Rationale: Tesla is making strides in AI and robotics, particularly with full self-driving technology and the anticipated Cybercab production in April.
4. Palantir (Ticker: PLTR)
- 2025 Performance: +140%
- Wedbush Price Target: $230 (27% upside)
- Rationale: Palantir’s AI platform is in high demand, positioning the company as a leader in the AI revolution.
5. CrowdStrike (Ticker: CRWD)
- 2025 Performance: +36%
- Wedbush Price Target: $600 (26% upside)
- Rationale: CrowdStrike is experiencing growth in AI and expanding its cybersecurity offerings, appealing to investors looking for strong momentum.
These companies reflect Ives’ view of the transformative potential of AI in tech, indicating strong future performance opportunities as the market continues to evolve. Investors looking to capitalize on this trend might consider these diverse options as they prepare for the coming years.
