Tech’s biggest bull lists his top 5 AI stocks for 2026, and Nvidia isn’t one of them - MarketWatch

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock Picks by Dan Ives for 2026

Dan Ives, a renowned technology analyst at Wedbush Securities, is known for his bullish views on the tech industry and AI adoption. In this summary, we will discuss his top AI plays for 2026, which are expected to drive growth and innovation in the sector.

Background on Dan Ives

Dan Ives has been a prominent voice on Wall Street when it comes to technology and AI stocks. His research is widely followed by investors, analysts, and industry experts alike. With over two decades of experience covering the tech sector, Ives has developed a keen eye for identifying companies poised for success.

Key Themes in Dan Ives' 2026 AI Picks

Ives has identified several key themes that will drive growth and innovation in the AI space in 2026. These include:

  • Cloud Computing: As more businesses move to the cloud, the demand for AI-powered services will continue to grow.
  • Edge AI: With the proliferation of IoT devices, edge AI will become increasingly important for real-time processing and decision-making.
  • Computer Vision: This area of AI is expected to see significant growth as it finds applications in industries such as healthcare, retail, and automotive.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP will continue to play a crucial role in areas like customer service chatbots, language translation, and text analysis.

Top AI Stock Picks for 2026

Based on Ives' research, his top AI stock picks for 2026 are:

  1. NVIDIA (NVDA)
  2. Microsoft (MSFT)
  3. ** Alphabet (GOOGL) - Google**
  4. Amazon (AMZN)
  5. Palantir (PLTR)
  6. SAP (SAP)
  7. Salesforce (CRM)
  8. IBM (IBM)
  9. Cisco Systems (CSCO)
  10. Qualcomm (QCOM)

NVIDIA: The Leader in AI Computing

Ives has identified NVIDIA as one of his top picks for 2026 due to its leadership in the field of AI computing. With its powerful GPUs and TPUs, NVIDIA is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered services.

Microsoft: Cloud-Based AI Solutions

Microsoft's Azure platform will continue to play a crucial role in Ives' AI picks for 2026. The company's cloud-based AI solutions are designed to help businesses move quickly and easily into the cloud, reducing the need for on-premises infrastructure.

Ives has identified Alphabet as one of his top picks for 2026 due to its leadership in AI-driven search. Google's advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities will continue to drive innovation in the search space.

Amazon: AI-Powered Customer Service

Amazon's AI-powered customer service solutions are expected to see significant growth in 2026. The company's Alexa platform is already widely used, and its AI capabilities will continue to improve, driving more businesses to adopt similar solutions.

Palantir: Data Integration and Analysis

Ives has identified Palantir as one of his top picks for 2026 due to its expertise in data integration and analysis. The company's software is designed to help businesses integrate data from multiple sources, providing a unified view of customer behavior and preferences.

SAP: Enterprise AI Solutions

SAP's enterprise AI solutions are expected to see significant growth in 2026. The company's software is designed to help large enterprises integrate AI into their operations, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Salesforce: Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Ives has identified Salesforce as one of his top picks for 2026 due to its expertise in customer relationship management (CRM). The company's software is designed to help businesses manage customer interactions, improve sales performance, and enhance customer satisfaction.

IBM: AI-Driven Industry Solutions

Ives has identified IBM as one of his top picks for 2026 due to its leadership in AI-driven industry solutions. The company's expertise in areas like supply chain management, healthcare, and finance will continue to drive innovation in the tech space.

Cisco Systems: Networking and Security

Ives has identified Cisco Systems as one of his top picks for 2026 due to its expertise in networking and security. The company's software is designed to help businesses secure their networks and protect against cyber threats, driving growth in areas like IoT and cloud computing.

Qualcomm: AI-Driven Mobile Solutions

Ives has identified Qualcomm as one of his top picks for 2026 due to its leadership in AI-driven mobile solutions. The company's expertise in areas like camera processing and machine learning will continue to drive innovation in the mobile space, driving growth in areas like augmented reality and autonomous vehicles.

Conclusion

Dan Ives' top AI picks for 2026 offer a glimpse into the future of this rapidly evolving field. With his research, we can see that cloud computing, edge AI, computer vision, NLP, and AI-driven industry solutions will continue to drive growth and innovation in the tech space. By investing in these companies, investors can position themselves for long-term success and capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI adoption.

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