Dan Ives Picks Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, Palantir as Top AI Picks for 2026

TLDR

• Wedbush analyst Dan Ives names Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, Palantir, and CrowdStrike as top AI stock picks for 2026, excluding Nvidia from the list.
• Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform is expected to see major growth in 2026 as AI infrastructure demand increases across the industry.
• Apple is anticipated to monetize AI technology with CEO Tim Cook staying through 2027, despite criticism of its delayed AI strategy.
• Tesla could reach a $2 trillion market cap through self-driving technology and robotics development, including the Cybercab production starting April 2026.
• Palantir stock has gained 144% in 2025 with sustained demand for its AI platform, while CrowdStrike expands AI-integrated cybersecurity products.

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Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives has released his top five stock picks for 2026 focused on artificial intelligence. The list excludes Nvidia despite Ives praising the chipmaker throughout 2025.

Microsoft leads the list as Wedbush’s favorite large-cap tech stock for 2026. The analyst sees potential that Wall Street is currently missing with Azure cloud platform growth.

Microsoft Corporation, MSFT

Wedbush expects 2026 to be the “true inflection year” for Microsoft’s AI growth. The company has been pushing into artificial intelligence and describes itself as a creator of platforms and tools powered by AI. Microsoft stock rose 16% in 2025 and Wedbush sets a price target of $625.

Apple made the list despite facing criticism for its AI strategy. The company repeatedly delayed upgrades to its Siri voice assistant. Ives calls Apple’s approach “head scratching” but believes the company will monetize AI technology.

Tim Cook will remain as Apple CEO through at least the end of 2027. The company has 2.4 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones in use worldwide. Wedbush estimates AI could add $75 to $100 of value per share and sets a $350 price target.

Tech Giant Stock Targets

Tesla ranks third on the list with focus on self-driving technology and robotics. Wedbush calls 2026 a potential “monster year” for the electric vehicle maker. The Cybercab is scheduled to enter production in April 2026.

Tesla, Inc., TSLA

Ives believes Tesla could reach a $2 trillion market capitalization in 2026. The company currently sits at about $1.5 trillion. Tesla stock gained 19% in 2025 and Wedbush targets $600 per share.

Palantir Technologies has been a major AI beneficiary with stock up 144% in 2025. This compares to a 17% gain for the S&P 500 and 22% gain for the Nasdaq Composite. Demand for Palantir’s AI platform remains strong despite concerns about stretched valuation.

Ives sees Palantir on a path to become a trillion-dollar company. Wedbush sets a price target of $230 for the stock.

Cybersecurity AI Play

CrowdStrike Holdings rounds out the top five picks. The cybersecurity provider has integrated AI across its product portfolio. Wedbush views cybersecurity as a beneficiary of the AI revolution.

CrowdStrike stock rose 36% in 2025. The company appears to be gaining market share as it expands offerings. Ives believes Wall Street underestimates CrowdStrike’s growth potential and sets a $600 price target.

All five stocks are included in the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF launched earlier in 2025. The exchange-traded fund is based on Ives’s research. A spokesperson said Ives cannot hold the ETF or its stocks due to regulations.

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