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

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TLDR

  • Wedbush analyst Dan Ives has selected Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, Palantir, and CrowdStrike as his top AI stock picks for 2026, leaving Nvidia off the list.
  • Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform is projected to experience significant growth in 2026 due to rising industry demand for AI infrastructure.
  • Apple is expected to generate revenue from AI technology with CEO Tim Cook remaining in his role through 2027, even amid criticism of its slow AI strategy.
  • Tesla might hit a $2 trillion market capitalization via self-driving tech and robotics advancements, such as the Cybercab entering production in April 2026.
  • Palantir’s stock rose 144% in 2025 thanks to ongoing demand for its AI platform, while CrowdStrike is growing its AI-integrated cybersecurity offerings.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives has unveiled his top five 2026 stock picks centered on artificial intelligence. The list doesn’t include Nvidia, even though Ives praised the chip company throughout 2025.

Microsoft tops the list as Wedbush’s preferred large-cap tech stock for 2026. The analyst spots potential in Azure cloud platform growth that Wall Street is currently overlooking.

MSFT Stock Card

Wedbush predicts 2026 will be the “true inflection year” for Microsoft’s AI expansion. The company has been investing in AI and defines itself as a builder of AI-powered platforms and tools. Microsoft’s stock climbed 16% in 2025, and Wedbush has set a $625 price target.

Apple made the list even though it’s faced criticism for its AI strategy. The company has repeatedly put off updates to its Siri voice assistant. Ives describes Apple’s approach as “head scratching” but is confident the company will monetize AI tech.

Tim Cook will stay on as Apple’s CEO until at least the end of 2027. The company has 2.4 billion iOS devices and 1.5 billion iPhones in use globally. Wedbush estimates AI could boost value by $75 to $100 per share and has a $350 price target.

Tech Giant Stock Targets

Tesla is third on the list, with a focus on self-driving tech and robotics. Wedbush refers to 2026 as a possible “monster year” for the electric vehicle company. The Cybercab is set to start production in April 2026.

TSLA Stock Card

Ives thinks Tesla could reach a $2 trillion market cap in 2026. The company is currently valued at around $1.5 trillion. Tesla’s stock rose 19% in 2025, and Wedbush has a $600 per share target.

Palantir Technologies has been a big winner from AI, with its stock jumping 144% in 2025. That’s compared to a 17% rise for the S&P 500 and 22% for the Nasdaq Composite. Demand for Palantir’s AI platform stays robust even with worries about its high valuation.

Ives views Palantir as on track to become a trillion-dollar company. Wedbush has a $230 price target for the stock.

Cybersecurity AI Play

CrowdStrike Holdings completes the top five picks. The cybersecurity firm has incorporated AI into all its products. Wedbush sees cybersecurity as a sector that will benefit from the AI revolution.

CrowdStrike’s stock increased 36% in 2025. The company seems to be gaining market share as it expands its products. Ives thinks Wall Street is underestimating CrowdStrike’s growth potential and has a $600 price target.

All five stocks are part of the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF, which launched earlier in 2025. The ETF is based on Ives’s research. A spokesperson noted that Ives can’t hold the ETF or its stocks because of regulations.