TLDR
- Wedbush analyst Dan Ives argues AI stocks have room to grow with only 3% of US companies and under 1% globally implementing the technology
- The analyst’s top 10 AI stocks include Nvidia, Microsoft, Palantir, AMD, Tesla, Apple, Meta, Alphabet, CrowdStrike, and Palo Alto Networks
- AI capital spending forecast to climb to $550-600 billion by 2026 driven by enterprise and government investment across multiple sectors
- Today’s AI companies generate hundreds of billions in revenue with real customers unlike dot-com era firms that traded at 30x revenue with no profits
- Major tech names like Amazon, Salesforce, IBM, and Intel remain in Ives’ investment universe but lack foundational AI positioning
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives published research claiming AI stocks have substantial upside potential. The report cites low adoption rates as the primary evidence. Only 3% of companies in the United States have integrated AI into operations.
Global AI adoption measures below 1% based on Ives’ analysis. The data indicates the market remains in early stages. Less than 5% of American businesses use AI technology in any capacity.
Ives identified 10 stocks he considers critical to AI infrastructure development. His selections cover chip makers, cloud platforms, enterprise software, and security providers. Each company holds what the analyst calls an indispensable position in the AI value chain.
Ten Companies Powering AI Infrastructure
Microsoft leads the group as the best positioned for business AI tool adoption. Palantir serves government agencies and corporations with AI software platforms. Nvidia produces the chips running most large-scale AI projects worldwide.
AMD challenges Nvidia in chip production and will capture increased market share. Tesla earns inclusion for autonomous vehicle technology and robotaxi development plans. Apple’s consumer hardware ecosystem and AI integration capabilities secure its spot.
Meta’s AI investments are producing financial results as the company improves monetization. Alphabet builds the Gemini model while manufacturing chips for internal applications. CrowdStrike provides AI-driven cybersecurity that businesses consider essential. Palo Alto Networks connects security products through AI to accelerate growth.
Capital Spending Headed to $600 Billion
Industry capital expenditures for AI will reach $550 billion to $600 billion by 2026. The forecast covers private companies and government organizations. Enterprise clients are expanding their share of total AI spending.
Demand for AI chips exceeds available supply according to Ives. Nvidia cannot fulfill all incoming orders from customers. The chip maker supplies Amazon, Google, and Microsoft for their AI infrastructure needs.
Ives analyzed technology stocks during the 1999 dot-com bubble. He states current conditions differ from that period. Tech companies then valued at 30 times revenue operated without proven revenue streams.
Modern AI leaders produce hundreds of billions in real revenue annually. These firms maintain established infrastructure and paying customer bases. Actual demand drives stock prices rather than pure speculation.
Amazon, Salesforce, IBM, and Intel missed Ives’ top 10 ranking. These companies stay in his wider AI investment group. The analyst categorizes their roles as supportive instead of foundational for AI expansion.
Chip supply shortages demonstrate authentic market demand for AI products. The gap between orders and manufacturing output suggests growth continues. Government purchases will add demand as agencies roll out AI systems.
Ives believes investors undervalue future AI growth trajectories. With adoption under 5%, most of the addressable market remains available. Additional companies will implement AI as use cases prove viable and technology costs drop.
The analyst compared the current AI market to early evening rather than late night. He expects years of development and investment ahead. Supply constraints and low adoption rates both point to continued expansion potential.


