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10 AI Stocks to Watch Right Now

These are the top-performing AI stocks so far this year.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to play a major role in the evolution of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Driven by advancements in AI, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), biotechnology and quantum computing, among other things, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by the fusion of technologies that integrates the physical, digital and biological worlds.(1)

Given that the future of technology is widely believed to be heavily influenced by AI, investing in AI stocks is compelling. It’s a rapidly growing field with significant potential for innovation, efficiency improvements and competitive advantages across various industries.

If you want to invest in companies with a competitive edge, market demand and growth potential, AI is proving itself a favorite among investors so far this year.

So here are some of the top AI stocks to consider.

10 best AI stocks

The AI sector is dynamic, with new innovations reshaping the landscape. We’ve crafted a list of 10 top AI stocks by screening across diverse sectors and industries, highlighting AI-related companies that have a Hold or better analyst rating.

StockSectorIndustryYear-to-date performance1 year performanceLink to invest
Palantir Technologies (PLTR)TechnologySoftware – Infrastructure90.5%418.1%

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KLA Corp (KLAC)TechnologySemiconductor Equipment & Materials45.6%8.6%

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Nova (NVMI)TechnologySemiconductor Equipment & Materials38.0%20.8%

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Innodata Inc (INOD)TechnologyInformation Technology Services28.4%206.2%

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Nvidia Corporation (NVDA)TechnologySemiconductors20.5%30.9%

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Microsoft Corp (MSFT)TechnologySoftware – Infrastructure20.0%10.5%

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Meta Platforms (META)Communication ServicesInternet Content & Information19.6%39.8%

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Broadcom (AVGO)TechnologySemiconductors18.1%60.5%

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Cisco Systems (CSCO)TechnologyCommunication Equipment15.4%45.8

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Analog Devices (ADI)TechnologySemiconductors15.5%4.4%

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Source: Google Finance. Returns accurate as of July 11, 2025. Sorted by year-to-date performance.

How we chose these stocks

We selected our top 10 AI stocks by screening companies using Finviz, with filters for:

  • Market cap. Over $300 million, so emerging AI firms are included.
  • Analyst recommendation. Hold or better.
  • Operating margin. Over 10%, indicating a company generates enough profit to cover costs and reinvest in growth.
  • Institutional ownership. Over 40%, to prioritize stocks with significant backing from large investors.
  • Earnings-per-share (EPS) growth quarter-over-quarter. Over 10%, to identify companies with strong profitability growth, signaling financial health and potential to sustain AI innovation.
  • Sales growth quarter-over-quarter. Over 5%, to identify companies with strong revenue growth, indicating demand for their products or services.
  • Performance (year). Over 0%, indicating market momentum and investor interest.
  • 200-day simple moving average (SMA). Price above, to identify stocks trading above their long-term trend, indicating bullish momentum and investor confidence.

What are AI stocks?

AI stocks are shares of companies that develop, deploy or significantly benefit from artificial intelligence technologies. These companies may build core AI systems like machine learning platforms, natural language processing engines or computer vision tools, or provide the hardware and infrastructure that power AI applications — such as advanced semiconductors and cloud computing networks.

AI stocks may also include businesses that integrate AI to transform their industries, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and retail. Whether enabling automation, improving data analysis or powering intelligent software, these companies are positioned to grow as AI adoption accelerates across the global economy.

Types of AI stocks

AI stocks can be grouped into a few main categories, depending on how the companies are involved with artificial intelligence.

  • Pure AI plays. Focus mainly on developing AI software, machine learning models, or data platforms. These businesses are at the heart of AI innovation and often provide the tools that power everything from chatbots to autonomous vehicles.
  • AI infrastructure. Firms that build the hardware and cloud systems needed to run complex AI models. This includes chipmakers, data center providers and cloud computing giants.
  • AI adopters. Companies in sectors like healthcare, finance or retail that use AI to improve efficiency, personalize services or analyze large amounts of data. While AI might not be their core business, it plays a key role in their growth strategies.

How to invest in AI stocks

  1. Open a brokerage account. Choose a broker that suits your needs, whether it’s one with robust research tools, low fees or a user-friendly interface. Then, complete an application and sign up.
  2. Fund your account. Deposit funds via a bank transfer, debit card or any other means your broker allows.
  3. Research and choose AI stocks. Research the best AI stocks (or funds) for your portfolio, and then search for them on your chosen platform by company name or ticker symbol.
  4. Buy shares. Select the amount you want to invest and create an order to buy shares. And just like that, you’re now officially an investor in the AI sector.

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Why do people want to invest in AI stocks?

Many investors are eyeing AI stocks because they represent both a technological shift and a financial opportunity. Here’s why artificial intelligence is attracting so much interest:

  • Massive growth potential. The AI industry is expanding fast, transforming how people work, communicate and solve problems — and it’s still just getting started. The global AI market is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2033, up from $189 billion in 2023.(4)
  • A front-row seat to innovation. Investing in AI is a way to support the next wave of breakthroughs, from autonomous vehicles and robotics to smarter healthcare and personalized digital assistants.
  • Built-in diversification. Since AI is being adopted across so many fields — including tech, medicine, finance and transportation — investing in AI stocks often means getting exposure to a wide range of sectors, which can help spread out risk.

Risks of AI stocks

AI may be one of the most exciting areas in tech, but like any fast-growing industry, it comes with its own set of risks. While the idea of intelligent robots is still mostly science fiction, the financial risks tied to AI are very real.

  • Uncertain profitability. AI is still an emerging field, and not every company in the space will succeed. While some may lead the next wave of innovation, others may struggle to turn a profit — a reminder that no investment, especially in new industries, comes with guaranteed returns.
  • Technological obsolescence. The speed at which AI technology evolves means today’s breakthrough can be tomorrow’s outdated tool. Companies that don’t adapt quickly may lose relevance, making it risky for long-term investors.
  • Regulatory challenges. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, governments are starting to pay closer attention. New laws around privacy, ethics and data use could impact how companies operate — and how their stocks perform.

Alternative ways to invest in AI stocks

Beyond directly buying individual stock in AI companies, there are several other ways to gain exposure to this dynamic industry.

  • Exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds invest in a basket of different AI stocks, spreading out the risk associated with individual stocks. They offer flexibility and accessibility, as you can easily trade them on a regular stock exchange. Popular examples include the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIX) and the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ).
  • Venture capital. For those with access and higher risk tolerance, venture capital offers a way to invest in early-stage AI startups before they go public. While this route can carry more risk, it also comes with the potential for outsized returns if the startup succeeds or gets acquired. Platforms that offer non-accredited investors access to private market opportunities include Fundrise and its Innovation Fund and SoFi Invest, which offers access to private equity funds like the ARK Venture Fund.

Pros and cons of investing in AI stocks

Pros

  • High growth potential and fast growing sector
  • Chance to participate in a revolutionary industry
  • Spans multiple sectors, allowing some diversification

Cons

  • No guarantee of profitability in the long term for AI investments
  • Regulatory changes could disrupt the operations and profitability of AI stocks
  • Some AI tech can become obsolete relatively quickly

Bottom line

AI isn’t science fiction anymore — it’s quickly becoming a major force across industries. While no one can predict exactly how it will shape the future, one thing is clear: it’s not going away.

Investing in AI stocks offers exciting opportunities, but it also comes with real risks. Focus on companies with strong fundamentals, long-term vision and the ability to adapt in a fast-changing space. As with any investment, patience and a clear strategy go a long way.

Ready to start investing? Compare the best brokerage accounts to find a platform that fits your needs and goals.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the leader in AI technology?

There’s no single leader in AI, but a few companies stand out for their innovation, scale and influence. Nvidia is widely considered a key player thanks to its powerful GPUs, which are essential for training and running advanced AI models. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with large language models and natural language processing.

Other major names include Google (Alphabet), with its deep investments in AI research and products like Gemini and TensorFlow, and Microsoft, which has partnered closely with OpenAI and integrated AI across its products. Amazon, Meta and Tesla are also at the forefront, each applying AI in unique ways — from cloud services and social media algorithms to autonomous driving.

Is AI a good investment?

AI has strong long-term potential as it’s transforming industries and driving innovation across the economy. Leading companies in the space could see significant growth, but the sector is still evolving and comes with risks like rapid change and regulatory uncertainty. As with any investment, it’s smart to research and diversify.

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.
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Written by

Investments editor

Matt Miczulski is an investments editor at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions. Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio

Matt's expertise
Matt has written 201 Finder guides across topics including:
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