<div id="readability-page-1"><p>As we head into 2026, the tech world is shifting from building AI tools to actually making them pay off. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, a long-time tech bull, believes we are entering a &#34;true inflection year&#34; where software and hardware finally start to show real financial results. While the market has focused on chipmakers, Ives argues the next phase will be won by companies that own the consumer palm and the corporate cloud.</p><h3>Claim 70% Off TipRanks This Holiday Season</h3><ul><li>Unlock  hedge fund-level data  and  powerful investing tools  for smarter, sharper decisions  </li><li> Stay ahead of the market with  the latest news and analysis  and maximize your portfolio's potential</li></ul> <p>Here is the breakdown of the top stocks positioned to lead this next chapter, according to the latest Wedbush report.</p> <h2><strong>1. Microsoft</strong></h2> <p>For Dan Ives, the 2026 story starts with the infrastructure and software that businesses need to run. He believes investors are missing the bigger picture with Microsoft (MSFT), stating that &#34;the Street is underestimating the Azure growth story.&#34; While AI use cases grew in 2025, he expects 2026 to be the &#34;true inflection year of AI growth&#34; as companies finally begin full-scale deployments.</p> <h2><strong>2. Palantir</strong></h2> <p>Palantir (PLTR) is another pick. Despite some debate over its price, Ives sees &#34;unprecedented demand&#34; for its AI platform from both government and commercial clients. He believes the company has a &#34;golden path&#34; to becoming a trillion-dollar player as it proves its value to the world's largest enterprises.</p> <h2><strong>3. Apple</strong></h2> <p>Apple (AAPL) has been criticized for moving slowly, but Ives views its massive user base as its greatest weapon. With 2.4 billion iOS devices globally, he notes that &#34;the time is now for Apple to accelerate its AI efforts.&#34;</p> <p>He expects Apple to monetize this technology effectively over the next year. Ives estimates that AI features could eventually add $75 to $100 per share to Apple's story, especially with CEO Tim Cook expected to stay in his role through 2027 to see the transition through.</p> <h2><strong>4. Tesla</strong></h2> <p>Tesla (TSLA) is entering a new chapter that goes beyond just selling cars. Ives predicts that 2026 will be a &#34;monster year&#34; for the company as autonomous driving and robotics become more central to its value. He points to the Cybercab as the &#34;golden goose&#34; for Musk, suggesting it could help push Tesla's market cap to $2 trillion in the coming year.</p> <h2><strong>5. CrowdStrike</strong></h2> <p>Finally, CrowdStrike (CRWD) is highlighted as a key winner in the cybersecurity space. Ives describes the company as a &#34;second/third derivative beneficiary of the AI Revolution,&#34; meaning that as AI creates new digital threats, the demand for CrowdStrike's AI-powered protection will grow. He believes the market is still underestimating just how much growth potential is left in this sector.</p> <p>The bottom line is that the AI buildout is entering a more profitable phase in 2026. According to the Wedbush report, the winners will be the companies that can turn raw AI power into daily tools for businesses and consumers.</p> <p>Investors can compare all 5 stocks side-by-side on the TipRanks Stocks Comparison Tool. Click on the image below to explore the tool.</p></div>

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<p>Wedbush analyst Dan Ives identifies five stocks poised to lead the AI market in 2026, marking a shift from AI development to profitability. Key picks include Microsoft, with strong Azure growth; Palantir, benefiting from high demand; Apple, leveraging its vast user base; Tesla, focusing on autonomous driving; and CrowdStrike, capitalizing on cybersecurity needs. Ives believes 2026 will be a pivotal year for AI, as companies begin full-scale deployments and monetize their technologies effectively.</p>

- The tech industry is shifting focus from developing AI tools to achieving financial returns in 2026, as noted by Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.  
- He highlights key companies like Microsoft, Palantir, Apple, Tesla, and CrowdStrike that are poised for growth due to their AI capabilities and market positioning.  
- The Wedbush report suggests that success will come to firms able to integrate AI technologies into practical solutions for consumers and businesses.

These 5 Stocks Will Own the "AI Inflection" in 2026, According to Wall Street's Top Tech Bull Dan Ives