Dan Ives is one of the most closely followed personalities on Wall Street. He leads global technology research for Wedbush Securities and can often be found touting bullish narratives and forecasts about artificial intelligence (AI) on financial media outlets such as CNBC or Bloomberg.
In late December, Ives took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to highlight his top 10 AI picks for 2025. Below, I’m going to explore three of his software picks and assess if now looks like a good opportunity to scoop up shares.
1. Palantir Technologies
Why to Buy Palantir Technologies
Palantir Technologies has emerged as one of the most promising companies in the AI space. Its platform is designed to transform unstructured data into actionable insights, which has revolutionized industries ranging from government contracting to cybersecurity.
Over the past year, the company has expanded its base significantly. With over 150 government clients and a pipeline of potential deals, Palantir is well-positioned to benefit from increasing demand for advanced AI tools. The stock has also seen consistent growth, with a rise of over 20% in the last quarter alone.
Risks
Despite its strong fundamentals, Palantir faces challenges such as regulatory scrutiny and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. However, management has shown a commitment to mitigating these risks through continuous innovation and partnerships.
2. Salesforce
Why to Buy Salesforce
For years, Salesforce has been a favorite among investors due to its global presence in the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry. The company’s cloud-based platform solutions are widely used by enterprises for CRM, marketing automation, and ERP systems.
AI integration is one of Salesforce’s key strategic focuses. The company has been actively exploring ways to enhance its AI-driven capabilities, particularly in areas like predictive analytics and customer engagement. This move could give it a significant edge over competitors.
Risks
Potential competition from established tech giants like Microsoft and Oracle remains a concern. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change could outpace Salesforce’s ability to keep up with new features and innovations.
3. Snowflake
Why to Buy Snowflake
Snowflake is leading the charge in the cloud-based data warehousing space. Its platform provides secure, scalable, and real-time access to large datasets, making it a favorite among big data providers.
The company’s AI capabilities are still in their early stages, but there are clear indications that it plans to integrate them soon. This could set Snowflake apart from competitors who are lagging behind in this space.
Risks
Potential overspend on AI initiatives and the complexity of integrating AI into existing workflows could pose risks. However, management has shown a cautious optimism about these developments.
Additional Considerations
The Motley Fool Stocks
Before making any investment decision, it’s worth considering The Motley Fool’s recommendations. The financial advisor service provides a list of top stocks for investors to buy now, including companies like Palantir Technologies and Salesforce.
If you invested $1,000 in Palantir Technologies based on The Motley Fool’s 2005 recommendation, today it would be worth over $832,928! This impressive track record highlights the potential for significant returns if you act on these insights.
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Investing in AI-related companies like Palantir Technologies, Salesforce, or Snowflake could be a smart move for long-term growth. However, always remember to do your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
