5 Top Artificial Intelligence Stocks to Buy in 2025
The year 2024 has been widely regarded as a pivotal time for artificial intelligence (AI). However, the question remains: was it truly a breakout year? While many notable companies specializing in AI saw significant stock gains, the overall performance was not consistent across the board. In fact, if you had invested in an AI-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) at the beginning of last year, your chances of outperforming the market were not high, and even if you did, it may have only been by a narrow margin.
Take a look at the performance of various AI-themed ETFs, such as the Global X Robotics and AI ETF, the Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF, the iShares Future AI and Tech ETF, the First Trust Nasdaq AI and Robotics ETF, the Vanguard Information Technology ETF, and the ARK Autonomous Technology and Robotics ETF in comparison to the S&P 500.
With mixed results from these ETFs, what should investors consider for the upcoming year? It's essential to select AI stocks judiciously and also incorporate a variety of other stock types into your portfolio. If you are leaning towards ETFs, ensure they are broad-based or consider diversifying your investments across multiple categories to minimize risk while maximizing potential gains.
For 2025, five AI stocks stand out as promising investments: Nvidia (NVDA), Palantir Technologies (PLTR), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), Amazon (AMZN), and Broadcom (AVGO).
1. Nvidia: More than Generative AI
Nvidia is often seen as the leader in the AI space, primarily due to its stronghold on the supply of graphics processing units (GPUs) critical for running generative AI applications. Some analysts suggest that Nvidia controls as much as 95% of the GPU market, although competition is starting to emerge.
Nevertheless, Nvidia remains confident. Its market share is likely to remain stable for the foreseeable future, and the company is also branching out into additional technologies with broad applications outside of generative AI.
Nvidia was already a successful enterprise prior to the AI boom, primarily recognized for its gaming chips. This diversification means that Nvidia is not a one-dimensional company, even though generative AI continues to be a powerful growth area for them.
2. Palantir: AI for Large Organizations
Once considered a dark horse in the AI landscape, Palantir has gained considerable traction since it introduced its AI Platform (AIP) in 2023. The company specializes in aiding large organizations and government entities in managing massive volumes of data, extracting meaningful insights, and establishing patterns.
Palantir's business model revolves around securing large contracts. In fact, by the third quarter of 2024, the company had closed 104 substantial deals and reported a remarkable 44% increase in sales for that quarter. The company is not just growing; it is also highly profitable and generating a steady increase in free cash flow.
While Palantir's stock price surged by 340% last year, its valuation is beginning to reflect its growth potential. The outlook for 2025 remains optimistic.
3. Taiwan Semiconductor: The Company Behind the Chips
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, often referred to as TSMC, is a leading foundry known for fabricating a range of semiconductors and GPUs. The company collaborates with major chip designers, including Nvidia, who design chips but outsource their production.
Although TSMC's chips have applications that extend beyond AI, the current opportunities in AI technology bring significant growth potential for the company. One of the critical points of TSMC's strength is its enduring presence in the market—regardless of new competitors or technological shifts, TSMC will continue to manufacture the chips essential for various technologies.
In 2025, as demand for generative AI is expected to rise substantially, TSMC is well-positioned to benefit from this trend.
4. Amazon: Bringing Practical AI to Businesses
Amazon is making strides in developing generative AI solutions tailored for diverse businesses. The company has launched a multi-billion dollar initiative to offer an extensive suite of services via its Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform.
Amazon employs a three-layer system that provides tools for developers to create their own custom large-language models (LLMs), a Bedrock layer that allows programmers to utilize Amazon's LLMs, and a top layer that offers ready-to-use solutions for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Management believes this is only the beginning, with enormous opportunities emerging in the domain of generative AI for Amazon in 2025 and beyond.
5. Broadcom: Connecting All the Parts of AI
Broadcom is another company that has successfully shifted its focus towards harnessing the capabilities of AI within its technology infrastructure. The company supplies the semiconductors and infrastructure essential for linking software to hardware, critical for running AI applications that demand rapid processing speeds.
What makes Broadcom an attractive investment is its ability to benefit from the untapped opportunities within the AI sector, while also having a diverse range of products that ensure stability even if the AI market experiences fluctuations.
In summary, as we move into 2025, investors should carefully analyze these five companies, as they are poised for growth in the AI space while also maintaining the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
AI, Stocks, Investing