Recent developments in the AI sector reveal a dynamic landscape of investments, strategic shifts, and competitive positioning. Cathie Wood's ARK Invest made headlines by selling $28 million worth of Palantir shares after a significant stock surge, while simultaneously increasing investments in Nvidia and AMD. UBS analysts also favor AMD over Palantir as a top AI stock, citing valuation concerns despite Palantir's impressive 43% customer growth and 48% revenue increase to $1.004 billion. In other AI stock evaluations, Upstart, an AI-driven lending platform, is being touted as a strong investment, outperforming Palantir in the Rule of 40 score. Meanwhile, SoftBank is expanding its AI infrastructure with a $375 million purchase of an EV plant in Ohio for its Stargate AI project, aiming to compete with Amazon and Meta. Microsoft is also gaining favor over Apple in the AI race, largely due to its investment in OpenAI and ChatGPT. In the advertising sector, AI's influence is growing, with AI-driven advertising reaching $26.99 billion and companies like Stagwell investing in AI to improve efficiency, even as Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Stagwell stock. MarketBeat identifies SoundHound AI, Salesforce, and Super Micro Computer as AI stocks to watch, while CoreWeave invested $6 billion in a Pennsylvania data center for AI infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Cathie Wood's ARK Invest sold $28 million in Palantir shares after a 340% stock jump but increased investments in Nvidia and AMD.
- UBS analysts prefer AMD over Palantir as a top AI stock due to valuation concerns, despite Palantir's revenue reaching $1.004 billion.
- Upstart, an AI lending platform, is considered a strong investment, surpassing Palantir in the Rule of 40 score.
- SoftBank is investing $375 million to expand its Stargate AI project in Ohio, aiming to compete with Amazon and Meta.
- Microsoft is favored over Apple in the AI race due to its investment in OpenAI and ChatGPT.
- AI-driven advertising has grown to $26.99 billion, with companies like Stagwell investing in AI for efficiency.
- MarketBeat highlights SoundHound AI, Salesforce, and Super Micro Computer as AI stocks to watch.
- CoreWeave invested $6 billion in a Pennsylvania data center to bolster AI infrastructure.
- Upstart's loan transaction volume jumped 159% due to its AI-driven lending platform.
- Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Stagwell stock from $8 to $7, but kept a Hold rating.
Cathie Wood Sells $28 Million of AI Stock Palantir After Record High
Cathie Wood, head of Ark Investment Management, sold $28 million worth of Palantir stock after it hit a record high. Palantir's stock jumped 340% in 2024 because of high demand for AI. Wood's firm sold 153,338 shares between August 6 and August 8. Palantir provides AI data analytics to the government and other clients. Wood still believes Palantir will dominate the AI software space.
ARK Invest sells Palantir stock, buys Nvidia and other AI stocks
Cathie Wood's ARK Invest sold $28 million in Palantir shares but increased investments in Nvidia and AMD. ARK's Q2 portfolio is worth $13.6 billion, focusing on AI and biotech. ARK has reduced holdings in Coinbase and Robinhood, while increasing investments in Alphabet and AMD. The company bought shares in The Trade Desk when the price dropped.
Upstart's AI Lending Beats Palantir Making It a Top Investment
Upstart, an AI-driven lending platform, has a Rule of 40 score of 123, beating Palantir's score of 94. Upstart's platform automates 92% of loan approvals and had a 159% growth in loan volume. Upstart is shifting to super prime loans and expanding into auto and home equity lending. Analysts suggest buying Upstart because it has a stronger Rule of 40 balance than Palantir. Upstart's AI technology and expansion plans make it a good investment.
Upstart's Impressive AI Score Surpasses Palantir's Should You Buy?
Upstart, an AI lending platform, beat Palantir in the Rule of 40 score with 123. Upstart's revenue more than doubled because of strong loan growth. Upstart's transaction volume jumped 159% with a 23.9% conversion rate. The company is expanding into home and auto loans, which could boost revenue. Some analysts are concerned about Upstart's take rate, but others say the sell-off is a buying opportunity.
Investor Sticks With Microsoft in AI Race Over Apple
An investor chose Microsoft over Apple because of Microsoft's investment in OpenAI and ChatGPT. Microsoft shares were trading at $525 on Wednesday and are now a top holding. Google AI can answer questions in plain English, disrupting its own search business. Apple has not made as much progress in AI and is exposed to trade war risks with China. The investor also has money in Polar Capital Technology for broader tech exposure.
Morgan Stanley Lowers Stagwell Stock Price Target, Keeps Hold Rating
Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Stagwell stock from $8 to $7, but kept a Hold rating. Stagwell's revenue increased by 5% to $707 million, beating estimates. The company is investing in AI to cut costs and improve efficiency. Stagwell expects total net revenue to grow by about 8% this year. Stagwell is a marketing company that uses AI in its digital tools.
Top AI Stocks To Watch Now Include SoundHound and Salesforce
MarketBeat says SoundHound AI, Salesforce, and Super Micro Computer are AI stocks to watch. These companies develop, license, or use AI technologies. Investors are focusing on AI stocks as AI changes many industries. MarketBeat's stock screener helps investors find AI companies that fit their investment plans.
SoftBank Expands AI with Ohio Plant Purchase
SoftBank is buying an EV plant in Ohio for $375 million to expand its Stargate AI project. The $500 billion project includes OpenAI, Oracle, and Abu Dhabi's MGX. The project faces funding delays and energy risks. SoftBank aims to compete with Amazon and Meta in AI infrastructure. The company hopes to solve compute power and energy problems through this project.
UBS Favors AMD Over Palantir As Top AI Stock After Earnings
UBS analysts compared Palantir and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to determine the better AI stock. Palantir's customer count rose 43% and revenue jumped 48% to $1.004 billion. AMD is a rising contender in the AI industry with a market cap near $280 billion. UBS finds Palantir's high valuation a concern and gives it a Neutral rating. The analysts prefer AMD as the superior AI stock to buy.
AI and Crypto Earnings Risks CoreWeave Cisco and Circle
CoreWeave, Cisco, and Circle show different earnings risks and opportunities in AI and crypto. CoreWeave invested $6 billion in a Pennsylvania data center for AI infrastructure. Cisco maintains strong operating margins by using AI automation in networking. Circle's stablecoin reserves drive revenue growth, but costs and rate sensitivity threaten margins. These companies represent different strategies in the AI and crypto sectors.
AI Advertising Leaders Emerge While Others Lag Behind
AI-driven advertising has grown to $26.99 billion, with 17.2% of marketing powered by AI. Companies like Single Grain and Superside use AI for personalization and analytics. Startups like Frame AI and Spot AI are also dominating niche markets. Traditional agencies are lagging behind in AI integration and face risks. Investors should focus on companies with proven results and expertise in AI.
Sources
- Cathie Wood sells $28 million of popular AI stock
- Cathie Wood’s ARK Sells $28M Palantir, Boosts Nvidia and AI Stocks
- AI-Driven Fintech Platforms: Why Upstart's Rule of 40 Outperformance Makes It a More Attractive Investment Than Palantir
- This AI Stock Just Crushed Palantir's Rule of 40 Score. Is It a Buy Now? @themotleyfool #stocks $UPST $PLTR
- They said I was late to AI, but I’ve picked a winner in Microsoft
- Morgan Stanley Lowers PT on Stagwell Stock from $8 to $7, Maintains Hold Rating
- Artificial Intelligence Stocks To Watch Now
- SoftBank's Stargate AI Infrastructure Expansion: Strategic Asset Acquisition and the Future of U.S. AI-Driven Investment
- Palantir or AMD: UBS Picks the Superior AI Stock to Buy After Earnings
- Evaluating Earnings Risks and Opportunities in the AI and Crypto Sectors: A Focused Look at CoreWeave, Cisco, and Circle
- AI-Driven Advertising Tools: The New Frontier in Tech Investment – High-Growth Leaders vs. Laggards at Risk