After the DeepSeek dust settled and the initial shock – a shock that led Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) to shed approximately half a trillion from its market capitalization in a single day – artificial intelligence (AI) stocks are once again advancing.
Still, with NVDA’s valuation remaining dangerously high – at the end of 2022, it stood at $364.18 billion, at the end of 2024 at $3.36 trillion, and at press time at $3.31 trillion. With some other stars of last year’s bull market, such as Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI) falling from grace, investments in 2025 are not as clear cut.
There is, despite the headwinds, no shortage of AI stocks worth investing in, and Finbold identified three titans and captains of industry worth buying right now.
Picks for you
SoftBank (TYO: 9984)
Though relatively absent from the public eye, SoftBank (TYO: 9984), a major and long-standing investor in the technology sector, has been getting increasingly involved with the AI boom. The most recent development in that direction came in the form of a $40 billion investment in OpenAI that is to be executed over a protracted period.
The injection is also reportedly part of SoftBank’s involvement with The Stargate Project, a $500 billion drive to develop the infrastructure needed for further artificial intelligence advancements and proliferation.
The Japanese bank’s engagement with AI can be seen in the 15% stock market drop it suffered following the release of the novel DeepSeek model and the continued investor confidence in the sector in the rally that came even after the company unveiled a somewhat troubled earnings report.
Alibaba (NYSE: BABA)
While certainly not bereft of risk due to the circumstances of the Chinese markets, Alibaba (NYSE: BABA) emerged as an AI powerhouse seemingly overnight. Mere days after DeepSeek shook the markets, the e-commerce and technology giant released its own model, Qwen 2.5, which is allegedly even more advanced.
Traders quickly took note of the new player entering the field, and after struggling in the stock market for years, BABA shares took off. Alibaba stock is, at press time, 48.69% in the green in the year-to-date (YTD) chart and trading at $125.99.
Though the rally it already enjoyed took it high compared with the performance in recent years, a more long-term chart demonstrates that BABA shares remain far below their all-time highs (ATH) above $300, indicating there remains much growth potential.
Oklo Inc (NASDAQ: OKLO)
By mid-February, Oklo Inc (NYSE: OKLO) had already shown its potential to either be the Nvidia or SMCI of 2025. OKLO stock is 154.87% in the green in the YTD and changing hands at $54.11.
Though not traditionally seen as part of the AI boom, the compact nuclear reactor company is closely tied to OpenAI as Sam Altman is the firm’s chairman. Furthermore, given the rocketing needs of the industry, Oklo’s primary business is likely to be in increasing demand in the coming months and years.
Finally, the company could enjoy regulatory and political tailwinds. On the one hand, President Donald Trump is aiming to boost America’s energy production. On the other hand, one of Oklo’s directors – Chris Wright – was selected to lead the Department of Energy (DOE).
Featured image via Shutterstock
