Wall Street analysts are signaling further upside potential for several key technology stocks that marked significant milestones in 2025. Fresh analysis from Rosenblatt Securities highlights the potential financial impact of Meta Platforms’ latest acquisition, while Wedbush Securities offers a detailed perspective on why CrowdStrike, Apple, and Microsoft are poised to benefit from the ongoing artificial intelligence build-out.
**Meta Platforms: AI Agent Acquisition Fuels Growth Prospects**
Meta Platforms’ shares saw an uptick following the announcement of its acquisition of Manus, an AI agent developer based in Singapore. While financial terms were not disclosed, reports suggest the deal is valued at over $2 billion. Meta intends to leverage Manus’s technology, which functions as a sophisticated digital assistant, by integrating it into its existing AI offerings, including the Meta AI assistant. The company stated that Manus already serves millions of users and businesses globally, and Meta plans to significantly expand its reach.
Rosenblatt Securities reaffirmed its price target of $1,117 for Meta shares, indicating a potential upside of approximately 70% from recent trading levels and a notable increase from its August all-time highs. Barton Crockett, an analyst at Rosenblatt, described the Manus acquisition as not just a “great deal” but a potential “rocket ship growth story” for Meta, drawing parallels to successful past acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp. Crockett emphasized that Manus’s capabilities align well with WhatsApp’s expanding presence among small and medium-sized businesses, enhancing customer interactions through AI-driven efficiency. Rosenblatt maintains a buy rating on Meta stock.
From a commercial perspective, this acquisition deepens Meta’s commitment to artificial intelligence, an area where the company has shown considerable promise. The integration of Manus could provide a pathway to monetize WhatsApp more effectively by offering advanced AI tools to businesses on the platform, potentially driving revenue growth as these businesses adopt AI agents to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency.
**AI Revolution Beneficiaries: Microsoft, Apple, and CrowdStrike**
Wedbush Securities has identified Microsoft, Apple, and CrowdStrike as leading beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence revolution heading into 2026.
* **Microsoft:** Wedbush analysts believe Wall Street is currently underestimating the growth trajectory of Azure, Microsoft’s critical cloud computing division. They project 2026 to be a pivotal year for AI-driven growth within the company. Wedbush has set a price target of $625 for Microsoft, suggesting a potential upside of 28% and exceeding its previous all-time high. The company’s aggressive integration of AI capabilities into its cloud services, coupled with its strategic partnership with OpenAI, is expected to continue bolstering cloud revenue streams.
* **Apple:** Despite a somewhat uncoordinated initial rollout of its AI features, Apple’s vast installed user base is seen as a significant asset. Wedbush analysts estimate that the monetization of Apple’s AI initiatives could add between $75 to $100 per share over the next few years. They have maintained a price target of $350, representing nearly a 28% increase from recent trading levels. While Apple may not always be the first to market with new technologies, its history of refining and excelling in product execution, as demonstrated with the iPhone, suggests a strong potential for AI monetization.
* **CrowdStrike:** Artificial intelligence is anticipated to act as a tailwind for CrowdStrike by driving an increase in deal volume. The integration of AI enhances a cybersecurity firm’s capacity for automated threat detection, while simultaneously leading to more sophisticated cyberattacks. This dynamic is expected to elevate demand for CrowdStrike’s advanced cybersecurity solutions. Analysts at Wedbush expressed bullishness, noting that cybersecurity remains a secondary but significant beneficiary of the AI revolution. They have maintained a $600 price target for CrowdStrike, implying a 26% upside from its current trading price. The company’s CEO, George Kurtz, has highlighted the growing awareness among businesses regarding AI-powered adversarial tactics, underscoring the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures offered by CrowdStrike.
These three companies represent significant opportunities within the AI landscape. Their established market positions, technological advancements, and strategic integration of AI are expected to drive continued growth and performance in the coming year.
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