Why Good AI Stocks Deserve Your Attention: Two Promising Picks for Investors in 2026

Artificial intelligence has emerged as arguably the most transformative technology since the internet’s rise, but with a critical difference—its adoption rate is dramatically accelerated. Within less than four years of ChatGPT’s 2022 launch, 55% of Americans are already using generative AI weekly. To put this in perspective, the internet required 16 years to achieve comparable adoption levels, according to JPMorgan Chase research. This acceleration has created compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the AI revolution through equities.

The question isn’t whether AI will reshape the economy—most analysts and industry leaders agree it will. The real question is which companies are positioned to capture the most value as this transformation unfolds. Two stocks stand out as particularly compelling candidates for growth-focused investors looking for good AI stocks to buy right now.

AppLovin: How AI-Driven Advertising Creates Outsized Returns

AppLovin operates in the ad technology space, helping media buyers and publishers optimize their campaigns. Traditionally focused on mobile gaming advertising, the company has recently expanded into web-based e-commerce advertising through new self-service platforms. However, the true competitive advantage lies in Axon—an AI-powered targeting engine that matches advertiser demand with publisher inventory with remarkable precision.

The system’s effectiveness stems from a virtuous cycle of data collection and machine learning optimization. AppLovin’s Max mediation platform allows publishers to sell ad space across multiple networks simultaneously, generating rich datasets about audience preferences. This information continuously trains and refines Axon’s models, enabling the system to improve advertiser outcomes—whether measured in app downloads, conversions, or purchases—over time. Morgan Stanley analysts have specifically called Axon a “best-in-class machine learning advertising engine.”

The performance metrics back this assessment. According to marketing attribution platform Northbeam, AppLovin delivers return on ad spend (ROAS) that’s 45% higher than Meta Platforms and 115% higher than competing platforms like Alphabet’s YouTube and TikTok. Wall Street analysts project AppLovin’s adjusted earnings will expand at 48% annually over the next three years—impressive growth that justifies the current 51x earnings valuation, especially given the company has beaten consensus earnings estimates by an average of 21% over the past six quarters.

The investment community has taken notice. Among 32 analysts surveyed by The Wall Street Journal, the median target price is $771 per share. With the stock trading at $407 as of February 9, 2026, this represents potential upside of approximately 89%—making AppLovin one of the most compelling good AI stocks to buy for growth-oriented portfolios.

Robinhood Markets: AI as a Gateway to Retail Investment

Robinhood has built its trading platform by targeting younger investors and democratizing access to financial markets. Revenue streams include payment for order flow on equities trades, plus commission fees on options, cryptocurrency, margin lending, and prediction contracts. The company also operates a Gold membership tier with subscription revenue. This diverse revenue model means the platform directly benefits from higher trading volumes and customer acquisition.

Market share trends are positive across multiple categories—equities, options, cryptocurrency, margin services, and prediction markets. Robinhood has roughly twice as many millennial and Gen Z customers as its nearest competitor, positioning the company to capture increasing investment as this demographic cohort accumulates wealth and financial responsibilities.

The AI dimension became real with Cortex, an investment tool launched for Gold subscribers. This system aggregates data from breaking news, research reports, and analyst ratings to help users understand market movements and make decisions. Users can instruct Cortex in natural language to execute trades or conduct research—effectively giving individual investors access to AI-powered analysis traditionally reserved for institutional clients. CEO Vlad Tenev framed the vision clearly: “Our goal is for Robinhood to give you a world-class financial team in your pocket.”

Wall Street expects Robinhood’s adjusted earnings to grow at 20% annually through the next three years. At a current valuation of 34x earnings, the stock appears reasonably valued—particularly considering the company has beaten consensus earnings estimates by an average of 36% in the past six quarters. The median analyst price target among 28 analysts stands at $152, per The Wall Street Journal, implying approximately 81% upside from $84 per share as of mid-February 2026. For investors seeking stocks combining AI innovation with strong fundamentals, Robinhood represents one of the best-positioned options available.

The Broader Context: Why These AI Stocks Matter Now

The convergence of rapid AI adoption, proven business model execution, and analyst enthusiasm creates a rare market window. Both AppLovin and Robinhood demonstrate how AI integration directly improves customer outcomes—whether through superior ad targeting or smarter investment tools. Neither company is betting on AI as a theoretical future advantage; both are generating measurable results today.

The historical precedent is instructive. When Motley Fool’s analyst team recommended Netflix in December 2004, a $1,000 investment would have grown to $443,299. Nvidia’s recommendation in April 2005 yielded $1,136,601 on the same investment. These weren’t overnight successes but rather companies riding transformative technology waves over decades.

That same framework applies to selecting good AI stocks today. The question isn’t whether these businesses will benefit from AI—that’s already evident. The question is whether their current valuations adequately reflect that opportunity. Based on analyst consensus, earnings growth trajectories, and technology moats, both companies appear to offer compelling risk-reward profiles for investors comfortable with growth-oriented equities.

For those researching AI investment opportunities this February 2026, these two stocks warrant serious consideration as components of a diversified portfolio seeking exposure to artificial intelligence.

As of February 9, 2026. Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase are referenced for research purposes. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult financial advisors before making investment decisions.