4 no-brainer artificial intelligence (AI) stocks to buy right now

Unlocking the Future: 4 Essential AI Stocks for Long-Term Investors

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed from a futuristic concept into a core driver of economic growth and innovation. The companies at the forefront of this revolution are not just speculative ventures; many are established industry leaders integrating AI into their core operations, delivering remarkable gains for savvy investors. While the tech sector can be volatile, focusing on fundamentally strong companies with clear AI exposure allows you to participate in this incredible growth without taking on excessive risk.

Here are four "no-brainer" AI stocks that offer compelling long-term potential, thanks to their integral roles in AI development and adoption:

1. NVIDIA

Nvidia stands as the undisputed titan of AI chipmaking, holding a staggering 92% share of the data center GPU market in Q1. As the largest company in the world with a $4.2 trillion market cap, its influence on the AI landscape is unparalleled. The demand for generative AI infrastructure is fueling massive investment in data centers, projected to soar from $430 billion in 2024 to $1.1 trillion by 2029. Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) are the critical components powering this expansion.

Despite a high valuation, trading at over 55 times earnings, Nvidia's financial performance speaks volumes. It has consistently delivered double-digit revenue growth for nine consecutive quarters. This consistent performance, coupled with a highly regarded company culture (ranking fourth on Glassdoor's best places to work in 2025), underscores a well-managed business that is not only a dominant player but also a foundational pillar in the ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence.

2. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC)

Often overlooked by direct investors in chip designers, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) is an indispensable backbone of the semiconductor industry. As the world's leading dedicated independent semiconductor foundry, TSMC manufactures the advanced chips designed by giants like Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, Apple, and Qualcomm. Without TSMC's manufacturing prowess, the sophisticated AI chips driving current advancements would simply not exist.

The surging demand for AI chips has directly translated into substantial revenue growth for TSMC. In Q1 2025, the company reported $25.5 billion in net revenue, marking an impressive 35% year-over-year increase. Profitability also saw significant improvement, with earnings per share (EPS) climbing 54% to $2.12. For a company at the heart of the fast-paced tech sector, TSMC remains attractively valued, trading at less than 28 times earnings. This makes it a more accessible entry point compared to some of its higher-flying counterparts, offering a solid investment in the core infrastructure of the AI revolution.

3. Alphabet

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is often associated primarily with search and advertising, yet it is profoundly embedding AI across its vast ecosystem. While some investors express concern about the impact of generative AI chatbots on its search business, Alphabet is proactively leveraging AI to enhance its products and services, not merely compete. Google Search now features AI Overviews, which are used by an astounding 1.5 billion users monthly, demonstrating a successful integration of AI into its flagship product.

Furthermore, Google Gemini, though currently behind ChatGPT in market share, is rapidly gaining traction. With Gemini now serving as the default AI assistant on devices running Android 10 or later, and Android commanding a 74% share of the mobile operating system market, its potential for widespread adoption is immense. Alphabet's robust financial performance in Q1 2025, with revenue up 12% to $90.2 billion and EPS jumping 49% to $2.81, showcases its underlying strength. Trading at less than 21 times earnings, Alphabet is a rare opportunity to invest in a premier tech company at a valuation cheaper than the S&P 500 index, presenting a compelling buy for those seeking diversified AI exposure.

4. Amazon

Amazon, renowned for its e-commerce dominance and cloud computing leadership (Amazon Web Services, AWS), is a stealthy but powerful AI player. The company has aggressively integrated AI to optimize its vast logistical operations. A prime example is its leadership in mobile robotics, having deployed its one-millionth robot and introducing DeepFleet, a generative AI model that improves robot travel time within its fulfillment network by 10%. This translates directly into operational efficiencies and cost savings.

Beyond logistics, Amazon is building out over 1,000 generative AI services and applications. These tools benefit not only Amazon's extensive customer base but also its vast network of sellers and advertisers, as well as users of its indispensable AWS platform. Financially, Amazon reported impressive Q1 2025 net sales of $155.7 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase, with EPS soaring 62% to $1.59. While its shares trade around 37 times earnings, Amazon's relentless pursuit of AI-driven optimization across its diverse business segments makes it a high-quality AI stock worth considering for any diversified portfolio.

Investing in AI doesn't have to be a gamble on unproven startups. By focusing on established companies that are not only integrating AI but are also foundational to its widespread adoption, investors can tap into this transformative trend with greater confidence. These four companies represent robust businesses poised for continued success as AI continues to reshape industries globally. Always consider your own financial goals and risk tolerance, and remember that a long-term perspective is key when investing in innovative technologies.