3 No-Brainer Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks to Buy for 2026 With $200 Right Now

These AI stocks could be set for growth this year.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Black Pearl Group focuses on a data technology platform with potential growth from product expansion.
  • Weebit Nano develops unique semiconductor memory technology with impressive recent gains.
  • NEXTDC provides vital data center infrastructure essential for AI and cloud operations.

Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks can give you an opportunity to capture growth in a market that is expected to compound considerably in the coming years. 

However, there aren't as many pure-play AI stocks listed on the ASX as you might think. 

With that being said, many ASX-listed companies use AI to improve efficiency, decision-making, or customer experience, even though AI is not the core focus of their business.

If you are looking to gain AI exposure in 2026, here are three stocks to consider. 

Worker on a laptop in front of an energy storage system in a factory.

Image source: Getty Images

Black Pearl Group Ltd (ASX: BPG)

Black Pearl Group is a newly listed ASX company (listed November 2025). 

It is a data technology platform that develops and operates a lead prospecting and marketing product suite via its proprietary Pearl Engine platform and augmented large language model. 

The company aims to reach $50 million in annual recurring revenue over the next three to five years from September 2025. 

This growth is expected to come from acquiring B2B Rocket to serve smaller businesses, launching Bebop for larger sales teams, and expanding Pearl Diver into higher-value data services that are more deeply integrated into customer operations.

At the time of writing, shares in this AI company are trading at $0.82. 

However, Bell Potter is optimistic the company can deliver on its aimed growth over the coming years. 

The broker has a speculative buy rating on these AI shares along with a price target of $1.45. 

This indicates more than 76% upside.

Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

Weebit Nano is a developer of advanced semiconductor memory technology.

It develops advanced storage and computing technologies, particularly its ReRAM (Resistive Random-Access Memory) technology. 

This technology is used in Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smartphones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, 5G communications, advanced AI systems, and cloud computing.

It has risen an impressive 61% in the last 12 months. 

This has been fuelled by key wins throughout the year, including a major licensing agreement less than two weeks ago. 

Its unique technology is very hard to replicate, giving it a strong market position moving forward. 

NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC is an AI stock that may be undervalued after a difficult 12 months. 

The company operates data centres in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

From these facilities, it delivers the critical infrastructure that underpins cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and hyperscale operations.

Every major AI trend, like large language models – depends on vast data storage, processing capacity, and high-speed connectivity. That demand ultimately feeds through to data-centre operators like NextDC. 

While this isn't a groundbreaking cloud computing or AI solution, it is set to play a fundamental role in the growth of the sector. 

Ord Minnett sees the current stock price as a value play. 

The broker has a $20.50 price target on these AI shares. This indicates an upside of 66% from yesterday's closing price of $12.30. 

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on AI Stocks

Two excited woman pointing out a bargain opportunity on a laptop.
Broker Notes

4 reasons to buy Xero shares today

A leading expert forecasts sustained earnings growth for Xero shares. But why?

Read more »

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
AI Stocks

Bell Potter just initiated coverage on this ASX AI stock with a buy rating

Let's see why the broker is bullish on this exciting company.

Read more »

A man has computer-generated images rushing through his head, indicating an AI (artificial intelligence) concept of a communication network.
AI Stocks

3 under-the-radar ASX AI shares that could be the next WiseTech

These AI stocks could deliver outsized returns.

Read more »

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
AI Stocks

How to invest in the AI Build-Out: Expert

The team at Canaccord Genuity have highlighted AI stocks to target.

Read more »

Humanoid robot analysing the stock market, symbolising artificial intelligence shares.
Broker Notes

Up 109% since November, are Appen shares still a buy today?

A leading expert digs into the outlook for Appen shares amid the rise of AI.

Read more »

A humanoid robot is pictured looking at a share price chart
AI Stocks

3 reasons this AI and Robotics ASX ETF is a long term play

Is now the time to invest in robotics and AI?

Read more »

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
AI Stocks

AI may look like a bubble. But what about Block shares?

Here's what to expect from this AI-driven tech stock next.

Read more »

AI written in blue on a digital chip.
AI Stocks

2 amazing AI stocks to buy in the ASX 200

These stocks appear well-positioned to benefit from the AI boom.

Read more »