12 Best Stocks to Buy for the AI Boom in the Second Half of 2026

7. Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 262

Stock Upside Potential: 35.89%

Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) is one of the best stocks to buy for the AI boom in the second half of 2026. At the current price, Meta stock carries more than 35% upside potential, according to analysts. Elite investors continue to show strong confidence in Meta Platforms, with 262 hedge funds having positions in Meta stock.

Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) is rapidly expanding its portfolio of AI tools. On July 7, it launched an AI tool that can generate images. The tool is called Muse Image, and it joins Meta’s other AI offerings, such as Muse Spark, which targets the coding market.

With Muse Image, Meta looks to power both its flagship advertising operation and the budding subscription business. Brands and agencies will be able to use this tool to develop advertising materials more easily. At the same time, users needing extra capabilities will have to purchase Muse Image subscription plans.

Meta has been steadily building its subscription business as it seeks to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising. The subscription business is tucked under the Other Revenue segment, where sales rose to $2.58 billion in 2025 from $1.72 billion in 2024.

Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META), the parent of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, is deeply involved in AI. The company uses AI to power its advertising business, moderate content on its social media platforms, and offer customer service. Meta also provides AI tools to developers, is developing AI chips, and plans to launch an AI infrastructure business.

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