In this article, we will discuss the 13 Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
As per PwC’s Global Industrial Manufacturing Sector Outlook, the share of industrial manufacturers expecting to significantly automate critical processes by 2030 should more than double, i.e., from 18% to 50%. The study revealed that the global industrial manufacturing industry, pegged at $16 trillion, remains at an inflection point. AI and other technologies, automation, and industry convergence continue to ramp up and fuel opportunities focused on growth and productivity.
PwC further highlighted that “future-fit” industrial manufacturing companies are leading. As of now, a median of 29% of such companies possess automated processes. This compares to 15% of other companies. The share is anticipated to rise to 65% for future-fit companies compared to 45% for others by 2030.
As per Ryan Hawk, Global Industrials and Services Leader, (PwC US), automation and tech enablement are expected to surge throughout the sector. That being said, meaningful performance differentiation is expected to stem from the fact that how these advanced technologies, such as AI and automation, work together.
Amidst these trends, we will now have a look at the 13 Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
Our Methodology
To list the 13 Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts, we sifted through several online rankings and shortlisted the stocks catering to the broader automation sector. Next, we chose the ones in which analysts see upside to and which are popular among hedge funds, as of Q4 2025.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
13 Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
13. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK)
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 27, RBC Capital reduced its price objective on the company’s stock to $335 from $340, while keeping an “Outperform” rating, as reported by The Fly. The firm noted that the company released strong results and gave better-than-anticipated initial guidance for FY 2027. Furthermore, the firm opines that the strength remains visible throughout the portfolio.
This impressive execution is expected to help mitigate potential disruption from the current go-to-market changes. Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) continues to demonstrate that it should be tagged as an AI beneficiary. The firm remains optimistic about the AI monetization opportunity.
In a different release, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) released its Q4 2026 and FY 2026 results, with the company highlighting outperformance in AECO, mainly in construction and emerging markets. For Q1 2027, the company expects revenue of between $1,885 million – $1,900 million and EPS (GAAP) of $1.68 – $1.83.
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) offers 3D design, engineering, and entertainment technology solutions. Autodesk Fusion helps in connecting data from design to manufacturing to production, embedded with powerful AI and automation, which tends to streamline workflows, eliminate repetitive tasks, as well as ramp up decision-making.
We recently covered that its Q4 Revenue rose 19% YoY, you can read that update here.
12. Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB)
Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 10, the company released its financial results for Q4 2025 and FY 2025, with ARR rising 14% to $2.39 billion, amid notable increases of 16% in its AECO segment and 20% in Field Systems.
In FY 2025, Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB)’s operating income amounted to $592 million, compared to $460.7 million in FY 2024. The company’s operating income and operating margin rose mainly due to organic revenue and gross margin expansion. However, lower acquisition and divestiture transaction expenses supported the increase (though to a lesser extent). The impact was partially mitigated by the loss of divestiture income.
Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB)’s FY 2025 results reflect its progress towards its financial model that it remains on a trajectory to deliver its long-term model of $3 billion in ARR, $4 billion in revenue, and 30% EBITDA margins in 2027.
Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB) is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds. Trimble AI acts as a force multiplier, ramping up workflows through automating repetitive tasks and reducing errors.
11. Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX)
Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 17, DA Davidson lifted its price objective on the company’s stock to $55 from $38, while keeping a “Neutral” rating, as reported by The Fly. The analyst highlighted that the firm is raising its 2026 projections, thanks to the increased organic revenue growth outlook along with additional cost reduction initiatives. The firm believes that performance throughout Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX)’s segments seems to be witnessing stability and improvement.
The firm noted Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX)’s focus on expense management, optimization of portfolio, salesforce efficiency, and FCF consistency.
In a separate release, Baird analyst Richard Eastman lifted its price objective on Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX)’s stock to $55 from $45, while keeping a “Neutral” rating. Notably, the firm updated its model after the company’s Q4 2025 results. In 2026, the focus will be on margins.
Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX) offers machine vision products, which tend to capture and analyze visual information to automate distribution and manufacturing tasks.
10. Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA)
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 17, analyst Joseph C Giordano from TD Cowen maintained a “Buy” rating on the company’s stock with a price objective of $400.00. The analyst’s rating is backed by factors such as management’s realistic outlook and proof that demand and pricing continue to support higher estimates even though the sentiments have been negative.
Amidst risks like pricing pressure, memory costs, and automation reducing the handheld usage, Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA) has been proactive in getting the components early and managing the prices to mitigate the elevated input costs.
Even on the conservative side, Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA)’s updated 2026 guidance demonstrates rapid growth. This is not being discounted in the current share price or valuation, added Giordano.
In a different release, Morgan Stanley lifted its price objective on Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA)’s stock to $323 from $309, while keeping an “Equal Weight” rating. The analyst believes the company’s outlook suggests a reacceleration in 2026.
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA) is engaged in designing hardware, software, and automation solutions and services for the frontline, spanning retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
9. Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ:PEGA)
Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ:PEGA) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 12, Wedbush reduced its price objective on the company’s stock to $60 from $75 and maintained an “Outperform” rating, as reported by The Fly. The firm noted Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ:PEGA)’s Q4 2025 results, in which it surpassed top and bottom-line estimates owing to ACV growth. Furthermore, the company offered healthy FY 2026 guidance, which was ahead of Street estimates, with Blueprint expected to be a key growth factor in 2026.
In a different release, the company released its FY 2025 financial results, with an increase in Pega Cloud revenue in 2025, mainly driven by expanded adoption by the existing clients. Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ:PEGA) saw its Pega Cloud revenue reach $695.9 million in FY 2025, reflecting a rise of 25% YoY.
For FY 2026, Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ:PEGA) expects total ACV growth of 15%, and total revenue of $2 billion, reflecting an increase of ~15%. Also, it expects its FCF to reach $575 million, up by 17% YoY.
Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ:PEGA) is engaged in developing, marketing, licensing, hosting, and supporting enterprise software. The company provides a leading AI-powered platform for enterprise transformation. Its technology helps automate workflows, personalize customer experiences, and modernize legacy systems.
8. Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:SYM)
Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:SYM) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 19, KeyBanc upgraded the company’s stock to “Overweight” from “Sector Weight” with a price objective of $70, as reported by The Fly. As per the firm, it now has a stronger line of sight in using the recent cost-saving improvements to accelerate installations against ~$22.3 billion of order backlog.
Also, the firm hinted at some catalysts from expansion into new verticals such as frozen and perishable goods, micro fulfillment, healthcare, and apparel. The firm expects further gains as Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:SYM) starts deploying the next-gen storage system in Q4 2026.
In a different update, Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:SYM) released its Q1 2026 financial results, with the company posting revenue of $630 million, up 29% YoY, and net income of $13 million as compared to a net loss of $17 million in Q1 2025. Moving forward, the company expects a strong growth profile, thanks to increased deployments and expanding profitability. For Q2 2026, Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:SYM) expects revenue of between $650 million – $670 million.
Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:SYM) is an automation technology company, which is engaged in developing technologies to enhance operating efficiencies in modern warehouses.
7. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM)
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 25, Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring reduced the firm’s price objective on the company’s stock to $247 from $304, while keeping an “Equal Weight” rating, as reported by The Fly.
The firm highlighted AI disruption risk entering the debate after the Claude Code tool release. Morgan Stanley believes that there is a need to distinguish between the new tool, which might make COBOL modernization easier, cheaper, or faster compared to the stickiness of the International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM)’s mainframe.
The firm maintained its “Equalweight” rating, considering the lack of conviction, even though the risk-reward remains positively skewed. It noted the sustained software reacceleration, FCF upside, or quantum developments as critical catalysts for the re-rating.
In a different release, on February 24, UBS upgraded the company’s stock to “Neutral” from “Sell,” setting a price objective of $236. This upgrade demonstrates the more balanced view of the stock after the recent volatility, as well as a change in expectations.
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) provides hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence, and consulting services.
6. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM)
Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 27, DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria reduced the firm’s price objective on the company’s stock to $200 from $235, while keeping a “Neutral” rating after the Q4 2026 results, as reported by The Fly. As per the firm, the quarterly results were in line, failing to offer early indicators that support the top-line reacceleration story. Notably, the weakness in marketing and commerce mitigated the positive impact of sales, service, and Agentforce during Q4 2026.
Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) gave incremental positive data points hinting at the increased adoption of Agentforce. Overall, the firm’s new price objective reflects 15 times FY 2027 EPS.
In a different release, Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) released Q4 2026 and FY 2026 financial results, with the company’s remaining performance obligation reaching $72.4 billion, reflecting a rise of 14% YoY. For FY 2027, the company expects a GAAP operating margin of 20.9% and a non-GAAP operating margin of 34.3%.
Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is a global enterprise software company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) and cloud-based business applications. The company’s CRM platform helps in automating sales, customer-service workflows, and marketing. This is done using workflow automation, AI agents, etc.
5. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW)
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On March 3, Wells Fargo began coverage of the company’s stock with an “Overweight” rating and a price objective of $200. As per the firm, the recent decline in the share price provides a favorable entry point. Notably, over the last 6 months, the company’s stock declined by over ~16%.
The firm’s analyst opines that Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) has exposure to around every major secular trend in the broader cybersecurity space.
In a different release, JPMorgan reduced its price objective on Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW)’s stock to $200 from $225, while keeping an “Overweight” rating, as reported by The Fly. Notably, the firm updated the model after the company’s fiscal Q2 2026 report. The firm highlighted a contraction in the peer multiple as a reason for the reduced target price.
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) offers cybersecurity solutions. Cortex XSOAR integrates with Strata network security solutions in order to automate as well as scale incident triage for quicker response to attacks.
4. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU)
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On February 27, Truist reduced its price objective on the company’s stock to $500 from $739, while keeping a “Buy” rating, as reported by The Fly. As per the analyst, Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) posted strong Q2 2026 results, with revenues coming at $4.65 billion and adjusted operating income surpassing the consensus expectations.
Furthermore, Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is witnessing strong traction for its AI offering. The company’s management noted that AI usage supported the consumption of QuickBooks products.
In a different update, the company released its Q2 2026 financial results, with its Global Business Solutions revenue rising to $3.2 billion, up 18%, and Online Ecosystem revenue increasing to $2.5 billion, up by 21%. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) expects revenue of $20.997 billion – $21.186 billion for FY 2026, reflecting ~12% to 13% growth.
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) offers financial management, payments and capital, compliance, and marketing products and services. Intuit Enterprise Suite tends to combine AI automation and human expertise to offer built-in, automated workflows and deeper insights.
3. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On March 3, WSJ reported that NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is investing $2 billion in both Lumentum and Coherent. The investment forms part of the agreements to aid in ramping up the advanced optics technologies for broader AI infrastructure. Each of the agreements consists of the multibillion-dollar purchase commitment from NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) as well as future capacity access rights for the advanced laser products.
Furthermore, WSJ also noted that these investments are expected to help in R&D, and future capacity and operations, while the 2 companies establish the US manufacturing capabilities.
In a separate release, Tigress Financial lifted its price objective on NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)’s stock to $360 from $350, while keeping a “Strong Buy” rating, as reported by The Fly. As per the firm, NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)’s strong market presence in the broader AI data center infrastructure has resulted in healthy growth in revenue, cash flow, and profitability.
We recently covered that Baird raised its PT on NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), you can read that update here.
2. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On March 5, Reuters reported that CVS Health is expected to roll out an AI-enabled platform. This will be done in partnership with Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s Google Cloud unit, which will help collect data from diverse sources to support customers in managing health in real time. The partnership revolves around CVS Health’s rollout of Health100, which is the health technology services subsidiary. Health100 will provide an integrated health care engagement platform for consumers.
Health100 consumer engagement platform is expected to leverage built-in agentic AI in order to offer a real-time, omni-channel experience, and would be backed by Google Cloud’s secure, enterprise-ready platform and AI technologies. These include Gemini models, Cloud Healthcare API, and BigQuery.
In a different release, on February 13, TD Cowen maintained a “Buy” rating on the company’s stock with a price objective of $365. This was backed by a healthy growth throughout the autonomous vehicle unit Waymo.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is a technology conglomerate that provides AI, advertising, cloud, internet, and hardware solutions to users around the globe. Intrinsic is a software and AI robotics company at Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL), developing a platform suitable for the next generation of intelligent automation.
1. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is one of the Best Automation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On March 4, Bank of America Securities analyst Justin Post maintained a “Buy” rating on Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s stock, setting a price objective of $275.00. The analyst’s rating is supported by the factors related to the ramp-up of AI-led growth at AWS as well as the improvement in capital returns.
Post noted Anthropic’s massive revenue ramp and increased usage of Claude models. This suggests that there is healthy, broad-based enterprise demand for advanced AI services, which are dependent on the hyperscale cloud infrastructure.
If a significant part of Anthropic’s expanding workloads and model-training spend goes via AWS, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN)’s cloud revenue can witness a strong increase on a quarterly basis.
On the related note, the analyst also noted the company’s plans to enhance AWS power capacity. The incremental capex is expected to fetch attractive returns amidst scaling of AI demand, added Post.
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) operates across e-commerce, digital content, advertising, and cloud computing. Amazon Business could support companies in streamlining procurement automation with tools, which can help efficient purchasing, improved spend management, etc.
We recently covered that TD Cowen reaffirmed its Buy rating on the company’s stock, you can read that update here.
While we acknowledge the potential of AMZN to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AMZN and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 10 Best FMCG Stocks to Invest In According to Analysts and 11 Best Long-Term Tech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts
Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.
