In this piece, we will take a look at the 10 best predictive analytics stocks to buy. If you want to skip our industry primer and head on to the top five stocks in this list, then take a look at the 5 Best Predictive Analytics Stocks to Buy.
In the realm of data science, predictive analytics, sometimes known as big data analytics, plays a vital role in the arsenal of modern businesses. It represents a branch of advanced analytics that employs statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to assess the likelihood of future events, drawing insights from historical data. Additionally, it incorporates tools and methods such as data mining and modeling, all geared toward scrutinizing data, recognizing patterns, and making informed predictions. As per Fortune Business Insights, the global predictive analytics sector is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2022, reaching a market size of $745.15 billion by the close of the decade. The industry's size was recorded at $271.83 billion in 2022.
The integration of predictive analytics with artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a transformation in enhancing the depth of data insights. This combination brings flexibility to decision-making, anticipates potential successes, and reveals unexpected opportunities. A report on the AI industry revealed that it is anticipated to experience significant growth, with a projected CAGR of 21.6%. This expansion is expected to elevate the industry's size to $2.03 trillion by the year 2030, a notable increase from the $428 billion recorded in 2022. When integrated into predictive analytics, AI holds the potential to serve as a substantial facilitator for business operations.
By the year 2025, the global data landscape is projected to encompass 150 billion gigabytes for exploration and comprehension. This represents a 33-fold surge in the volume of data and information available for analysis compared to 2013 when it measured 4.4 billion gigabytes. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM), a prominent name in the tech realm, asserts that the U.S. economy experiences an annual loss of $3.1 trillion attributed to inadequate data quality. As such, predictive analytics, amongst other tech advancements, are set to revolutionize the industry, presenting numerous opportunities for investors looking to dip into the market.
This article delves deeper into the best predictive analytics stocks for potential investment. Some prominent names for consideration encompass Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM), Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), among others listed below.
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Our Methodology
We have shortlisted the 10 best predictive analytics stocks using Insider Monkey’s database of 910 hedge funds. The companies selected have substantial exposure to the predictive analytics and big data analytics industry through various business operations. The following stocks have been listed in ascending order of the number of hedge funds holding a stake in them as of Q3 2023.
Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is an international professional services firm offering an extensive array of services and solutions encompassing strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations. With a focus on enhancing organizational performance, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) works collaboratively with clients to create sustainable value for their stakeholders.
On June 13, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) unveiled a $3 billion investment plan spanning three years for its Data & AI practice, aimed at expediting the adoption and implementation of AI services. This strategic initiative encompasses the doubling of AI talent within the company to reach 80,000 individuals, achieved through a combination of recruitment, acquisitions, and training. As of November, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) has announced agreements for the acquisition of Solnet, a New Zealand-based IT services provider; The Shelby Group, a prominent provider of digital procurement and optimization services; Innotec Security, a cybersecurity company based in Spain; and successfully completed the acquisition of ConcentricLife, a healthcare marketing agency and subsidiary of Stagwell.
As of Q3 2023, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) shares were owned by 55 of the 910 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, for a total value of $2.02 billion. GuardCap Asset Management was the largest shareholder with ownership of 1.9 million shares valued at $576 million.
In addition to Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM), Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) is one of the best predictive analytics stocks to buy.
Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) is a company headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, offering a rapid and adaptable cloud data platform called the Snowflake Data Cloud. This platform is designed to support contemporary Big Data warehousing and analytics projects. The company utilizes a distinctive cloud-optimized architecture, separating storage, computing, and query processing to enhance scalability and performance.
On November 20, Citi analyst Tyler Radke upheld a Buy rating on shares of Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) with a price target of $191, citing indications from fieldwork that point to easing optimizations and promising early traction for new products.
During Q3 2023, 71 out of the 910 hedge funds part of Insider Monkey’s database had held a stake in Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW). In the same quarter, Brad Gerstner’s Altimeter Capital Management was the biggest shareholder due to its $2.35 billion stake.
ClearBridge Multi Cap Growth Strategy made the following comment about Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) in its Q2 2023 investor letter:
“While the ClearBridge Multi Cap Growth Strategy has limited mega cap exposure, which has been a recent headwind to relative performance, we own several companies that stand to benefit from the explosive growth in generative AI. These holdings play key roles in building out the necessary infrastructure and helping customers leverage capabilities enabled by this emerging technology.
Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:DDOG) offers an observability service designed for cloud-scale applications, delivering monitoring capabilities for servers, databases, tools, and services through its SaaS-based data analytics platform. The company's tool serves as a monitoring and analytics solution for information technology, enabling the assessment of performance metrics and event monitoring for infrastructure and cloud services.
Earlier in November, Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:DDOG) reported its Q3 results. The adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.45, surpassing estimates by $0.11. The revenue for the quarter saw a year-over-year increase of 25.4% to $547.54 million, exceeding estimates by $23.3 million.
As of Q3 2023 end, 83 out of the 910 hedge funds part of Insider Monkey’s database had held a stake in the company. Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:DDOG)’s largest hedge fund shareholder is Paul Marshall And Ian Wace's Marshall Wace LLP due to its $282.4 million stake.
Here’s what RiverPark Advisors said about Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:DDOG) in its Q1 2023 investor letter:
“Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ:DDOG): DDOG was a top detractor in the quarter. The company reported strong 4Q results including 44% revenue growth and 30% earnings growth but gave cautious revenue guidance for 2023. Macroeconomic headwinds have caused clients to slow the transition of workloads to the cloud and instead to optimize current capacity. Despite this temporary slowdown, DDOG still expects revenue to grow nearly 25% in 2023.
Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO) is a multinational company based in the United States that specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and global distribution of a diverse array of semiconductor and infrastructure software products. The range of products offered by Broadcom caters to markets such as data centers, networking, software, broadband, wireless, storage, and industrial sectors.
Recently, Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO) successfully concluded its acquisition of software manufacturer VMware Inc. after an unexpectedly prolonged 18-month process, ultimately receiving approval in China. The deal, initially valued at $61 billion when announced in May 2022, represents a strategic move by the chipmaker to expand its presence in the software sector. A Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO) spokesperson stated that the company aims to strengthen its position in hybrid cloud services, serving businesses that store data both within their own facilities and external server farms.
At the end of September 2023, 87 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database, up from 72 in the previous quarter, owned investments in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO). The consolidated value of stakes owned by these hedge funds is roughly $6.2 billion. Ken Fisher, Rajiv Jain, and Ken Griffin were some of the company’s leading stakeholders in Q3.
Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL), a distinguished technology powerhouse, is renowned for its software products and services, notably Java. The company operates through four primary business segments—cloud and license, hardware, services, and database management systems. Oracle provides cloud engineering services and systems, and it acquired Cerner, a company specializing in patient data systems for healthcare organizations, last year.
On November 13, Edward Jones upgraded its rating on ORCL stock from 'Hold' to 'Buy'. The bank is optimistic about Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL)'s significant efforts to expand its range of cloud services and its shift towards a subscription revenue model, anticipating a substantial acceleration in sales growth.
Insider Monkey dug through 910 hedge funds for their June quarter of 2023 shareholdings and found that 88 had bought Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL)’s shares. Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management was the firm’s biggest stakeholder as of September 2023 courtesy of its $1.9 billion investment.
Oakmark Global Fund made the following comment about Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) in its Q3 2023 investor letter:
“Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) (U.S.), a global software company, was the Fund’s top contributor for the fiscal year, with its share price rising primarily after reporting its fiscal fourth-quarter results. More recently, Oracle announced fiscal first-quarter results, which were in line with consensus expectations. The drivers of the core business are performing well, in our view, and management expressed confidence that annual revenue growth will accelerate as planned based on demand trajectory and its strong bookings trends. For the quarter, total revenue increased 8% in constant currency (9% reported), and operating income grew 12% with margins showing improvement. Cloud and support revenue grew 11% in constant currency, powered by Fusion +20% and Netsuite +21%. The “strategic back office cloud” is now up to $6.9 billion in run-rate revenue. Infrastructure cloud and support revenue grew 14% in constant currency, powered by infrastructure cloud services +72% ex-legacy hosting services to $5.6 billion in run-rate revenue. Momentum is continuing to build as Oracle signed several deals for its cloud business greater than $1 billion in total value during the quarter and booked an additional $1.5 billion in the first week of the second quarter. We continue to believe Oracle is an attractive holding and undervalued due to our perception of its intrinsic value.”
Much like Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM), Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) ranks as one of the best predictive analytics stocks to invest in.