Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global economy and remains a major investing theme in 2025. From automating complex tasks to uncovering hidden insights in vast datasets, businesses stand to reach new levels of productivity. And this transformation across various industries is just getting started.
Investors have the opportunity to buy the stocks in companies that are leveraging this next-generation technology as a long-term growth driver. Here are five cloud software companies to keep an eye on while they develop innovative and unique AI agents with significant potential.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Adobe
Adobe(NASDAQ: ADBE) is recognized for its market-leading creative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, which are staples for visual-media professionals and enthusiasts alike.
These platforms are perfect for showcasing the power of Adobe Firefly AI, with capabilities that can still be described as magic. Features like text-to-image generation and generative fill have been game-changers for the creative industry, and Adobe is capitalizing on strong demand.
The stock has been volatile, down about 35% from its 52-week high. Yet the company's fundamentals remain solid, evidenced by record fiscal 2024 results showing 11% revenue growth and 15% higher adjusted earnings per share (EPS). With continued financial momentum expected in 2025, this recent share-price weakness may present an attractive entry point for investors seeking exposure to this AI leader.
2. CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike(NASDAQ: CRWD) has established itself as a dominant force in AI-powered cybersecurity through its Falcon platform, which uses advanced machine learning for proactive threat detection and automated response capabilities.
The cloud-native solution has gained significant traction among organizations by delivering comprehensive protection across endpoint security, identity protection, threat intelligence, and exposure management within a single agent.
Shares of CrowdStrike have gained roughly 27% over the past year, reflecting strong growth and earnings momentum. For fiscal 2025, Wall Street analysts project revenue to climb by 29%. Along with an expected 22% increase in earnings per share (EPS), this indicates a robust outlook that should continue to reward shareholders.
3. Docusign
Docusign(NASDAQ: DOCU) didn't invent the e-signature but has revolutionized digital agreement technology, transforming how businesses handle legal documents. The company's latest innovation is the integration of generative AI into its Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM) platform; that creates a more comprehensive suite of solutions that allow organizations to generate AI-based customized documents and automatically manage agreement workflows.
The effort to diversify beyond electronic signatures appears to be paying off. Shares of Docusign have risen to their highest level since early 2022, highlighting a resurgence for the company with a refreshed growth outlook. What I like about the stock is its combination of solid fundamentals and category leadership, with expansion opportunities internationally.
4. Microsoft
It's difficult to discuss artificial intelligence without mentioning Microsoft(NASDAQ: MSFT). The company's early investment in and ongoing partnership with OpenAI (creator of the groundbreaking AI chatbot ChatGPT) has secured its position as an AI leader.
Through Microsoft 365 Copilot, the company integrates large language models (LLMs) across its Office productivity suite, embedding powerful AI capabilities within familiar tools like Word, Excel, and Teams. AI capabilities are powering Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, offering enterprise customers the infrastructure to build, train, and deploy custom AI models.
This combination of AI-enhanced productivity tools and cloud computing exposure makes Microsoft stock one to buy and hold for the long run.
5. SoundHound AI
There's a good reason that the share price of SoundHound AI(NASDAQ: SOUN) has risen by more than 640% over the past year. The company has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting players in AI innovation, with its conversational intelligence technology that enables natural voice communication between people and devices.
SoundHound powers hands-free infotainment systems for several major automakers. The company is now bringing that success to the retail and restaurant industries, where its voice AI automates ordering and payment systems. The company sees a significant opportunity in broader customer service applications.
Growth trends have been impressive, with Wall Street analysts projecting a 96% revenue increase in 2025. While the stock commands a pricey valuation premium, and will remain speculative until the company achieves consistent profitability, SoundHound's expanding market presence deserves to be on your investing radar.
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Dan Victor has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Adobe, CrowdStrike, Docusign, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
