What types of companies are included in this theme?

This theme includes three main categories of companies: 1) Major tech competitors like Microsoft, Amazon, and others who are directly competing for AI talent and technology, 2) Semiconductor and hardware companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and TSM that design and manufacture the chips and equipment needed for AI computing, and 3) Infrastructure and security providers like Cloudflare, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike that enable and protect AI operations. Together, these represent the complete ecosystem supporting the AI talent wars.

What is a semiconductor foundry and why is it important for AI?

A semiconductor foundry is a specialized factory that manufactures computer chips designed by other companies. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) is the world's largest foundry. These facilities are crucial for AI because they produce the advanced processors and memory chips that power AI applications. The AI talent war is driving unprecedented demand for these chips, creating a bottleneck in production capacity that makes foundries particularly valuable. Without these manufacturing capabilities, even the most brilliant AI innovations couldn't be implemented at scale.

What does "Projected Profit" mean in the stock information?

Projected Profit refers to a company's estimated future earnings, typically forecasted by financial analysts based on the company's growth trajectory, market conditions, and business fundamentals. It's an important metric for evaluating growth stocks like those in the AI sector, as it gives you an idea of the company's potential financial performance rather than just its current situation. Higher projected profits may indicate strong growth potential, though it's important to remember these are estimates and actual results may differ.

How does Google's Windsurf deal relate to these stocks?

Google's $2.4 billion deal to license AI technology and hire key talent from Windsurf is a catalyst that highlights the intensity of competition in the AI space. This deal demonstrates the premium value being placed on AI talent and proprietary technology. The companies in this theme are either direct participants in similar talent acquisitions (like Microsoft and Amazon) or they provide essential components, infrastructure, and services that enable these AI initiatives. As tech giants continue to make similar investments, demand for the entire ecosystem of AI-related products and services potentially increases.

16 handpicked stocks

AI Talent Wars

Q: What is the AI talent war and why does it matter for investors?

The AI talent war refers to the intense competition among tech giants to acquire top artificial intelligence researchers, engineers, and intellectual property. Google's $2.4 billion deal with Windsurf is a prime example. This matters for investors because this competition is driving massive investment across the entire AI ecosystem, from the tech companies themselves to the hardware, infrastructure, and security providers that enable AI development. As companies spend billions to secure AI talent and technology, the entire value chain potentially benefits, creating investment opportunities.

This carefully curated collection of stocks captures the fierce battle for AI dominance. Professional analysts have selected companies across the entire AI value chain, from tech giants competing for top talent to the semiconductor firms and infrastructure providers powering this revolution.

Han Tan | Market Analyst

Published on July 14

Top Picks from This Group

Here are a few of the assets in this group. Create an account to unlock the full list.

NVIDIA Corporation

NVDA

Current price

$188.95

As the leading provider of GPUs, its hardware is the primary engine for the AI models driving the talent war, making it a direct beneficiary of increa...

As the leading provider of GPUs, its hardware is the primary engine for the AI models driving the talent war, making it a direct beneficiary of increased AI spending from all competitors.

Microsoft Corporation

MSFT

Current price

$517.43

A primary competitor to Google, its deep investments in OpenAI and Azure cloud infrastructure position it as a key participant that must continue spen...

A primary competitor to Google, its deep investments in OpenAI and Azure cloud infrastructure position it as a key participant that must continue spending to keep pace in the AI talent and technology race.

Amazon.com Inc.

AMZN

Current price

$221.97

Through its AWS platform, Amazon is a major competitor in AI infrastructure and is also heavily investing in talent and technology, contributing to an...

Through its AWS platform, Amazon is a major competitor in AI infrastructure and is also heavily investing in talent and technology, contributing to and benefiting from the escalating arms race.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

AMD

Current price

$170.56

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

TSM

Current price

$288.21

ASML Holding NV

ASML

Current price

$1,030.17

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About This Group of Stocks

Our Expert Thinking

Google's $2.4 billion deal with Windsurf signals an escalating war for AI talent and technology. This competition is driving massive investment across the entire AI ecosystem, creating opportunities for companies providing the essential building blocks for AI development.

What You Need to Know

This theme captures the complete AI value chain: tech giants competing for talent, semiconductor companies designing and manufacturing chips, and cloud infrastructure providers. The widespread investment represents a long-term growth opportunity tied to the AI supercycle.

Why These Stocks

These companies were specifically selected to provide exposure to different aspects of the AI talent war. They include major tech competitors like Microsoft and Amazon, hardware suppliers like NVIDIA and AMD, and essential infrastructure and security providers.

Group Performance Snapshot

14 of 16

Stocks Rated Buy by Analysts

14 of 16 assets in this group are rated Buy by professional analysts.

15.3% vs 4%

Group Growth vs Bank interest

This group averaged a 15.3% return last month, beating the typical 4% bank rate.

Source: Analyst sentiment is provided by Refinitiv Ltd, a global leader in financial market data with over 40k business clients. Refinitiv Ltd is an independent third party to Nemo. This is not advice.

Why You'll Want to Watch These Stocks

🔥

The $2.4 Billion Signal

Google's massive Windsurf deal isn't just another acquisition—it's a clear signal that tech giants are willing to pay premium prices to secure AI talent and technology. This competition is driving value across the entire ecosystem.

🧩

The Complete AI Picture

Rather than betting on a single winner, this group gives you exposure to the entire AI value chain—from the tech giants battling it out to the "arms dealers" providing the essential hardware and infrastructure.

🚀

Long-Term Growth Runway

The AI talent war isn't a short-term trend—it's the beginning of a multi-year supercycle that will require massive ongoing investment from all participants, potentially creating sustained growth opportunities.

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