AI Stocks to Buy Now: The Trade Desk and Okta Expected to Soar by 15% and 34%, Respectively

The S&P 500 has a historical trend of a 31% gain in the next 12 months after a 20% two-month return. Two stocks to buy now, according to Wall Street, are The Trade Desk and Okta, with median target prices of $84 and $130 per share, implying 15% and 34% upside from current prices, respectively. The Trade Desk operates a leading independent demand-side platform using AI to optimize advertising campaigns, while Okta provides identity and access management solutions. Both stocks have solid financial results and strong growth potential in their respective markets.

The S&P 500 has historically demonstrated a strong performance after a significant two-month return, with the index averaging a 31% gain in the following 12 months. Recent data suggests that the S&P 500 could advance by 26% in the next year [1]. This historical trend has led investors to consider stocks that align with the index's momentum.

Two stocks that Wall Street analysts are currently bullish on are The Trade Desk (NASDAQ: TTD) and Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA). These companies operate in the adtech and identity and access management (IAM) sectors, respectively, both of which are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

The Trade Desk

The Trade Desk operates the leading independent demand-side platform (DSP) in the adtech industry. Its software leverages artificial intelligence to help media buyers plan, measure, and optimize advertising campaigns across digital channels. The company's dominant position in connected-TV advertising, driven by partnerships with major streaming giants such as Disney, Netflix, and Roku, has been a key driver of its growth.

In the first quarter of 2025, The Trade Desk reported solid financial results, with revenue increasing by 25% year-over-year to $616 million. The company's adjusted EBITDA of $208 million was 40% above consensus estimates, demonstrating its ability to maintain profitability while investing in growth initiatives [2]. The Trade Desk's strong performance in the CTV market and the successful adoption of its new Kokai platform have positioned the company for continued growth.

Okta

Okta is a leader in identity and access management (IAM) software. IAM is a cybersecurity framework that lets administrators set permissions for people and devices, ensuring only the right users have access to sensitive applications and corporate resources. The Okta platform uses artificial intelligence to authenticate login requests and continuously assess risk.

In the first quarter of 2025, Okta reported encouraging financial results, with revenue increasing by 12% year-over-year to $688 million. The company's adjusted net income increased by 32% to $0.86 per diluted share, beating analyst estimates on the top and bottom lines [1]. Okta's strong position in both workforce and customer identity, along with the growing importance of IAM in a world increasingly reliant on AI, positions the company for continued growth.

Conclusion

The S&P 500's historical trend of a 31% gain in the next 12 months after a 20% two-month return suggests that investors should be looking for stocks that align with this momentum. Both The Trade Desk and Okta offer strong growth potential in their respective markets and have solid financial results to support their prospects. While past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, these stocks present compelling opportunities for investors with a long-term mindset.

References

[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/history-says-stock-market-soar-081200461.html
[2] https://in.investing.com/news/swot-analysis/the-trade-desks-swot-analysis-stock-rebounds-on-strong-q1-ctv-growth-93CH-4901659