In this article, we will take a detailed look at Mark Cuban’s Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks.
Mark Cuban is a well-known entrepreneur and television personality, recognized for his diverse business ventures and outspoken presence in the sports and entertainment industries. He was the principal owner of an NBA franchise, the Dallas Mavericks, of which he now serves as a minority owner. Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cuban showed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. At age 12, he sold garbage bags to afford a pair of expensive sneakers after which, at 16, he capitalized on a newspaper strike by transporting newspapers. Later, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, where he earned a degree in management in 1981.
Cuban started his career at Mellon Bank, where he developed an interest in technology and networking. After being fired from his sales job in a software retailer, he founded MicroSolutions, a company specializing in system integration and software reselling. Under his leadership, the company flourished, generating over $30 million in revenue before Cuban sold it to CompuServe for $6 million in 1990, netting approximately $2 million after taxes. Cuban’s success continued with Audionet, a company he co-founded in 1995 alongside Todd Wagner. Audionet evolved into Broadcast.com, growing rapidly and generating millions in revenue. In 1999, at the height of the dot-com boom, Yahoo! acquired Broadcast.com for $5.7 billion in stock.
Over the years, Mark Cuban has invested in various industries, including social software, networking, entertainment, sports, and cryptocurrency. He was an early investor in IceRocket, a blog search engine, and backed companies like RedSwoosh, Weblogs, Inc., and Goowy Media. In 2005, he experimented with a new business model for online journalism through Sharesleuth.com and later launched Bailoutsleuth.com for government oversight. Cuban also ventured into film distribution with Magnolia Pictures and invested in Motionloft, a storefront analytics company. His Shark Tank investments since 2011 total nearly $20 million, with mixed success. In 2022, he launched Cost Plus Drugs to lower prescription prices and disrupt the U.S. healthcare industry. His sports ventures include owning the Dallas Mavericks from 2000 until selling a majority stake in 2023. Cuban has also been active in cryptocurrency, accepting Dogecoin for Mavericks merchandise and tickets.
Mark Cuban’s investment philosophy is centered on discipline, frugality, and informed decision-making. He emphasizes “living like a student” in the early years to build a financial cushion, saving at least six months’ income before investing in low-cost index funds. Cuban strongly discourages credit card debt due to high interest rates, advocating for cash or debit card use instead. He also promotes strategic spending by negotiating prices and buying essentials in bulk when discounted. For more experienced investors, Cuban suggests deep expertise in a particular domain and holding cash until a unique opportunity arises, rather than following conventional buy-and-hold strategies. Ultimately, his approach prioritizes financial discipline, smart spending, and long-term investing for steady wealth growth.
The outspoken tech mogul has a well-defined investment strategy focused on generating wealth through smart, long-term decisions. He favors dividend-paying stocks, referring to them as “real-world value generators,” emphasizing their ability to provide steady income rather than relying solely on price appreciation. In the rapidly evolving AI sector, Cuban sees massive potential, believing that AI will be essential for every company’s survival. Comparing AI investments to buying Apple stock in the 1980s, he considers them the future of passive wealth. As he puts it, “Non-dividend stocks are basically baseball cards. But AI? That’s a whole different game.”
Cuban also acknowledges the high-risk, high-reward nature of cryptocurrency investments but warns investors to be cautious. He advises only investing in what one can afford to lose and focusing on cryptocurrencies with real-world applications. His stance is clear: “If you’re not a true adventurer, stay away.” For those seeking a more stable approach, he recommends the broader market, which has historically delivered reliable returns of around 10% annually. Additionally, his involvement with private companies through “Shark Tank” highlights the potential of venture capital, though he recognizes that most investors may need to turn to crowdfunding or venture funds to access similar opportunities.
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Our Methodology
The stocks listed below were picked from the public comments that Cuban has made on his investments. He has explicitly mentioned some of his private holdings during these public appearances while only alluding to others. However, based on a careful assessment of the comments, the stocks listed below largely align with his investment philosophy. The list is compiled in descending order of the number of hedge funds having stakes in each firm, which was derived using data from over 1,000 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey in the fourth quarter of 2024.
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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Mark Cuban Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks
10. GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 24
GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), a leading global retailer of video games, consumer electronics, and gaming merchandise, is headquartered in Grapevine, Texas. Founded in 1984 as Babbage’s, GameStop is the world’s largest video game retailer with over stores in the United States, Canada, Australia, and across Europe. The company runs its operations under several brand names, including GameStop, EB Games, EB Games Australia, Micromania-Zing, ThinkGeek, and Zing Pop Culture.
In February 2021, Mark Cuban participated in a Reddit forum where he addressed questions about GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME). He advised users to hold onto their shares despite declining prices, stating that he would have done the same if he were an investor in the company.
On December 10, 2024, GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) reported its third-quarter financial results for the period ending November 2, 2024. Revenue declined by 20% to $860 million from $1.08 billion in the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased slightly to $282 million from $296.5 million. Despite the revenue drop, the company posted a net income of $17.4 million, a significant improvement from the $3.1 million net loss in the prior year’s third quarter, marking a 661% increase. The company is set to release its next earnings report on March 25, 2025, with analysts forecasting earnings of $0.09 per share, representing a 59.09% decline from the previous year.
On February 10, GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) shares surged, bouncing off their 200-day moving average. The stock gained momentum after CEO Ryan Cohen shared a photo with MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor on X, sparking speculation that GameStop might be exploring a move into Bitcoin. MicroStrategy is known as the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, adding to the intrigue surrounding the post. Over the past two decades, GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) has delivered an average annual return of 12.31%, outperforming the market by 4.14% annually.
Diamond Hill Capital stated the following regarding GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:
“Among our bottom Q2 contributors were our short position in GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), as well as our long position in Enovis Corporation. Shares of electronics retailer GameStop got a boost in Q2 as trader Keith Gill again made headlines and reinvigorated retail investors in the stock — which allowed the company to issue new stock and raise more capital.”
9. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 73
Mark Cuban acknowledged NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s significant cultural and business influence. Cuban noted the company’s continued potential for growth, especially in apparel, as demonstrated by its eight-year, $1 billion uniform deal with the NBA that was signed in 2017 and renewed in 2024. He expressed enthusiasm for the company’s innovations such as embedding NFC tags in jerseys to connect fans with exclusive content, emphasizing that the NBA and its players wield unparalleled influence over culture. As an entrepreneur and a former sports team owner, Cuban sees Nike’s strategic moves as a testament to how business and branding evolve alongside sports, reinforcing the brand’s stronghold in the industry.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) stock surged over 5% by the end of February 2025, following a strong endorsement from Jefferies that praised CEO Elliott Hill’s efforts to revamp production and distribution. Analysts anticipate a sharp rebound in profit margins and earnings per share by fiscal year 2027 despite the company’s struggles in 2024, including declining global sales, a 60% drop in share value from its 2021 peak, and strained relationships with major retailers. They noted that the company’s brand strength remains intact, attributing its recent setbacks to internal missteps rather than external competition. While NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) has lost market share due to reduced product innovation, analysts believe it can stabilize its position in the athletic footwear market within the low- to mid-20% range.
To regain momentum, Hill is focused on rebuilding wholesale partnerships and driving innovation, a strategy that previously led to significant growth. A key part of Nike’s comeback plan is its recent collaboration with Kim Kardashian on NikeSkims, a women’s shoe and athletic wear line. This marks the first time NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) has partnered with an external brand to launch a product line, underscoring its commitment to expanding its appeal to female consumers. In fiscal year 2024, the company generated $8.5 billion in revenue from women’s apparel, significantly trailing the $20.8 billion earned from men’s apparel, highlighting the potential for growth in this segment.
8. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 79
Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a financial services company popular for its electronic trading platform that is used as a cryptocurrency wallet. Mark Cuban, former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, previously allowed fans to purchase team merchandise using Dogecoin, one of the digital assets available for trading on Robinhood’s platform. In 2021, he also disclosed that he personally owned nearly $500 worth of the cryptocurrency himself.
By the close of Q4 2023, hedge fund interest in Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) had grown significantly, with 79 hedge funds holding positions valued at $4.62 billion, according to Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database. This marked a substantial increase from the prior quarter, where 36 hedge funds had investments totaling $2.19 billion. This rising institutional confidence set the stage for the company’s continued expansion and strong financial performance in the following year.
In Q4 2024, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) reported revenue surpassing $1 billion, bringing its full-year total to over $3 billion—marking a 58% increase from 2023. This impressive growth was largely fueled by the introduction of new offerings, including the Robinhood Gold Card, Robinhood Legend, and its expanding derivatives business, all of which cater to the company’s active trader base. These developments reflect Robinhood’s strategic focus on diversifying its product lineup and enhancing user engagement, which has translated into significant financial gains.
Robinhood Legend, one of its latest products, is already generating $50 million in annualized trading revenue. Customer deposits also hit a record high of $50 billion, reflecting a nearly 50% increase. Additionally, the number of subscribers to Robinhood’s premium Gold service surged by 80%, with approximately 10% of all users enrolled. Notably, over 30% of new customers in Q4 2024 opted for Gold, signaling strong demand for the platform’s premium features.
Baron FinTech Fund stated the following regarding Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) in its Q4 2024 investor letter:
“We also initiated a position in Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) during the quarter. Robinhood is an online brokerage that offers free trading across stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies. Baron Capital has long invested in successful brokerage companies such as Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers, and LPL Financial. We first met Robinhood in 2021 during their IPO process. Customers were using Robinhood because of its low-cost offering and simple user interface that makes trading easy and accessible. While we were impressed with management’s success in building a modern brokerage with a large user base and strong product-market fit, we were hesitant to invest at a cyclical peak in trading activity and fintech valuations during the middle of the COVID-era meme-stock craze. Following the IPO, trading activity soon normalized and the share price fell significantly.
After revisiting the company this past year, we believe Robinhood is a much-improved business today. Departing from its early reputation as a gamified enabler of retail speculation in meme stocks, Robinhood has been professionalized and transformed into a more durable company that can reliably gain market share and grow earnings over the long term. Some examples of the company’s maturation include: 1) providing retirement accounts that should create larger and longer-lasting client relationships; 2) launching the Gold subscription service that delivers additional value to Robinhood’s best customers; 3) introducing the web-based Legend platform that offers more advanced features for active traders; and 4) exercising expense discipline to right-size the cost base and deliver profitability alongside growth. These efforts have delivered strong financial results, with Robinhood generating annualized net new asset growth of 29%, custodied asset growth of 76%, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42% in the most recent quarter. Average revenue per user has also increased significantly from $60 in 2022 to $107 in the first nine months of 2024 across more than 24 million funded accounts. The customer retention rate is a very strong 95%, up from 80% three years ago…” (Click here to read the full text)
7. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 102
Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM), a global tobacco company, reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024. The company generated $9.7 billion in revenue, reflecting a 7.3% increase from the prior year. Operating income also saw substantial growth, rising 14.8% year-over-year to $3.3 billion. A key driver of this performance was the company’s continued expansion into smoke-free alternatives, with shipments of heated tobacco units (HTU) and oral nicotine products surpassing 40 billion units in a single quarter for the first time.
Looking ahead, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) expects adjusted annual earnings per share to range between $7.04 and $7.17, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $7.03. The company also projects a notable increase in ZYN shipments to the U.S., its largest market, with an estimated growth of 34% to 41%. IQOS shipments are also expected to rise by 10% to 12%. Analysts highlighted that PMI’s forecasts for profits, sales volume, and revenue were stronger than anticipated, boosting investor confidence. Historically, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) has been conservative in its early-year projections, leading to speculation that upward revisions may follow, further strengthening its stock performance.
Although Mark Cuban is not known for investing in Philip Morris, his preference for dividend-paying stocks, which he refers to as “real-world value generators,” aligns with the company’s strong dividend performance. Philip Morris remains a top choice for dividend investors, offering a quarterly payout of $1.35 per share. As of March 6, 2025, the stock carried a dividend yield of 3.58%, making it a potential candidate for investors following Cuban’s philosophy. With 15 consecutive years of dividend increases, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) has established itself as one of the most reliable dividend-paying stocks. This consistency in returns makes it particularly attractive for long-term investors seeking stable income. Therefore, those looking for a stable income-generating investment may find PM an appealing option.
6. Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 126
Mark Cuban was known to discuss Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) in January 2025 when Cuban weighed in on Elon Musk’s growing political influence. Emphasizing Musk’s close alliance with Donald Trump, Cuban questioned whether Musk’s focus on politics could alienate Tesla’s core customer base. Musk has actively participated in Republican strategy meetings and candidate vetting, raising concerns about how his political stance aligns with Tesla’s environmentally conscious consumers. Cuban pointed out the contradiction, noting that many Tesla buyers prioritize sustainability and climate action—values that do not align with Trump’s policies. In an interview, Cuban was asked whether it made sense for Musk to align with a party that downplays climate change, to which he responded that Musk’s influence over Trump could grant him significant policy-shaping power. Cuban suggested that for Musk, the ability to sway the decisions of the most powerful political figure outweighs the potential backlash from Tesla’s customer base, remarking that “being the Puppet Master” might be more valuable to Musk than Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s EV sales.
Tesla’s Q4 2024 earnings report presented a mixed picture, with revenue increasing 2.15% year-over-year to $25.71 billion, while operating profit dropped 23.3% to $1.58 billion, and earnings per share of $0.73 fell short of expectations. Despite a stock rally driven by speculation of policy benefits under President Trump, Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) faced its first annual decline in vehicle deliveries, totaling 1.8 million units, prompting aggressive discounts in North America and China to boost demand. Meanwhile, Tesla’s energy division provided a bright spot, generating $3.06 billion in revenue—up 113% from the previous year.
However, investor concerns persist, with analysts warning of a possible stock decline in 2025, citing Musk’s divided focus, slowing vehicle sales, and growing competition from China’s BYD. Additionally, JPMorgan maintains a bearish stance on Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), setting a price target of $135, implying a potential 60% drop in its stock value due to its high market capitalization and lower profitability compared to rivals.
5. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 144
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is a global streaming platform offering a vast selection of movies, TV series, and original content to millions of subscribers worldwide. The company recently reached record highs following a strong fourth-quarter earnings report, exceeding expectations for subscriber growth, revenue, and earnings. In Q4 2024, the company reported earnings of $4.27 per share, reflecting a 102% year-over-year increase, with revenue rising 16% to $10.25 billion. It added 18.91 million subscribers during the quarter, surpassing Wall Street projections and bringing its total subscriber base to 301.63 million. Looking ahead to 2025, Netflix anticipates 13% revenue growth, reaching $44 billion. However, it plans to stop reporting quarterly subscriber numbers, shifting the focus toward revenue and operating margins. The stock has remained strong, breaking out of a flat base in January and receiving multiple price target upgrades from analysts.
Following its impressive Q4 earnings, the company’s stock price surged 18% as analysts expressed optimism about its 2025 growth outlook, a strong content lineup, and its continued leadership in the streaming industry. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) expects revenue expansion to be driven by increased user engagement, organic subscriber growth, and higher average revenue per subscriber due to recent price hikes. JPMorgan reaffirmed its Overweight rating on the stock, setting a price target of $1,150, reflecting confidence in Netflix’s ability to sustain its momentum.
Mark Cuban has publicly discussed owning Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) stock, naming it as one of his largest holdings alongside Amazon during a 2019 interview. He has expressed admiration for both companies, particularly for their artificial intelligence capabilities. In 2021, Cuban predicted that Netflix and Amazon would outperform the broader market over the next decade, reinforcing his belief in their long-term potential.
Polen Capital stated the following regarding Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) in its Q4 2024 investor letter:
“The top absolute contributors were Amazon, Shopify, and Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX). Beyond these top relative contributors, it’s worth noting Netflix as a top absolute contributor as the company continues to extend its lead over its streaming competitors as evidenced—among other things—by 10% YoY subscriber growth in North America, its most mature market. Customers are clearly finding significant value in Netflix’s content offering, and that—along with opportunities to scale the advertising-based video-on-demand segment—should drive healthy double-digit earnings growth for the foreseeable future.”
4. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 166
Although Mark Cuban once had the opportunity to invest in Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER), he passed on it – a decision he regretted for at least nine years. Cuban had previously invested in Uber CEO Travis Kalanick’s first startup, Red Swoosh, but hesitated when Kalanick pitched the idea of Uber to him, citing concerns over regulatory battles with taxi associations and transportation authorities. After questioning Uber’s valuation, he never heard back from Kalanick, and the company was founded in 2009 and went on to revolutionize the transportation industry. Reflecting on his missed opportunity at the SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas in 2017, Cuban admitted that Kalanick’s willingness to challenge regulations ultimately led to Uber’s massive success. Acknowledging his mistake, Cuban emphasized that he now seeks bold, world-changing ideas, encouraging entrepreneurs to present disruptive innovations without fear of obstacles.
On February 05, 2025, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) reported its financial results for Q4 and the full year ending December 31, 2024, highlighting its strongest quarter to date. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi credited the company’s success to accelerated growth in monthly active platform consumers (MAPCs), trips, and gross bookings. He emphasized Uber’s ongoing innovation, particularly in autonomous vehicles, as a key driver of momentum heading into 2025. CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah echoed this optimism, noting record-breaking demand in both Mobility and Delivery services. He stated that the company surpassed its three-year outlook for gross bookings, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow, and despite these strong fundamentals, the company still sees itself as undervalued, with plans to actively repurchase stock.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)’s financial performance in Q4 2024 reflected this momentum, with trips increasing 18% year-over-year to 3.1 billion, averaging around 33 million trips per day. Revenue surged 20% from Q4 2023 to $12.0 billion, with Mobility and Delivery revenue climbing 23% to $10.7 billion. With strong demand across its services and a focus on long-term strategy, Uber continues to position itself for sustained growth in 2025 and beyond.
Ariel Appreciation Fund stated the following regarding Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) in its Q4 2024 investor letter:
“During the quarter, we initiated three new investments, each in companies we have followed closely for a considerable time. At various points, we viewed them as missed opportunities; however, our experience with Mr. Market has taught us that patience often creates inevitable entry points. This quarter, some exciting opportunities presented themselves. The three investments are Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Diageo (NYSE:DEO), and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER). We will discuss each in detail below
At the halfway point of the year, Uber was one of the top-performing stocks in the S&P, and we couldn’t help but kick ourselves for having spent considerable time researching the company—demonstrating gen[1]uine interest—only to never invest a dime. By year-end, however, Uber’s stock had not only surrendered all its gains but had fallen even further. So, what changed? Hype, plain and simple. Specifically, hype surrounding fully autonomous vehicles (AVs).
While we are excited by the advancements toward full autonomy and have friends who rave about their experiences with Waymo, the narrative (there’s that word again!) surrounding the inevitability of AVs has become so pervasive that it’s taken on a life of its own in markets…” (Click here to read the full text)
3. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 234
In October 2024, Mark Cuban praised Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s AI model, Gemini, emphasizing its ability to integrate seamlessly across Google Workspaces and continuously learn to improve efficiency. He stated, “There are two kinds of companies: those that are great at AI and everybody else.” Cuban believes Gemini enhances productivity by saving employees time, improving work quality, and assisting businesses in areas like finance and marketing where they may lack expertise. He has also participated in Google events, such as the Gemini at Work event in New York City, further underscoring his support for the company.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) recently reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, posting earnings per share of $2.15 on revenue of $96.47 billion, surpassing analysts’ estimates of $2.13 per share. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s Q4 earnings of $1.64 per share on $86.3 billion in revenue. CEO Sundar Pichai reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation, announcing plans for approximately $75 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, with a primary focus on generative AI.
As Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) continues to advance its AI capabilities, it sees artificial intelligence as a transformative opportunity to solidify its market leadership. Google Cloud, a key component of Alphabet’s AI-driven strategy, posted a 30% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 2024, reaching $11.9 billion. Alphabet’s deep expertise in AI positions it as a formidable player in cloud computing, further strengthening its competitive edge in an evolving technological landscape.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) plays a key role in the AI arms race, offering its generative AI model, Gemini, which boasts a strong user base. Alphabet has seamlessly integrated it into Google Search, strengthening its core business. The company continues to invest heavily in AI to meet growing demand, but its stock recently experienced a selloff due to broader tech market weakness. This dip presents a potential buying opportunity, as Alphabet remains attractively valued at 19.5 times forward earnings. Given its AI-driven growth, investors may find this a strategic moment to capitalize on the company’s long-term potential.
The London Company Large Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) in its Q4 2024 investor letter:
“Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) – GOOG was a top performer this quarter reflecting strong results from its ad business, Cloud growth, and margin enhancements. Investors got some clarity on the antitrust lawsuits during the quarter, but potential outcomes from these cases remain uncertain. Margins in the core business continue to improve, and growth in the Cloud business accelerated. Management has executed its expense control plans and expanded margins through better product and process organization. GOOG has a solid balance sheet, significant market share, and generates strong returns on invested capital.”
2. Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 262
In January 2025, business mogul Mark Cuban weighed in on Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)’s policy shift toward free speech, taking to Threads to emphasize the importance of returning to the company’s “roots around free expression.” Cuban also criticized Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and President-elect Donald Trump, warning that foreign governments might impose tariffs on the U.S. in response to the company rolling back censorship policies. His comments followed Zuckerberg’s announcement that Meta would loosen content restrictions to embrace a more open platform. Zuckerberg stated that Meta would work with Trump’s administration to resist international pressures for increased censorship, arguing that the U.S. has the strongest constitutional protections for free speech. Cuban’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate over tech companies’ role in content moderation, as well as the potential economic and political consequences of Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)’s new direction.
At the same time, the company’s rapid advancements in AI and digital advertising have positioned the company for continued financial success, underscoring its ability to balance policy shifts with business growth. Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)’s dominance in digital advertising is propelled by AI-driven innovations that contributed to a 22% revenue growth in 2024, double the industry’s expansion rate.
For Q4 2024, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) reported outstanding results, with revenue climbing 21% year-over-year to $48.4 billion, surpassing Wall Street’s $47 billion estimate. Earnings per share (EPS) surged 50% to $8.02, exceeding projections of $6.76 and pushing Meta’s stock up nearly 9%. The company’s digital advertising sector remains its primary revenue driver, benefiting from advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools that optimize ad targeting and content recommendations. These AI-powered enhancements have strengthened the company’s market position, enabling it to outperform competitors and attract increased advertising spending.
Institutional confidence in Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) has also surged, reflecting strong investor optimism about its long-term potential. Hedge fund interest also increased, with 262 funds holding stakes worth nearly $59.38 billion by Q4 2024, up from 235 in the prior quarter, as per Insider Monkey’s database. With its strong financials, AI-driven expansion, and dominant position in digital advertising, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) remains among Mark Cuban’s top stock picks.
1. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of Q4: 339
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), a leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence, has demonstrated extraordinary long-term growth, with its stock surging over 226,744% since its 1997 IPO. In Q4 2024, the company’s operating income rose to $21.2 billion from $13.2 billion the previous year, while net income doubled to $20 billion. AWS, its cloud computing division, reported a 19% increase in quarterly revenue to $28.8 billion. For the full year, net sales grew 11% to $638 billion, with operating income nearly doubling to $68.6 billion and net income reaching $59.2 billion. Despite a 44% stock surge in 2024, outpacing the market’s 23% gain, early 2025 has brought volatility due to conservative forward guidance. However, Amazon’s financial strength, market dominance, and AI-driven innovations suggest strong long-term growth potential.
On February 27, 2025, Amazon Web Services (AWS) introduced Ocelot, a groundbreaking quantum computing chip designed to lower the costs of quantum error correction by up to 90% compared to existing methods. Developed at the AWS Center for Quantum Computing at Caltech, Ocelot marks a major step toward fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of tackling complex commercial and scientific problems beyond the reach of conventional systems. The chip’s architecture integrates error correction from the outset, utilizing “cat qubits,” which inherently suppress certain types of errors, reducing the resources needed for error correction. For the first time, AWS researchers have successfully combined cat qubit technology with additional quantum error correction components on a scalable microchip, leveraging manufacturing techniques from the microelectronics industry.
Mark Cuban has found remarkable success investing in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), revealing in 2019 that he owned nearly $1 billion worth of the company’s stock, purchased at a split-adjusted price between $25 and $35 per share. Insider Monkey’s database indicated that 339 hedge funds out of the 1,009 hedge funds held stakes in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) at the end of Q4 2024, with a value of over $69 billion, as opposed to 286 funds in Q3.
Overall, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) ranks first on our list of Mark Cuban’s top 10 stock picks. While we acknowledge the potential for AMZN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AMZN but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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