CoreWeave Stock (CRWV) Starts Year Strong as Analyst Shifts Tone

CoreWeave's stock (NASDAQ: CRWV) is experiencing a notable upswing as the new year commences, buoyed by a revised analyst outlook that has instilled renewed confidence in the AI infrastructure provider. The shift in sentiment is reflected in the company's stock performance, which has seen a significant rise in pre-market trading, building on gains from the previous session.

The CoreWeave stock price is currently set at $82.47, marking a 3.97% increase in the pre-market, adding to the substantial 10.77% surge witnessed during Friday's trading. to kick of 2026 on a high This upward trajectory follows a series of analyst evaluations and strategic advancements that have shaped investor perceptions of CoreWeave's prospects.

DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria has upgraded CoreWeave's rating from Underperform to Neutral, with a price target adjustment from $36 to $68. This upgrade is particularly noteworthy given the firm's initial reluctance, signaling a potential turning point in its assessment of the company. The rationale behind the upgrade is primarily linked to the potential for OpenAI to successfully secure a $100 billion fundraise. While not a certainty, such a capital infusion would enable OpenAI to meet its financial obligations through 2026, including commitments to CoreWeave.

While concerns remain regarding CoreWeave's debt structure, the potential for OpenAI's successful fundraising has provided some immediate relief. The analyst acknowledges that the equity in CoreWeave shares may ultimately face challenges due to the company's debt burden, but a successful fundraise by OpenAI could potentially delay any reckoning.

Other firms have also adjusted their outlook on CoreWeave. H.C. Wainwright upgraded the stock to Buy with a $180 target, citing increased fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance and CoreWeave's leadership in AI infrastructure. Morgan Stanley increased its price target to $99, acknowledging CoreWeave's success in securing large contracts from generative AI users. Wells Fargo upgraded to Overweight, raising the price target to $170, highlighting CoreWeave's positioning to benefit from the AI build cycle. 

The latest raise from DA Davidson reflects an improving sentiment from the firm; although the price target at $68 sits considerably below the current price action. Whilst other analysts lean considerably more bullish in their view; it is clear that there is likely to be plenty of attention in the stock as the year goes on. An 84% gain after the first year in public markets was nothing short of impressive, yet trading more than 50% below highs suggests there is more to be done in order to gain broader acceptance, and volatility could be expected.