Best stocks for 2026 is becoming one of the market’s most-watched themes as investors look for signs that this year’s momentum can carry into the new year. And according to fresh analysis from S&P Global Market Intelligence and MarketSurge, several standout names may be positioned to deliver another strong run. These stocks have already posted impressive gains in 2025—many rising 60% or more—and analysts now expect them to outperform again in the next 12 months.
Key Points
The list includes well-known players such as Advanced Micro Devices, Uber Technologies, and Monolithic Power Systems. Each has built on solid fundamentals, strong demand trends, and earnings strength. With the S&P 500 up 17% this year, these nine stocks have comfortably outpaced the market. Now analysts believe the story is far from over.
Investors are watching closely because it’s rare for a group of top-performing stocks to extend their lead into the following year. But this group’s earnings outlook, price strength, and analyst expectations suggest that 2026 could bring another chapter of growth.
Analysts Highlight the Best Stocks for 2026 After a Strong 2025
A closer look at the data shows that the average S&P 500 stock is expected to rise 13.3% over the next 12 months. That projection already beats the index’s long-term annual return of roughly 10%. But the nine highlighted leaders stand out even more, with expected gains of 15% or higher.
Semiconductor giant Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is one of the strongest examples. The stock surged 80.8% this year, powered by ongoing demand for AI-driven chips and advancements in high-performance computing. Analysts believe AMD could climb nearly 30% more in the next 12 months, supported by expectations for 19% profit growth in 2025 and a major 66% earnings jump in 2026. AMD continues to hold a high RS Rating, reflecting its ongoing market strength.
Another notable name is Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR), which specializes in integrated circuits. Shares have risen 63.5% this year, and analysts expect a 22% additional gain in 2026. Forecasts show earnings growing 25% this year and another 17% next year—an encouraging sign for investors looking for durable performance.
Drive-hailing leader Uber Technologies (UBER) has also delivered a strong year, climbing 52.1%. Analysts see roughly 22% more upside ahead as profitability continues improving and demand trends remain strong. Uber carries a solid RS Rating and is projected to grow profits by 18% this year.
This group also includes companies from energy, health care, manufacturing, and aerospace—another sign of broad market strength heading into 2026.
A Closer Look at Sector Momentum Behind the Best Stocks for 2026
What makes this group so compelling is not just past performance, but the consistency of its underlying drivers.
- Technology has remained the standout category, with AMD and MPWR leading on innovation and earnings.
- Industrial and aerospace names like Howmet Aerospace and General Electric continue benefiting from global infrastructure demand and aviation growth.
- Companies like NRG Energy and Newmont Mining have surged due to energy efficiency trends and commodity strength.
- CVS Health has performed well as health services remain a resilient defensive sector.
Analysts believe these trends will remain supportive in 2026, giving these stocks a clearer path to continued gains than many others in the index.
Market Strategists Share Optimism Heading Into 2026
Strategists say the market enthusiasm heading into the final month of 2025 reflects a broader belief that the economic backdrop remains supportive.
CFRA strategist Sam Stovall compared investor anticipation to the excitement of opening an advent calendar, noting that many are hoping the year’s strong momentum carries forward. With the S&P 500 already outperforming historical averages, optimism is building that 2026 could offer more upside—particularly for stocks with strong earnings pipelines.
The projected gains for these nine leaders are significantly higher than typical long-term averages, reinforcing why they stand out as some of the best stocks for 2026.
The Top 2025 Winners Expected to Rise Again in 2026
Here is a summary of the nine stocks analysts expect to rise at least 15% over the next 12 months, after each climbed 60% or more in 2025:
- Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): +80.8% YTD; +29.8% implied gain
- NRG Energy (NRG): +83.0% YTD; +26.0% implied gain
- CVS Health (CVS): +67.2% YTD; +22.4% implied gain
- Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR): +63.5% YTD; +22.1% implied gain
- Uber Technologies (UBER): +52.1% YTD; +21.9% implied gain
- Howmet Aerospace (HWM): +74.2% YTD; +21.8% implied gain
- General Electric (GE): +70.3% YTD; +19.6% implied gain
- TE Connectivity (TEL): +62.6% YTD; +16.4% implied gain
- Newmont (NEM): +141.5% YTD; +15.8% implied gain
These gains are impressive not only for their magnitude but for their consistency across sectors. From semiconductors to commodities, each company has navigated 2025’s shifting environment with strong execution.
Looking Ahead: Will These Be the Best Stocks for 2026?
While no forecast is guaranteed, the alignment of earnings expectations, technical strength, and analyst sentiment gives these stocks a notable edge heading into the new year. With economic conditions relatively stable and market confidence improving, analysts believe these names have the resilience and momentum to outperform again.
Investors will be watching earnings trends, demand outlooks, and valuation levels as the new year approaches. But based on current analysis, these nine stand out as some of the best stocks for 2026—not only because of their past performance, but because their future story still appears strong.
