10 Best Blue Chip Stocks to Buy for 2026

4. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Upside Potential: 34.14%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 312

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is one of the best blue-chip stocks to buy for 2026. On January 7, CNBC reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the company behind a controversial data center in Michigan. Lowell Township residents have opposed the proposed data center, even as it is expected to result in an investment of between $500 million and $1 billion over the next three to five years.

A bone of contention is the growing concern that the proposed data center will draw as much electricity as an entire city and use significant amounts of water. There are also concerns that the data center will affect field trips to the Heidi Farmstand and Bakery. The objection comes as Microsoft explores doubling the size of its data centers over the next two years to capitalize on the AI boom.

Meanwhile, on January 5, Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating and a $675 price target on Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). The positive stance is in response to the company showing strength across its businesses, including cloud computing, productivity software, and personal computing. Microsoft is increasingly expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities by integrating AI features in its product portfolio.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a global technology leader offering software, cloud solutions, devices, and gaming products designed to help individuals and organizations achieve more.