In this article, we’ll look at the 10 Best NYSE Stocks to Buy for the Long Term.
US stocks had a stellar run in 2025, buoyed by the AI investment enthusiasm. The S&P 500 soared 17.9%, marking a third consecutive year of remarkable performance for the index.
While 2025 ended strongly for stocks, the market did experience many bouts of volatility along the way. The S&P 500 index, for instance, dropped nearly 19% in the first half of the year before reversing course to have a solid finish.
It seems to be a similarly volatile start to 2026, with the market experiencing sharp swings so far. A confluence of factors has contributed to this, including AI boom concerns, monetary policy uncertainties, and geopolitical issues.
Looking ahead, though, market experts see strong gains for stocks in 2026.
On January 6, Goldman Sachs strategists published their prediction for 2026, saying they expected the S&P 500 to rally 12% this year. Ben Snider, the chief US equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, was quoted as saying:
“Healthy economic and revenue growth, continued profit strength among the largest US stocks, and an emerging productivity boost from artificial intelligence (AI) adoption should lift [US stock earnings in the coming years].”
On January 15, Jared Woodard of BofA Securities said on CNBC that market success will be much broader this year than it was last year.
Angelo Kourkafas, the senior global investment strategist at Edward Jones, was quoted by the Wall Street Journal on February 8 as saying: “We would view any pullbacks as opportunities to really re-engage.”
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the stocks flying under the radar that can be a huge blessing to long-term investors.
Source: Pexels
Our Methodology
To identify the 10 Best NYSE Stocks to Buy for the Long Term, we used the Finviz stock screener to filter for companies trading under the NYSE, and with five-year revenue and earnings growth rates of at least 15%. We narrowed the list to stocks with market caps above $2 billion and then looked at their upside potential. Using Q3 2025 13F filings from Insider Monkey’s database, we identified those with the highest hedge fund ownership and ranked them in ascending order by the number of hedge fund holders.
Note: The data is of February 13.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research shows 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 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
Best NYSE Stocks to Buy for the Long Term
10. Ares Management Corp (NYSE:ARES)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50
Stock’s Upside Potential: 46.71%
Ares Management Corp (NYSE:ARES) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. On February 10, 2026, Ares Management Corp (NYSE:ARES) CEO Michael Arougheti outlined the firm’s growth priorities at the Bank of America Financial Services Conference, highlighting record Q4 capital deployment of $46 billion, a 20% dividend increase, and assets under management rising to $600 billion in five years.
He emphasized expansion in private credit, digital infrastructure, and real estate, alongside AI integration to boost efficiency, while setting ambitious targets of 16%–20% annual FRE growth and over 20% RI growth. With $150 billion in dry powder and a strong deal pipeline, Arougheti expressed confidence in capturing opportunities amid favorable market conditions.
On February 5, Ares Management Corp reported Q4 2025 EPS of $1.45 and revenue of $1.5 billion. These figures fell short of analyst forecasts for EPS of $1.70 and revenue of $1.52 billion.
The company reported strong growth in management fees, which jumped 27% YoY. It also crossed $100 billion in fundraising for the year, sending its assets under management above $600 billion. For 2026, Ares Management Corp expects its fundraising to match or exceed the 2025 level.
In light of this, Raymond James upgraded ARES stock to a Strong Buy from Market Perform on February 9. It set a $157 price target for the stock. The firm based the upgrade on Ares Management’s robust outlook, which shows the company’s fee-related earnings are expected to grow 16-20% through 2028.
According to Raymond James, Ares Management has a predictable growth considering that over $100 billion of its assets under management is not earning fees yet. The firm further noted that Ares Management’s 4.1% common dividend yield further supports the investment case for ARES stock.
Ares Management Corp (NYSE:ARES) is a global alternative investment manager with nearly $623 billion of assets under management. It operates in private equity, credit, and real-estate markets, and this allows it to offer clients a wide range of primary and secondary investment solutions.
9. Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50
Stock’s Upside Potential: 63.73%
Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. On February 12, Citi lowered its price target on Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) to $6 from $10 while keeping a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm updated its model following the company’s Q4 results. According to the analyst, Snap continues to face challenges from weak brand advertising demand.
Earlier on February 4, Snap Inc released its Q4 2025 earnings results that showed revenue increased 10% YoY to $1.72 billion. That beat WallStreet expectation of $1.7 billion. The revenue increase was supported by strong growth in Snap’s subscription business, where revenue soared 62% YoY. Subscriber numbers were up 71% YoY to 24 million in Q4. Snap’s net income soared to $45 million from $9 million in the prior year. The company posted a surprise profit with earnings per share of $0.03, beating expectations of a $0.03 loss. The company is nearing 1 billion monthly active users and continues to invest in augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
Snap expects Q1 2026 revenue between $1.5 billion and $1.53 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $170–$190 million. The company also plans to launch new Specs AR glasses in 2026 to tap rising demand for augmented reality.
“Our Q4 results began to reflect the impact of our strategic pivot toward profitable growth, translating into revenue diversification and meaningful margin expansion,” remarked Snap CEO Evan Spiegel.
On the back of the strong earnings, Snap announced the launch of a $500 million share buyback program. It said the goal of this program was to offset dilution related to the issuance of stock units to employees.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) is a technology company best known for its visual messaging platform Snapchat. This platform enhances communication with friends and family. Snapchat+, a subscription-based version of the platform, offers a range of extra features.
8. Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55
Stock’s Upside Potential: 30.76%
Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. On February 12, Needham reiterated its Buy rating on Twilio (NYSE:TWLO) with a $145 price target after the company’s strong Q4 results.
On February 12, Twilio Inc. reported fourth‑quarter results that beat expectations, with revenue rising 14% year‑over‑year to $1.37 billion versus the $1.32 billion consensus and adjusted EPS of $1.33 topping estimates by $0.10. Organic revenue grew 12%, while operating income and free cash flow improved sharply. CEO Khozema Shipchandler called 2025 one of Twilio’s strongest years, citing accelerated growth, margin expansion, and innovation.
For 2026, management guided to 8.5% organic growth, which Needham sees as conservative, while highlighting the company’s improved go‑to‑market strategy, strong ISV partner performance, and a new FY 2027 operating income target of $1.23 billion, up 17% from FY 2025 guidance.
On February 2, Moody’s upgraded Twilio’s rating to Ba1 from Ba2. Moody’s based the upgrade on Twilio’s stable outlook. It cited the company’s solid market position, strong growth potential, and large cash balances.
Moody’s sees Twilio growing at high single-digit or greater over the next two years. According to the firm, this will be supported by increasing usage and advances in communications software applications. Moreover, Moody’s sees potential benefits for Twilio in AI.
Moody’s further highlights Twilio’s prudent financial policy, saying the company should maintain cash exceeding debt over the next two years as share repurchases moderate.
Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO) is an American cloud communications provider. It provides businesses with programmable communications tools that help with functions like making calls and receiving messages.
7. Celestica Inc (NYSE:CLS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62
Stock’s Upside Potential: 38.02%
Celestica Inc (NYSE:CLS) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. Celestica Inc (NYSE:CLS) reported its Q4 2025 earnings on January 28. Revenue soared 44% YoY to $3.65 billion, as adjusted EPS jumped to $1.89 from $1.11 in the prior year.
On the back of the strong finish to 2025, Celestica raised its outlook for 2026. It now expects 2026 revenue of $17 billion, which is a $1 billion boost to the previous revenue guidance of $16 billion. Celestica CEO and President, Rob Mionis, pointed to strengthening demand for AI-related data center technologies for the company’s more optimistic outlook.
“We are continuing to align with our largest customers on their multi-year capacity roadmaps in support of their long-term AI infrastructure investments,” the Celestica CEO said.
On the same day Celestica released its Q4 earnings, BofA Securities initiated coverage of CLS stock with a Buy rating and a $400 price target.
According to the firm, Celestica’s white-box switches business stands to benefit from AI-driven data center upgrades. In this regard, BofA Securities strategists cite Celestica’s tradition as a first-mover in budding markets. Additionally, the firm sees strong growth for Celestica in the custom ASIC accelerated servers market.
Based in Toronto, Canada, Celestica Inc (NYSE:CLS) supplies critical components and systems used in data centers and other computing infrastructure. It’s been in business since 1994, and its operations span 50 sites spread across 15 countries.
6. Block Inc (NYSE:XYZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Stock’s Upside Potential: 51.66%
Block Inc (NYSE:XYZ) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. On February 12, Morgan Stanley kept its Equalweight rating and $72 price target on Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ), noting slower growth in Square’s payment volumes. The firm now expects Q4 2025 Seller GPV growth of 10.3% year‑over‑year, down from 12.7%, with U.S. growth at 7% and international growth at 26%. Square’s gross profit growth is projected at 8%, lower than earlier estimates, due to processor transition impacts that may last until mid‑2025.
For Q4 2025, Morgan Stanley forecasts total gross profit growth of 18.2%, with Square at 8% and Cash App steady at 25%. Looking to 2026, the firm sees gross profit growth of 16.9%, supported by 12% growth in Square and 20% in Cash App, leading to adjusted operating income of $2.7 billion and EPS of $3.19.
On February 4, Block’s Square division launched the second-generation of its Square Register POS system. This new device is 40% faster than the old model, the company said. This improvement is intended to support a quicker checkout process, particularly during high-volume hours.
According to a Bloomberg report on February 7, Block Inc plans to slash up to 10% of its workforce. This plan is part of the company’s effort to operate more efficiently. The company has been on the efficiency drive since 2024, seeking to adjust its business model and staffing.
On January 27, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage of Block stock with an Overweight rating and a price target of $87. In taking this action, the firm pointed to the early success of Block’s turnaround efforts. The firm also cited Block’s new product initiatives as another source of optimism in the stock.
Block Inc (NYSE:XYZ) is an American technology company that provides an array of financial services to merchants and consumers. Through its Square unit, it offers devices and software for checkout counters. It also offers loans and mines Bitcoin.
5. Blackstone Inc (NYSE:BX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 80
Stock’s Upside Potential: 30.20%
Blackstone Inc (NYSE:BX) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. Blackstone Inc (NYSE:BX) led a $10 billion debt investment in the Australian AI infrastructure company Firmus, Reuters reported on February 9.
Confirming the deal, Firmus said in a press release on February 9 that it would use the financing to bankroll the next phase of its Project Southgate to meet the increasing demand for high-performance computing. The Firmus’ Project Southgate is a national rollout of an AI Factory platform.
In other news, Chinese regulators have given their approval to Blackstone’s deal to acquire Hologic (HOLX), Reuters reported on February 10. Blackstone teamed up with TPG (TPG) to acquire Hologic, a specialist in women’s health diagnosis.
On February 2, Piper Sandler strategists reiterated a Neutral rating on BX stock but slashed the price target from $168 to $158. In taking this action, the strategists pointed to Blackstone’s 2026 guidance, which they view as tepid relative to market expectations. Consequently, the strategies lowered their 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates for Blackstone.
Blackstone Inc (NYSE:BX) is an alternative investment management company. It serves institutional and individual investors. With more than $1 trillion of assets under management, Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager.
4. Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
Stock’s Upside Potential: 33.48%
Arista Networks Inc (NYSE:ANET) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. Arista Networks Inc (NYSE:ANET) reported strong fourth‑quarter results on February 12, with earnings and revenue beating expectations. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.82 versus $0.76 expected, while revenue rose to $2.49 billion, up 29% year‑over‑year.
CEO Jayshree Ullal said 2025 validated the company’s “Arista 2.0” strategy, highlighting growth in AI networking and campus expansion, with full‑year revenue reaching $9 billion. Profitability stayed solid, though margins eased slightly.
GAAP net income rose to $956 million from $801 million a year earlier, and non‑GAAP net income topped $1 billion for the first time. CFO Chantelle Breithaupt noted strong operating leverage, with a non‑GAAP operating margin of 47.5%.
Looking ahead, Arista guided Q1 2026 revenue to about $2.6 billion, above consensus, and expects margins to remain healthy. Following these results, on February 13, Needham raised its price target to $185 while keeping a Buy rating, citing stronger guidance and growth in AI revenue, which was lifted to $3.25 billion. Deferred revenue also surged, suggesting upside to estimates.
Separately, on February 13, Piper Sandler raised its price target on Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET) to $175 from $159 while keeping an Overweight rating. The firm pointed to Arista’s stronger annual growth forecast of 25% and rising demand from cloud and AI customers. It also noted higher purchase commitments for chips and memory, showing the company’s focus on securing supply as it positions itself to benefit from growing AI investment.
Arista Networks Inc (NYSE:ANET) is an American cloud and AI networking solutions provider. Among other products, it sells network switches used in large datacenters and other high-performance computing environments.
3. ServiceNow Inc (NYSE:NOW)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 104
Stock’s Upside Potential: 84.08%
ServiceNow Inc (NYSE:NOW) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. On February 11, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) announced the appointment of Danielle Fontaine as chief accounting officer and corporate controller, effective February 17. The update was shared in a press release following a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Earlier, on February 9, Morgan Stanley said the sharp drop in software valuations has created buying opportunities, arguing that worries about generative AI disruption are overdone. Analyst Keith Weiss noted software multiples have fallen about 33% since October 2025, with investors underestimating how established vendors can benefit from AI.
The firm highlighted Microsoft, Intuit, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Atlassian, Snowflake, Cloudflare, Shopify, and Palo Alto Networks as attractive picks, citing strong product cycles, better financials, and cheaper valuations.
Separately, on February 5, Truist cut its price target on ServiceNow to $175 from $240 but kept a Buy rating. The firm said the recent pullback in infrastructure software stocks is mostly about long‑term value concerns, not near‑term fundamentals, making AI stories more important.
Truist noted that companies relying on seat‑based models performed the worst in 2025 and continue to lag in early 2026. The analysts see growing traction for AI use cases and believe shifting away from seat‑based deployments is becoming a key strategy for these vendors.
ServiceNow Inc (NYSE:NOW) stock is trading near its 52-week low. This is despite the company posting stellar Q4 2025 earnings on January 28. Revenue rose 20.5% YoY to $3.57 billion, powered by a strong subscription business. On the back of the strong earnings, ServiceNow announced a $5 billion boost to its share repurchase program.
ServiceNow Inc (NYSE:NOW) is an American software company that provides a cloud-based and AI-driven platform for automating and improving business workflows. Its solutions help businesses increase productivity and maximize outcomes. Its primary operating areas are CRM and Industry, Technology, Core Business, and Creator.
2. Salesforce Inc (NYSE:CRM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 119
Stock’s Upside Potential: 66.90%
Salesforce Inc (NYSE:CRM) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. On February 9, Morgan Stanley analysts named Salesforce Inc (NYSE:CRM) as one of their nine buy-opportunities following the recent selloff that has roiled software stocks. The analysts argue that investors have taken features around AI disruption of software companies too far.
They further note that the market is not fully appreciating the ability of software incumbents like Salesforce to benefit from AI adoption.
“The bear case arguments around GenAI appear to give too little credence to the ability of incumbent software vendors to participate in this innovation cycle,” Morgan Stanely analyst Keith Weiss wrote in the research note.
Earlier on February 6, Stifel reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $300. Stifel noted that Salesforce shares have dropped about 25% this year, more than the broader software index, as sentiment turned negative.
The firm sees Agentforce adoption as key to Salesforce’s future, helping defend against AI rivals and boosting cloud usage. With strong gross profit margins of nearly 78% and $40.32 billion in revenue over the past year, Stifel believes rising Agentforce token use shows steady progress toward its goals.
On January 26, Salesforce announced that it had won a 10-year deal worth $5.6 billion with the U.S. Army. This deal adds to Salesforce’s existing business with the Department of War.
Salesforce Inc (NYSE:CRM) is a cloud-based software company. It provides businesses with software for sales, customer service, e-commerce, and application development. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Salesforce has been in business since 1999.
1. Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 136
Stock’s Upside Potential: 27.32%
Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) is one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. On February 12, Truist Financial (TFC) launched its first open banking integration with Mastercard’s open finance platform. The new API system lets Truist’s consumer and small business clients securely connect their financial data to approved fintech apps without sharing usernames or passwords.
The bank said this will give customers more control and a clearer view of their finances, while Mastercard emphasized the importance of trust in delivering secure and convenient digital experiences. Truist, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, reported $548 billion in assets at the end of 2025.
On February 3, Daiwa Securities upgraded Mastercard Inc stock from Neutral to Outperform with a price target of $610.
The research firm based the upgrade on several factors that it views as positive for MA stock. For instance, it pointed to the renewal of Mastercard’s credit card agreement with Capital One. It noted that this arrangement reassures investors of Mastercard’s outlook.
Daiwa’s other reason for being bullish on MA stock has to do with stablecoins. According to the firm, stablecoin payments could change from being seen as a threat to Mastercard to being appreciated as substantial earnings opportunities.
Additionally, Daiwa mentioned potential credit card regulations by the Trump administration. According to the firm, there’s little chance of these regulations coming into force, saying it expects regulators to relax their demands.
On January 27, Mastercard Inc announced the launch of an AI agent suite for enterprises.. This comes as spending on AI tools in the financial services sector is growing rapidly, with RGP predicting the market will hit $97 billion in 2027.
Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) is a global payments processor. Its payment solutions span credit card, debit card, and cyber services. Mastercard solutions help make payment transactions simple, safe, and more accessible. The company is headquartered in Purchase, New York, and it has been in business since 1966.
While we acknowledge the potential of Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MA and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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