In this article, we will look at 10 High Growth S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now.
Earnings are quietly doing more of the heavy lifting again inside the S&P 500. After a stretch where expanding valuations carried much of the index higher, the focus has shifted back to actual profit growth. BlackRock’s iShares team put it plainly in its 2026 outlook, noting that “Earnings growth across the S&P 500 strengthened meaningfully in 2025 – presenting broad opportunities for investors across the spectrum of U.S. equities.” When earnings growth strengthens meaningfully, it becomes the primary engine of returns.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management strikes a similar tone in its Market Outlook 2026, arguing that “an economic soft landing and rate cuts by the Fed set a constructive backdrop for risk assets”. The report also emphasizes that “discipline will be the key differentiator,” particularly in an environment where valuations remain elevated. When earnings multiples are already high, earnings growth should drive the returns.
In summary, if the backdrop is constructive but valuations are not cheap, then companies need to deliver earnings growth. That shifts attention toward S&P 500 companies that are delivering sustained, above-average EPS expansion. With that in mind, we take a closer look at 10 High Growth S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now.
Our Methodology
To identify the 10 High Growth S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now, we used the Finviz screener to generate a list of S&P500 stocks that have a track record of delivering earnings growth and have grown their EPS by at least 20% over the past 3 years. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
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 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC)
Truist on February 19, 2026, raised its price target on Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC) to $360 from $320 and maintained a Buy rating. The firm acknowledged a Q4 earnings miss but said the 2026 outlook still points to year-over-year growth, with guidance for modest volume growth unchanged.
On February 18, 2026, RBC Capital lowered its price target to $296 from $316 and kept a Sector Perform rating following the Q4 miss. RBC Capital said the tone of the earnings statement appeared more positive than the formal guidance and suggested the company may be reserving additional updates for its March Capital Markets Day, when it plans to provide refreshed medium-term guidance.
On February 17, 2026, Vulcan reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $1.70 versus $2.11 consensus and revenue of $1.91B compared with $1.96B consensus. CEO Ronnie Pruitt said, “Our aggregates-led business delivered another year of strong earnings growth and margin expansion,” noting full-year adjusted EBITDA improved 13%, and margins expanded 160 basis points. Ronnie Pruitt added that aggregate cash gross profit per ton rose to $11.33 and that strong cash generation and disciplined portfolio management position the company to continue compounding results in 2026 and beyond.
Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC) produces and supplies construction aggregates in the United States through its Aggregates, Asphalt, and Concrete segments.
9. Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR)
Truist analyst Jamie Cook on February 20, 2026, raised the price target on Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) to $643 from $548 and maintained a Buy rating. Jamie Cook said the Q4 earnings beat was driven by strong performance in Electric Infrastructure, with additional support from acquisitions, while Underground Utility results were largely in line with consensus expectations.
That same day, DA Davidson analyst Brent Thielman lifted the price target to $575 from $450 and kept a Neutral rating, describing Q4 results as “solid” and stating that there is nothing “imminent” that would derail the company’s “attractive earnings trajectory.” Earlier, on February 20, 2025, Cantor Fitzgerald raised its price target to $630 from $520 and maintained an Overweight rating, saying Quanta reinforced its position as a differentiated player in E&C with durable end-market demand, multi-year backlog visibility, and disciplined risk management tied to a multi-year North American infrastructure cycle.
On February 19, 2026, Quanta reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $3.16 versus $3.02 consensus and revenue of $7.84B compared with $7.37B consensus. President and CEO Duke Austin said, “Quanta closed 2025 with another strong quarter,” highlighting double-digit year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA and a record backlog of $44.0B, reflecting accelerating demand in the Electric segment heading into 2026.
Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) provides infrastructure solutions to the electric and gas utility, power generation, communications, pipeline, and energy industries.
8. Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP)
Goldman Sachs, on February 20, 2026, raised its price target on Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) to $242 from $196 and maintained a Buy rating following Q4 results. The firm said the quarter came in better than expected, driven by strong downstream NGL margins, though Permian gathering and processing volumes were flatter. Goldman Sachs added that the medium- to long-term growth message was constructive, highlighting plans for three processing plants per year in the Permian.
That same day, Barclays increased its price target to $226 from $191 and kept an Overweight rating after updating its model to reflect the Q4 report. Barclays said Targa’s long-term fundamentals remain on an improving trajectory.
On February 19, 2026, Targa reported Q4 revenue of $4.06B versus $4.14B consensus and adjusted EBITDA of $1.34B compared with $1.12B last year. CEO Matt Meloy said, “We have a lot of positive momentum in our business,” citing strength in the Permian and noting that the completion of large downstream capital projects in the second half of 2027 is expected to provide meaningful operating leverage and support growing, durable free cash flow backed by fee-based adjusted EBITDA and an investment-grade balance sheet.
Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) owns and operates domestic infrastructure assets in North America through its Gathering and Processing and Logistics and Transportation segments.
7. Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:DECK)
Argus analyst John Staszak, on February 20, 2026, upgraded Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:DECK) to Buy from Hold. John Staszak cited management’s raised guidance and what was described as more “reliable” forecasting. Argus also pointed to the company’s major brands, UGG and HOKA, continuing to post consistent and strong sales growth.
Earlier in the month, on February 2, 2026, Telsey Advisory raised the price target to $120 from $105 and maintained a Market Perform rating after what was described as a “healthy” Q3 beat, with UGG and HOKA “handily” exceeding expectations. The same day, Citi increased its price target to $135 from $130 and kept a Buy rating.
On January 30, 2026, Deckers reported Q3 EPS of $3.33 versus $2.76 consensus and revenue of $1.96B compared with $1.87B consensus. President and CEO Stefano Caroti said, “Deckers produced record revenue and earnings per share in the third quarter,” driven by global demand for UGG and HOKA. Stefano Caroti added that strategic marketplace management supported balanced growth across DTC and wholesale, with both brands delivering strong full-price selling and gross margins, leaving the company “on track to deliver another incredible year” with profitable growth across expanding segments.
Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:DECK) designs, markets, and distributes footwear, apparel, and accessories for casual lifestyle use and high-performance activities in the United States and internationally.
6. FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE)
Scotiabank on February 19, 2026, raised its price target on FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE) to $56 from $55 and maintained an Outperform rating. The firm said it remains bullish, highlighting what it described as a “massive” 30% increase to the company’s capital expenditure plan.
The same day, Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell increased the price target to $51 from $47 and kept a Neutral rating.
On February 17, 2026, FirstEnergy outlined a $36B capital investment plan for 2026 through 2030 under its Energize365 program, representing nearly a 30% increase versus the prior five-year plan and driving 10% compounded annual rate base growth through 2030. The company said the updated plan positions it to deliver core EPS compounded annual growth near the top end of its 6%–8% target range from 2026 to 2030. Chairman, President, and CEO Brian X. Tierney said, “In 2025, we reinforced our financial foundation and delivered on the strategies that are moving our company forward,” adding that the $36B plan includes more than $19B in transmission investments aimed at building a stronger, more resilient grid and supporting long-term value creation.
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE) engages in the generation, distribution, and transmission of electricity in the United States through its Distribution, Integrated, and Stand-Alone Transmission segments.
5. A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS)
Goldman Sachs analyst Susan Maklari on February 12, 2026, raised the price target on A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS) to $69 from $63 while maintaining a Sell rating. Susan Maklari said Goldman Sachs is looking for a deceleration in housing and industry dynamics to limit upside to results in 2026, citing ongoing macro headwinds and tough comps in China. Goldman Sachs added that longer term, as A.O. Smith broadens its offerings and expands into areas of secular growth, there is “a potential path to higher earnings.”
On January 30, 2026, Stifel analyst Nathan Jones lifted the price target to $85 from $80 and kept a Buy rating. Nathan Jones noted that A.O. Smith delivered a Q4 EPS beat, though 2026 revenue guidance was light and the EPS midpoint came in below consensus. Despite the mixed quarter, shares rose about 5%, which Nathan Jones believes was likely driven by short covering. The same day, Baird analyst Michael Halloran raised the price target to $77 from $76 and maintained a Neutral rating, updating the model after Q4 results, where estimate acceleration remains a key catalyst.
On January 29, 2026, A.O. Smith reported Q4 adjusted EPS of 90c versus 84c consensus and revenue of $912.5M compared with $928.19M consensus. CEO Steve Shafer said, “I am pleased with the resilience and focus our team showed through the fourth quarter,” pointing to continued improvement in profitability and strength in the commercial water heater and boiler markets that contributed to record EPS in 2025. Steve Shafer added that China margins expanded despite volume pressure and said the addition of Leonard Valve and Heat-Timer represents “an important step forward” in aligning the portfolio to higher growth opportunities.
A.O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS) manufactures and markets residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, heat pumps, tanks, and water treatment products across North America, China, Europe, and India.
4. Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ:PODD)
Truist on February 19, 2026, lowered its price target on Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ:PODD) to $360 from $390 and maintained a Buy rating. The firm said Insulet delivered another strong Q4 beat, supported by broad global strength in Omnipod 5 as the company builds on its first-mover advantage in Type 2 diabetes and leverages direct-to-consumer marketing to drive new patient starts.
The same day, Goldman Sachs analyst David Roman reduced the price target to $326 from $363 and kept a Buy rating. David Roman said the U.S. insulin pump market posted strong Q4 growth, with Type 2 adoption adding to continued Type 1 uptake, while the OUS market delivered mid-20s FX-neutral growth. Goldman Sachs added that early-stage Type 2 adoption, conversion from multiple daily injections, and international expansion position Insulet to maintain a leading share, even as the current valuation appears more cautious than underlying fundamentals.
On February 18, 2026, Insulet reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $1.55 versus $1.46 consensus and revenue of $783.8M compared with $768.73M consensus. President and CEO Ashley McEvoy said, “We ended the year with another excellent quarter,” citing innovation, scale, and disciplined execution, and added that Insulet is confident in its ability to expand adoption across both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in 2026.
Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ:PODD) develops, manufactures, and sells insulin delivery systems for people with insulin-dependent diabetes in the United States and internationally.
3. Edison International (NYSE:EIX)
Morgan Stanley, on February 20, 2026, raised its price target on Edison International (NYSE:EIX) to $68 from $61 while maintaining an Underweight rating. The firm said it is updating price targets across its Regulated & Diversified Utilities and IPPs coverage in North America and noted that utilities have underperformed the S&P this month. Looking ahead to Q4 earnings, Morgan Stanley expects a more balanced discussion around data center pipelines given rising affordability and political concerns.
That same day, TD Cowen analyst Shelby Tucker lifted the price target to $83 from $71 and kept a Buy rating. Shelby Tucker said Edison reported core EPS of $6.55, well above consensus and the initial guidance range. Management also introduced 2026 and 2027 guidance and reaffirmed its 5%–7% long-term growth target.
On February 18, 2026, Edison reported Q4 EPS of $1.86 versus $1.45 consensus and FY25 revenue of $19.32B compared with $18.45B consensus. President and CEO Pedro J. Pizarro said, “This year’s results reflect the progress we’re making to deliver a safer, more resilient, and more affordable energy system for customers,” pointing to more than 7,000 miles of covered conductor installed in high fire risk areas, or over 90% of the planned grid hardening effort. Pedro J. Pizarro added that safety and affordability remain central, noting a 2.3% residential rate decrease and a 5.3% reduction for small and medium-sized businesses.
Edison International (NYSE:EIX) engages in the generation and distribution of electric power and supplies electricity across a roughly 50,000 square-mile area of southern, central, and coastal California.
2. Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN)
RBC Capital on February 19, 2026, raised its price target on Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN) to $97 from $95 and maintained a Sector Perform rating, citing the company’s Q4 earnings beat. RBC Capital added that management’s FY26 guidance appears “appropriately level-set.”
The same day, TD Cowen increased its price target to $91 from $90 and kept a Hold rating, saying consistent standalone execution in Q4 capped off a healthy 2025 and set up the 2026 outlook. Also on February 19, UBS analyst Timothy Chiodo lifted the price target to $87 from $80 and maintained a Neutral rating. Timothy Chiodo said Global Payments introduced 2026 guidance for the combined company, building on 5% adjusted revenue growth in 2026, and highlighted ongoing go-to-market integration efforts that could benefit from broader global distribution.
On February 18, 2026, Global Payments reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $3.18 versus $3.16 consensus and adjusted revenue of $2.32B, in line with consensus. CEO Cameron Bready said, “2025 was a transformative year for Global Payments,” noting progress in repositioning the company as a unified operating platform while delivering financial results consistent with prior commitments.
Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN) provides payment technology and software solutions for card, check, and digital-based payments across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific through its Merchant Solutions and Issuer Solutions segments.
1. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX)
On February 19, 2026, Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX) reported Q4 EPS of $9.37 compared with $4.09 last year and revenue of $2.65B versus $2.34B consensus. CEO Brian Lane said, “We are deeply grateful for the amazing performance of our teams across the country,” noting that disciplined execution drove quarterly EPS that doubled year over year. Brian Lane also highlighted more than $400M in quarterly cash flow alongside higher revenue and earnings.
Comfort Systems USA also increased its quarterly dividend to 70c per share from 60c. The board declared the dividend payable on March 17, 2026, to stockholders of record as of March 6, 2026.
Earlier in February, UBS raised its price target on Comfort Systems USA to $1,310 from $1,140 and maintained a Buy rating. UBS said the company was expected to deliver strong Q4 results, supported by a bullish tone from management and a projected backlog of $10.5B to $10.7B. While UBS did not expect a guidance increase, the firm noted that short-term pressure could emerge if backlog disappointed, though structural labor shortages and potential estimate upside underpin a favorable longer-term view.
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE:FIX) provides mechanical and electrical installation, renovation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services across the United States.
While we acknowledge the potential of FIX to grow, 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 FIX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 12 Best Tech Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates and 10 Most Profitable Undervalued Stocks to Buy
Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.
