In this article, we will look at the 10 Must-Buy Stocks with the Strongest 1Q2026 Earnings Beats.
Earnings beats are getting more attention as investors look for companies that are not just surviving a choppier market backdrop, but actually clearing the bar set by Wall Street. A strong quarterly beat matters because it often forces investors to rethink whether expectations were too low, especially when the surprise comes with stronger guidance, improving margins, or signs that demand is holding up better than expected. AllianceBernstein notes that “Historically, when US companies delivered a positive earnings surprise, their stocks outperformed.”
Alphinity says it looks for stocks that can deliver “earnings surprises” to drive outperformance, adding that “A positive earnings announcement by a company is more likely than not to be followed by a period of sustained positive earnings revisions/surprises driving share price outperformance.” In summary, a good quarter can matter most when it starts an upgrade cycle, not when it is treated as a one-off event. BlackRock makes a similar point from a market-wide perspective, pointing to “Recent breadth in earnings growth surprises and revisions” and arguing that investors may need to “venture into AI beneficiaries, cyclical growers and undervalued or underowned names.”
That is why the strongest 1Q2026 earnings beats deserve a closer look. The more interesting names are not simply those that topped estimates by the widest margin, but those where the beat may signal stronger demand, better execution, or room for analysts to revise numbers higher. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 Must-Buy Stocks with the Strongest 1Q2026 Earnings Beats.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz screener to identify stocks that beat 1Q2026 earnings estimates by over 30%. We then 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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)
On April 30, 2026, BofA analyst Justin Post raised the price target on Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) to $835 from $820 and maintained a Buy rating after the company’s Q1 results. Justin Post noted increased investment in AI capacity alongside headcount reductions, adding that the AI spending cycle is larger than expected and returns remain less clear than for Cloud providers. Justin Post also said AI-driven ad gains remain intact and raised 2027 revenue to $101B and EPS to $34.46 following the “strong” quarter.
Barclays analyst Ross Sandler also lifted the price target on Meta Platforms, Inc. to $830 from $800 with an Overweight rating, saying the company is growing faster than the digital advertising industry while reducing costs. Ross Sandler added that AI progress following the Muse Spark introduction supports confidence in long-term investments. Meanwhile, Evercore ISI analyst Mark Mahaney raised the price target to $930 from $900 and maintained an Outperform rating, calling Meta the “best ad revenue growth story.”
On April 29, 2026, Meta Platforms, Inc. reported Q1 EPS of $10.44 versus consensus $6.82 and Q1 revenue of $56.31B versus $55.56B consensus. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company saw “strong momentum” across its apps and highlighted the release of its first model from Meta Superintelligence Labs. The company expects Q2 revenue of $58B to $61B, assuming a roughly 2% foreign exchange tailwind.
Meta Platforms, Inc. develops products that enable people to connect and share across mobile devices, computers, VR headsets, and AI glasses globally.
9. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)
On April 28, 2026, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) and FPT announced a strategic relationship to deliver an AI-driven factory optimization solution. The collaboration combines AI, simulation, and digital manufacturing technologies to reduce bottlenecks, speed up decision-making, and improve downtime recovery as operations move toward more autonomous systems.
On the same day, Freedom Broker upgraded Intel Corporation to Buy from Hold and raised its price target to $100. The firm said the Q1 report “marks a credible inflection” in the company’s turnaround and includes guidance that “reinforces” the operational narrative. Freedom Broker added that demand is exceeding supply across segments and said the Foundry business is becoming more credible, citing progress in 18A yields and “encouraging” early signals for 14A. On April 24, 2026, Benchmark analyst Cody Acree raised the price target to $105 from $76 and maintained a Buy rating, saying the Q1 upside appeared driven more by improved factory output than one-time factors.
On April 23, 2026, Intel Corporation reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 29c versus 1c consensus and revenue of $13.6B compared to $12.43B expected. CEO Lip-Bu Tan said demand tied to AI is increasing the need for CPUs and advanced packaging, while CFO David Zinsner cited “robust” results and “unprecedented demand for silicon.” Intel expects Q2 adjusted EPS of 20c versus 8c consensus and revenue of $13.8B to $14.8B compared to $13.06B expected.
Intel Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells computing and related products and services globally.
8. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)
On May 1, 2026, Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.41 versus a 97c consensus and revenue of $48.61B compared to $52.7B expected. CEO Mike Wirth said results showed “solid” performance despite geopolitical volatility, pointing to strong U.S. operations following the Hess integration and higher production from the Gulf of America and Permian Basin.
The company said it continues to focus on capital discipline, cash flow generation, and shareholder returns, while maintaining strong portfolio performance and high utilization across operations. Chevron noted progress in Venezuela through an asset swap with PDVSA, increasing its position in the Orinoco and its stake in Petroindependencia to 49%, with the region contributing about 1% to 2% of operating cash flow. The company also said the Middle East conflict had a “limited impact” on production, with less than 5% of its portfolio in the region, while operations at Tamar and Leviathan ran at full capacity.
Chevron expects 2026 production to grow 7% to 10% and capital spending of $18B to $19B, with guidance unchanged. The company said it remains on track to deliver $3B to $4B in structural cost reductions by year-end and continues to target growth in free cash flow and earnings per share alongside improved returns.
Chevron Corporation operates an integrated energy and chemicals business across upstream and downstream segments globally.
7. Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK)
On May 1, 2026, Goldman Sachs analyst James Schneider raised the price target on SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) to $1,200 from $700 and maintained a Buy rating following a stronger-than-expected quarter and outlook. James Schneider noted that despite an initial 6% decline, the stock is expected to move higher, supported by strong pricing, tight supply-demand conditions, and growing datacenter SSD demand.
Bernstein also lifted its price target on SanDisk Corporation to $1,700 from $1,250 with an Outperform rating, citing a Q3 beat and guidance. The firm said the stock declined after market following a +3,264% one-year move, while noting the quarter delivered a broad-based beat and that Q4 EPS guidance appears conservative, reflecting new long-term agreements. Meanwhile, Raymond James raised its price target to $1,470 from $725 and maintained an Outperform rating, pointing to a datacenter inflection driven by AI demand, with multi-year agreements improving visibility and margins.
SanDisk Corporation reported fiscal Q3 EPS of $23.41 versus $14.66 consensus and revenue of $5.95B compared to $4.73B expected. CEO David Goeckeler said the quarter represents a “fundamental inflection point,” with a shift toward higher-value markets led by datacenter and a move to multi-year customer agreements supporting more durable earnings.
SanDisk Corporation develops and sells data storage solutions based on NAND flash technology across global markets.
6. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
On May 1, 2026, Baird raised its price target on Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) to $300 from $285 and maintained an Outperform rating after updating its model following Q1 results, noting AI-driven acceleration.
Raymond James also increased its price target on Amazon.com, Inc. to $280 from $225 with an Outperform rating, citing 28% AWS growth that came in slightly below expectations. The firm said AI partnerships and expanding agentic capabilities across models, tools, and compute strengthen AWS’s long-term positioning and support higher RPO expectations. Meanwhile, BofA lifted its price target to $310 from $298 and kept a Buy rating after a “solid” retail performance, noting AWS grew 28% year over year, accelerating from Q4 and exceeding the 25% consensus, alongside a margin beat and backlog growth.
On April 29, 2026, Amazon.com, Inc. reported Q1 EPS of $2.78 versus $1.65 consensus and revenue of $181.5B compared to $177.17B expected. CEO Andy Jassy said the company is seeing “significant growth,” highlighting 28% AWS growth, a chips business exceeding a $20B run rate, advertising revenue above $70B on a trailing basis, and 15% unit growth in Stores. Amazon expects Q2 revenue of $194.0B to $199.0B, versus the $188.86B consensus, with operating income projected between $20.0B and $24.0B.
Amazon.com, Inc. operates retail, advertising, and subscription businesses through online and physical stores across North America and international markets.
5. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX)
On April 30, 2026, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) to $180 from $174 and maintained an Overweight rating following the company’s Q1 results. The firm noted Q1 adjusted EPS of 49c exceeded the (39c) consensus, driven by stronger Refining margins and improved performance in Chemicals and Renewable Fuels, partly offset by weaker results in Marketing & Specialties and Midstream.
On April 29, 2026, Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 49c versus (39c) consensus. CEO Mark Lashier said the company remains confident in navigating market volatility, citing its integrated business model, balance sheet strength, and “disciplined execution.”
Prior to the earnings release, Morgan Stanley upgraded Phillips 66 to Overweight from Equal Weight and raised its price target to $174 from $147, pointing to upside in the Chemicals segment and relative valuation. The firm described Chemicals as a “key differentiator” and expects disruptions tied to the Iran conflict to keep polyethylene prices elevated in 2026 before easing in 2027.
Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) operates as an integrated downstream energy provider across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and international markets.
4. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL)
On May 1, 2026, Piper Sandler raised its price target on The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) to $268 from $252 and maintained an Overweight rating after a Q1 earnings beat. The firm said results exceeded both its estimates and consensus, driven by better-than-expected favorable development, while noting top-line growth came in lighter than expected. Piper Sandler added that total company year-over-year policies in force growth slowed from the prior quarter, though auto PIF growth accelerated.
Citi has also increased its price target on The Allstate Corporation to $226 from $221 previously, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares.
On April 29, 2026, The Allstate Corporation reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $10.65 versus $7.24 consensus and revenue of $16.9B compared to two estimates of $17.29B. Tom Wilson said results reflect “strong earnings” and growth, with policies in force reaching 212 million and expansion across auto, homeowners, and Protection Plans. The company also reported improved combined ratios across personal lines and a 9.8% increase in investment income.
The Allstate Corporation provides property and casualty and other insurance products in the United States and Canada.
3. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE)
On April 24, 2026, Evercore ISI raised its price target on CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) to $179 from $163 previously and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares. Meanwhile, Keefe Bruyette analyst Jade Rahmani also increased the price target to $175 from $170 previously while keeping an Outperform rating on the shares.
On April 23, 2026, CBRE Group, Inc. reported Q1 core EPS of $1.61 versus $1.13 consensus and revenue of $10.5B compared to $10.23B expected. CEO Bob Sulentic said the company delivered “strong financial results” alongside strategic progress, with its three service segments growing revenue by 20% and operating profit by nearly 30%. Bob Sulentic added that infrastructure-related work, including services tied to data centers, power, telecom, and transportation assets, has become a significant source of growth and profitability across the business.
CBRE Group, Inc. raised its FY26 core EPS outlook to $7.60-$7.80 from $7.30-$7.60, compared to a $7.52 consensus.
CBRE Group, Inc. provides commercial real estate services and investment solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally.
2. Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLY)
On April 24, 2026, Raymond James lowered its price target on Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLY) to $14 from $16 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm said the Q1 beat and higher 2026 outlook suggest upside to full-year estimates despite it being a transition year, though it cited macro uncertainty for the lower target. TD Cowen raised its price target to $10 from $8.50 and kept a Buy rating, noting the beat and guidance increase likely exceeded expectations, with stronger first-half trends offset by more cautious second-half assumptions tied to macro and geopolitical factors.
On April 23, 2026, Mobileye Global Inc. reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 12c versus 9c consensus and revenue of $558M compared to $519.54M expected. CEO Amnon Shashua said results reflect a “stronger than expected start” to 2026 and noted higher demand supported a modest increase to the full-year outlook. The company also announced a design win with Mahindra and progress across its robotaxi and advanced driver programs.
Mobileye expects FY26 revenue of $1.935B to $2.015B, compared to the $1.95B consensus, and raised its adjusted operating income outlook, citing higher EyeQ unit shipments and operating leverage.
Mobileye Global Inc. develops advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving technologies across global markets.
1. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
On April 30, 2026, Roth Capital raised its price target on Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) to $435 from $395 and maintained a Buy rating after the company reported a Q1 beat. The firm cited “strong” results with momentum across Search, Cloud, and Subscriptions, driven by AI adoption, and said estimates are likely to “grind higher.”
RBC Capital also lifted its price target on Alphabet Inc. to $425 from $400 while keeping an Outperform rating, calling the quarter “rock solid.” The firm pointed to 19% Search growth and 63% growth in Google Cloud, with backlog nearly doubling sequentially to $460B.
On April 29, 2026, Alphabet Inc. reported Q1 EPS of $5.11 versus $2.67 consensus and revenue of $109.9B compared to $107.03B expected. CEO Sundar Pichai said results reflect a “terrific start,” with AI driving usage and growth, including “19% revenue growth” in Search and “63%” growth in Cloud. Paid subscriptions reached 350 million, while Gemini Enterprise users grew 40% quarter over quarter.
On April 27,2026, Alphabet Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of 22c per share, up from 21c, payable June 15 to shareholders of record on June 8.
Alphabet Inc. operates Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets, offering products and platforms across global markets.
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