In this article, we will take a look at the 13 Best Long Term Low Risk Stocks to Buy Now.
As markets continue to shift, many investors are starting to slow down and think in longer time frames. Michael Sonnenfeldt, founder of TIGER 21, told CNBC Select that high-net-worth investors are spending less time trying to predict market moves. Instead, they are going “back to basics,” focusing on long-term ownership of businesses, real estate, and diversified portfolios.
Sonnenfeldt said wealthy investors usually commit their money with patience. They are not chasing quick gains or reacting to every headline. That discipline helps them stay invested during market pullbacks and benefit as the economy grows over time. For individual investors, the lesson is simple. Take the time to understand what you are buying and be prepared to hold it. Jumping in and out of the market or following short-lived trends often leads to emotional decisions, and those decisions tend to be costly.
He also pointed out that many affluent investors rely on index funds to participate in public markets without the stress of picking individual stocks. For them, it is a practical way to stay invested and reduce unnecessary complexity.
Index funds follow broad market benchmarks and spread money across many companies at once. That structure naturally builds diversification and reduces the risk that comes with owning just a few stocks. The same thinking applies beyond equities. Richard Carter, vice president of fixed income products and services at Fidelity Investments, emphasized this point, saying:
“Diversifying the investments in your portfolio can help manage risk even within what might be considered low-risk investments. When evaluating fixed income investments investors need to recognize that even low-risk investments may involve differences in the degree of credit or default risk, their amount of price volatility, and the timing of their payouts or return profile.”
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best long-term stocks to buy now.
Our Methodology:
For this list, we screened for stocks with a 5-year return of over 60%, which shows their long-term appeal. From that list, we picked companies with a beta of less than 1.0 over the past years, using monthly price data. Beta lower than 1.0 shows that these stocks are less volatile than the overall market. The stocks were ranked according to their beta value.
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).
13. Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.98
5-Year Return: 66.88%
On February 5, Evercore ISI lifted its price target on Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) to $57 from $52 and kept an In Line rating. The update followed the bank’s Q4 earnings release and revised forecasts.
Earlier, on January 20, Fifth Third posted higher fourth-quarter profits, helped by stronger interest income as loan demand picked up. A steadier economic backdrop, recent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, and easing tariff worries have improved sentiment across the US economy. With confidence improving, both consumers and businesses have shown a greater willingness to borrow.
Lower borrowing costs also played a role, making credit easier to access and trimming interest expenses on new and existing loans. Net interest income rose 6% to $1.53 billion, while total loans increased 5%. Fee-based businesses also delivered solid results. Wealth and asset management revenue climbed 13% to a quarterly record of $185 million. Commercial payments revenue was up 8%, and assets under management grew roughly 16% to $80 billion.
Not every segment moved higher. Capital markets fees dipped 2% to $121 million, largely reflecting softer loan syndication activity.
Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) is a diversified financial services firm and operates as the indirect holding company for Fifth Third Bank, National Association.
12. Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.88
5-Year Return: 47.98%
On February 2, Argus Research analyst Kristina Ruggeri downgraded Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) to Hold from Buy.
A few days earlier, on January 29, Seaport Research analyst Scott Graham trimmed his price target on the stock to $220 from $255 while maintaining a Buy rating. He pointed out that sales growth was softer in the first half of the year, but noted that visibility into a second-half pickup had improved, giving the firm more confidence in a potential inflection.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, the company’s Chairman, President, and CEO explained that the business closed the fourth quarter with solid financial performance, rounding out another year marked by record sales, profitability, and cash flow. He pointed to strong customer demand for the cellular AMI solution and said the addition of SmartCover into the BlueEdge smart water management platform was progressing well. He also indicated that winning the PRASA AMI project in Puerto Rico strengthened the company’s position and supported its long-term growth outlook.
The newly appointed Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer said fourth-quarter 2025 sales reached $221 million, reflecting an 8% increase from the prior year and 2% base sales growth. He noted that operating profit margins improved by 40 basis points to 19.5%, up from 19.1%. Base operating earnings rose 9% year over year, which lifted base operating margins by 140 basis points to 20.5%. He added that gross margins expanded by 180 basis points to 42.1% in the quarter, compared with 40.3% a year earlier.
Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI) designs, manufactures, and markets flow measurement, quality, control, and related system solutions for customers around the world.
11. Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.79
5-Year Return: 63.3%
On January 29, Keefe Bruyette analyst Meyer Shields moved Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) up to Market Perform from Underperform, while cutting the price target to $73 from $80. The shift came after the Q4 earnings release and was largely tied to valuation. Shields said the stock’s current price already accounts for softer conditions in property and casualty insurance, including ongoing declines in property rates and slower increases on the casualty side.
Earlier, on January 26, the company reported higher adjusted profit for the fourth quarter, helped by stronger commission and fee income. Even so, the shares dropped nearly 6% as organic growth disappointed. Organic revenue slipped to $1.08 billion for the quarter ended December 31, compared with $1.11 billion a year earlier.
Industry demand, however, remains supportive. Both businesses and consumers continue to expand insurance coverage as climate-related and cyber risks grow, a trend that benefits large brokers like Brown & Brown. According to the Swiss Re Institute, global insured losses from natural disasters exceeded $100 billion in 2025 for the sixth straight year.
During the quarter, Brown & Brown reported a 36% increase in commissions and fees, which climbed to $1.58 billion. Total revenue rose to $1.61 billion, up from $1.18 billion in the same period last year.
Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) provides insurance brokerage and risk management services, with a focus on property, casualty, and employee benefits offerings.
10. Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.76
5-Year Return: 92.9%
Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) said on February 3 that first-quarter profit increased 14.5% from the prior year, supported by steady demand across its gas distribution and pipeline systems.
During the fiscal Q1 2026 earnings report, the chief executive said the quarter reflected extensive preparation and a strong emphasis on safely serving customers and communities during the extreme conditions caused by Winter Storm Fern. He noted that system performance held up well across all operating segments. Fiscal first-quarter net income came in at $403 million, or $2.44 per diluted share.
Capital spending totaled $1 billion during the quarter, with more than 85% allocated to safety and reliability initiatives. Management reaffirmed rebased fiscal 2026 earnings per share guidance of $8.15 to $8.35 and said the annual dividend has been set at $4 per share, in line with the company’s long-term EPS growth target of 6% to 8% annually.
The chief executive also highlighted progress within the Atmos Pipeline-Texas segment. This included the installation of 55 miles of 36-inch pipeline linking Bethel storage to the Groesbeck compressor station, as well as the completion of new interconnect projects that added 700,000 Mcf per day of supply capacity. Customer growth remained solid, with nearly 54,000 new customers added in the 12 months ended December 31, 2025, the majority located in Texas. During the first quarter alone, the company added more than 1,100 commercial customers and three new industrial customers. He also pointed to recent recognition from J.D. Power and Escalent as further support for the company’s customer service performance.
Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) serves about 3.3 million distribution customers across eight states and operates regulated utility businesses in Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
9. Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.69
5-Year Return: 100.4%
On February 5, Truist lowered its price objective on Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) to $95 from $120. The firm maintained a Buy rating on the stock. In a note to clients, the analyst said the sharp pullback after earnings appeared excessive, especially with the stock now trading at a discount to faster-growing peers.
The reaction followed the company’s February 4 earnings release, which highlighted weaker-than-expected results in the electrophysiology business. That unit, which focuses on minimally invasive treatments for heart rhythm disorders, is a key part of Boston Scientific’s growth narrative. Fourth-quarter sales in the segment reached $890 million, falling short of the $933 million analysts had been expecting, according to RBC Capital Markets. The miss unsettled investors, who questioned whether growth in the segment was losing momentum. Citi analyst Joanne Wuensch said those worries were justified.
Sales of the Watchman device, used to help prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, also came in about 1% below forecasts. Analysts attributed the shortfall mainly to softer demand in the US market. For the year ahead, Boston Scientific forecasts adjusted earnings per share of $3.43 to $3.49. The midpoint of that range landed just under Wall Street expectations of $3.47, based on data from LSEG. On the quarter, revenue totaled $5.29 billion and adjusted earnings were 80¢ per share, both roughly in line with estimates.
Looking further out, the company expects organic revenue growth of 10% to 11% in 2026, pointing to a slower pace compared with the 15.8% organic growth reported in 2025.
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) develops and sells medical devices used across a wide range of interventional procedures around the world.
8. Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.68
5-Year Return: 236.77%
On January 26, KeyBanc Capital Markets raised its price recommendation on Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) to $680 from $650. The firm kept an Overweight rating, pointing to an improving outlook for the business.
A few days earlier, on January 23, RBC Capital Markets also lifted its price target on Casey’s, raising it to $662 from $591, while maintaining a Sector Perform rating. In a broader note on the convenience store space, the firm said stronger gas margins, Casey’s long history of stable demand, and solid momentum heading into the fourth quarter supported its positive view. That stance held even as consumers remain cautious and focused on value amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
The company’s President, CEO, and Board Chair said diluted earnings per share reached $5.53, while net income rose to $206 million, representing a 14% increase from a year earlier on both measures. EBITDA came in at $410 million, up 17.5% year over year.
He highlighted continued strength in prepared foods and dispensed beverages, noting that customers responded well to new menu items and promotional activity. Grocery and general merchandise margins also improved, supported by higher store traffic and effective merchandising. He added that disciplined execution of the fuel strategy, combined with a strong in-store offering, delivered a fourth consecutive quarter of growth in fuel gallons.
Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) operates roughly 2,900 convenience stores across 19 states, offering self-service fuel, everyday grocery items, and a broad selection of freshly prepared food.
7. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.67
5-Year Return: 100.9%
On February 3, Argus Research raised its price objective on Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) to $203 from $183. The firm also maintained a Buy rating on the stock following the company’s Q4 earnings beat. In a research note, the analyst highlighted Chevron’s long history of returning cash to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, adding that the company has been able to carry out these “shareholder-centric” actions across different oil price cycles, not only when crude prices are rising.
Separately, Reuters reported that Chevron has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syrian Petroleum Company and Qatar-based UCC Holding to assess potential offshore oil and gas exploration opportunities in Syria. A Chevron spokesperson said on February 4 that the agreement is an initial step. Syria’s Mediterranean coastline sits between major gas discoveries in Israel and Egypt, making the area of strategic interest.
Chevron already operates the Leviathan gas field, the largest energy asset in Israel. In the past, offshore Syria has attracted interest from other players. In 2013, Russian firm Soyuzneftegaz signed an agreement to explore the area, though the project was abandoned two years later as the country’s civil war intensified.
Most of Syria’s oil output currently comes from onshore fields in the northeast, including the Al-Omar field. UCC Holding, meanwhile, is a unit of Power International Holding, according to information published on its website.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) operates as a fully integrated energy company, producing crude oil and natural gas, manufacturing fuels, lubricants, and petrochemicals, and developing technologies aimed at improving efficiency across its operations and the broader energy industry.
6. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.66
5-Year Return: 169.19%
On February 4, CIBC lifted its price recommendation on Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) to $296 from $231. It also kept its Outperformer rating on the stock. The move came as the firm raised its outlook across the precious metals space. Gold price forecasts were raised to $6,000 per ounce in 2026 and $6,500 in 2027, with higher assumptions for copper as well. In its note, the analyst said many of the demand trends seen in 2025 are expected to continue into 2026, even as geopolitical risks remain elevated.
Agnico Eagle’s third-quarter 2025 results showed how pricing was one of the most important aspects. Gold production was largely unchanged from the prior year, but the company sold that gold at prices nearly $1,000 per ounce higher than a year earlier. Some costs did rise as inflation worked its way through the system, but the increases were contained. Total cash costs moved up by less than $75 per ounce and stayed under $1,000. All-in sustaining costs increased from $1,286 to $1,373 per ounce, reflecting higher capital spending and other supporting expenses.
That combination of steady output and much higher prices flowed directly to the bottom line. Adjusted net income jumped by more than $500 million to $1.085 billion. Free cash flow almost doubled to $1.19 billion. With gold prices recently trading above $4,500 per ounce, the $3,476 per ounce realized price in the third quarter appears more like a starting point than a ceiling as 2026 approaches.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) is a senior gold producer based in Canada, with operating mines in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico. Beyond its current assets, the company continues to advance a pipeline of exploration and development projects.
5. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.66
5-Year Return: 106.4%
On February 2, Citigroup raised its price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) to $280 from $277. The firm maintained a Neutral rating on the stock.
That same day, UBS trimmed its price target slightly to $283 from $285 and also kept a Neutral view on the shares. In a research note, UBS said insurance brokers remain well-positioned heading into 2026. The firm expects organic revenue growth across the group to average about 4.4%, with EBITDA margins continuing to improve year over year, even as property pricing remains under pressure. With growth expectations reset and valuations already reflecting a softer market, UBS sees room for upside to consensus earnings and potential multiple expansion.
On February 3, the company announced the acquisition of 3D Advisors, a brokerage general agency based in Shelby Township, Michigan. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
3D Advisors provides life insurance, annuity, and long-term care solutions to financial advisors. Its leadership team, including Jim DiDonato, Matt Dib, and Chuck Dib, will continue operating from their current location under the direction of Luke Kaplan, U.S. Financial and Retirement Services Managing Director for Gallagher’s employee benefits consulting and brokerage operations.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) is a global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company operates in roughly 130 countries through its owned offices and a global network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
4. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.59
5-Year Return: 66.04%
On February 5, Scotiabank analyst Brandon Bingham raised his price target on Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) to $37 from $35 and kept a Sector Perform rating. He said the quarter came in solid and that current guidance is running ahead of consensus expectations, though he noted there remains a disconnect between some of the company’s communicated metrics and how they ultimately flow through financial models.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, the company’s co-chief executive said Enterprise delivered record EBITDA of $2.7 billion in the fourth quarter, surpassing the previous high of $2.6 billion set in the same period of 2024.
He pointed to a long list of assets that entered service over the course of 2025. These included Frac 14, which came online in mid-October, the Mentone West and Orion projects earlier in the year, several gathering and treating assets in the Permian Basin, the Neches River Terminal, an ethane export train that started up midyear, new diluent export capabilities to Canada, and the Bahia NGL pipeline, which was placed into service in December. While these projects performed well, he said they also helped counterbalance weaker results tied to commodity-sensitive activities and tighter marketing spreads.
Lower crude prices also pressured results. The co-chief executive noted that average oil prices were roughly $12 per barrel below 2024 levels, which reduced many of the pricing spreads that had supported earnings over the past three years.
He added that the company’s ethane export terminals are now fully contracted, as are all 20 processing trains expected to be operating in the Permian by the end of the year. LPG export capacity is also largely contracted through the end of the decade, with management continuing to see strong demand for additional long-term commitments.
Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) provides midstream energy services across natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals. Its NGL Pipelines & Services segment includes natural gas processing, NGL marketing, pipelines, fractionation facilities, storage assets, and marine terminals.
3. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.49
5-Year Return: 104.3%
On February 4, Roth Capital Partners raised its price objective on Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) to $360 from $330. The firm also reiterated a Buy rating following the company’s Q4 earnings beat. In a note to investors, the analyst said underwriting performance remained strong, highlighting a reported combined ratio of 81.2% and an underlying combined ratio of 80.6%.
The day before, on February 3, Chubb reported higher fourth-quarter profit, supported by stronger investment income and a meaningful decline in catastrophe losses. Insurance spending has stayed resilient even as businesses and consumers cut back in other areas, reflecting continued efforts to protect against climate-related events and newer risks such as cyber threats.
Pre-tax net investment income increased 8% to a record $1.69 billion in the quarter. Insurers generally invest across a mix of asset classes, including fixed income and equities, and returns tend to follow broader market trends. Catastrophe losses came in at $365 million on a pre-tax basis, down sharply from $607 million a year earlier. These losses remain a major source of earnings volatility for US insurers, driven largely by hurricanes, wildfires, and other severe weather events.
Core operating income, net of tax, rose to $2.98 billion, or $7.52 per share, for the three months ended December 31. That compared with $2.45 billion, or $6.02 per share, in the same period last year.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is a Switzerland-based holding company that, through its subsidiaries, provides insurance and reinsurance products and services to customers around the world.
2. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.39
5-Year Return: 406.7%
On February 5, Goldman Sachs raised its price recommendation on Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) to $1,260 from $1,145. The firm reiterated its Buy rating on the stock. Shares jumped about 10% after the company posted a strong earnings beat and issued 2026 guidance that came in above expectations. In a note to investors, Goldman said the outlook points to roughly 25% year-over-year growth and reflects continued confidence in the obesity drug market, even as pricing pressure picks up. The firm said attention is now likely to shift toward the planned second-quarter 2026 launch of Lilly’s oral obesity pill, orforglipron. Management has suggested that any cannibalization of injectable treatments should be limited and that early signs support further expansion of the overall GLP-1 market.
A day earlier, on February 4, Lilly laid out a bullish growth outlook for 2026, driven by strong demand for obesity treatments, and appeared largely unfazed by pricing pressures that have weighed on rival Novo Nordisk. Lilly expects revenue to rise by about 25% this year, while Novo Nordisk has forecast a 5% to 13% decline in sales for 2026. The contrast highlights how the competitive landscape is increasingly shaped by consumer demand rather than insurance coverage.
Lilly expects to launch orforglipron in the U.S. in the second quarter, with most international markets following in 2027, according to Ken Custer, the company’s head of cardiometabolic health, speaking on the earnings call. For 2026, Lilly forecast earnings of $33.50 to $35 per share, with even the low end of the range above the analyst consensus of $33.23, based on data from LSEG. The company also guided to full-year revenue of $80 billion to $83 billion, well ahead of Wall Street expectations of $77.62 billion.
For the fourth quarter, Lilly reported earnings of $7.54 per share, compared with expectations of $6.67. Revenue climbed to $19.3 billion, also exceeding forecasts of $17.96 billion.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) develops, manufactures, and markets medicines worldwide. Alongside its core pharmaceutical business, the company is also advancing radiopharmaceutical research, including radioligand therapies being developed for cancer treatment.
1. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP)
Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.29
5-Year Return: 135.7%
On February 5, Roth Capital Partners increased its price objective on ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) to $112 from $105. It also kept a Buy rating on the stock. The move followed the company’s fourth-quarter results, unchanged 2026 capital spending plans, and steady progress on a $1B cost-cutting program. As Roth rolled out its first look at 2027, it said it expects modest production growth next year, with total volumes up about 2% and oil production up around 1%.
That same day, ConocoPhillips said it plans to reduce capital and operating costs by $1 billion in 2026. The announcement came after the company fell short of Wall Street’s profit expectations for the fourth quarter, pressured by weaker crude prices. Lower oil prices have been squeezing producers across the industry, pushing many to tighten budgets, pull back on drilling, and cut jobs.
During the quarter, ConocoPhillips realized an average price of $42.46 per barrel of oil equivalent, about 19% lower than a year earlier. Because the company generally does not hedge its production, its results tend to track commodity prices more closely. Chief executive Ryan Lance said the latest cost cuts build on more than $1 billion in annual synergies captured in 2025 following the $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil.
ConocoPhillips also said it completed $3.2 billion in asset sales during 2025 and remains on pace to reach its $5 billion divestment goal by the end of 2026 as it continues to streamline the business. As part of a broader restructuring outlined last year, the company plans to reduce its workforce by roughly 20% to 25%.
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is an exploration and production company with operations spanning Alaska and the Lower 48, including the Gulf of Mexico, producing crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs.
While we acknowledge the potential of COP 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 COP and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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