In this article, we will be taking a look at the 13 Best Manufacturing Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Cognitive Market Research estimates the value of the global manufacturing market at $14.16 trillion in 2024. At a CAGR of 4.9%, this market is projected to reach $20.76 trillion by 2031. Digital advancements and technological breakthroughs are driving the growth of this sector. Specifically for SMMs (small and medium-sized manufacturers), cybersecurity has become more important in manufacturing this year, according to the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards & Technology.
The transition of the manufacturing sector from conventional mass production to smart manufacturing in recent years has been a significant shift in this business. Conventional approaches lacked flexibility since they were specialized and standardized. Nevertheless, cloud computing, IoT, and AI are all incorporated into smart manufacturing to build intelligent, networked production ecosystems. The growing use of cloud-based solutions, AI, and IoT devices is making manufacturers more susceptible to cyberattacks. SMMs spend money on cybersecurity solutions, including intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and encryption, to counter these dangers.
That being said, we’re here with a list of the best manufacturing stocks to buy right now.
Our Methodology
For our methodology, we began by screening manufacturing stocks listed in the iShares U.S. Manufacturing ETF. From this pool, we identified the top 13 stocks by portfolio weight and ranked them based on the total number of hedge fund holders as of Q2 2025, using data sourced from the Insider Monkey database. In cases where two stocks had the same number of hedge fund holdings, their ETF portfolio weight was used as a tiebreaker to determine the ranking.
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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Here is our list of the 13 best manufacturing stocks to buy right now.
13. PACCAR Inc (NASDAQ:PCAR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ:PCAR) is making significant strides in digital transformation and autonomous vehicle technologies, aiming to enhance fleet efficiency, predictive maintenance, and customer support. In September 2025, the company highlighted partnerships and investments in AI, connectivity, and data systems as key drivers of long-term growth amid fluctuations in traditional truck demand. The stock stands thirteenth on our list among the best manufacturing stocks.
Alongside its technology push, the firm declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share, reflecting strong financial health and ongoing shareholder returns. The company also rolled out new infotainment and connectivity features for Peterbilt trucks, including wireless Apple CarPlay, embedded navigation, and upgraded in-cab systems to improve driver experience and operational efficiency.
Product innovation continues with advanced battery-electric vehicles, including the Kenworth T680E and T880E equipped with the proprietary PACCAR ePowertrain, as well as CARB-compliant MX-13 engines designed to meet California’s strict emissions standards. Strategic investments are further supporting the ramp-up of DAF electric truck production and the expansion of testing and manufacturing facilities.
Looking ahead, PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ:PCAR) plans up to $800 million in capital expenditures for 2025 to address regulatory requirements and increase vocational truck capacity. Leadership changes scheduled for January 2026 are expected to strengthen the corporation’s innovation agenda and guide its growth strategy, positioning the business at the forefront of sustainable and technology-driven trucking solutions.
12. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is accelerating its transformation with major moves in electric vehicles, digital manufacturing, and corporate innovation. Recently, the company unveiled the Henry Ford II World Center in Dearborn, set to replace its historic Glass House headquarters. The new campus is designed to foster collaboration among engineering, design, and technology teams, enabling faster innovation and supporting the business’s transition from legacy gasoline models to flexible electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles.
The automaker also announced its Universal EV Platform and a forthcoming $30,000 battery-electric pickup, planned for 2027. The vehicle leverages a modular “assembly tree” process, reducing assembly time by up to 40% while improving cost efficiency and production flexibility. Cars built on the platform will be Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s first software-defined vehicles, capable of over-the-air updates, app integration, and decoupled hardware-software systems, addressing prior manufacturing inefficiencies and battery cost challenges.
To complement its product and operational upgrades, the corporation launched a global brand campaign, “Ready Set Ford,” aimed at boosting customer loyalty amid a record year for recalls. The campaign emphasizes quality improvement and customer retention as the company balances innovation with operational challenges.
Looking ahead, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s combination of modular manufacturing, software-defined EVs, and a collaborative headquarters positions the company for long-term competitiveness in the global automotive market.
11. TE Connectivity PLC (NYSE:TEL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47
TE Connectivity PLC (NYSE:TEL), a global leader in connectivity and sensor solutions, serves transportation, industrial, medical, energy, and data communications markets across 130 countries. The company’s components enable the distribution of power, data, and signals for next-generation vehicles, networks, and automated factories, positioning TEL at the forefront of industrial and digital transformation.
In 2025, TE Connectivity PLC (NYSE:TEL) demonstrated strong financial momentum. Third-quarter results exceeded Wall Street expectations, with double-digit sales and earnings growth driven by robust demand in industrial segments. In September 2025, the business’s most notable update was the board’s declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.71 per ordinary share, payable in December, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
Strategically, TEL expanded its North American energy footprint with the $2.3 billion acquisition of Richards Manufacturing. The move strengthens the firm’s industrial and energy segments, combining complementary electrical product lines and supporting the modernization of underground utility networks, reinforcing TEL’s position among the best manufacturing stocks in today’s market.
Innovation remains central to TE Connectivity PLC (NYSE:TEL)’s growth strategy. Recognized on the 2025 Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators list and named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 11th consecutive year, the company is actively integrating artificial intelligence and automation technologies into its operations. This focus positions the corporation as a key player in factory digitalization, robotics, and long-term industrial innovation.
