On January 8, Nancy Prial, Co-CEO & Senior Portfolio Manager at Essex Investment Management, appeared on CNBC and suggested she sees significant upside in 2026 for undiscovered small- and midcap firms tied to AI buildout, reshoring, healthcare, and defense. Given recent events, such as the strike in Venezuela that led to record market levels on the following trading day, as well as volatility stemming from announcements regarding housing and defense, Prial emphasized the critical role of diversification and suggested that portfolios should include both popular areas and companies that have not been as favored, to help weather such volatility. She believes that headline risk is often temporary, drawing a comparison to the tariff-related volatility seen in the previous year. This temporary nature provides an opportunity for investors to layer into stocks and sectors where valuations are becoming increasingly attractive.
Prial also acknowledged that the geopolitical landscape is becoming increasingly complex, making defense exposure important. However, in the defense space, her approach focuses on companies below the radar rather than major household-name contractors. By targeting subcontractors or firms in emerging areas of defense tech, she believes that investors can gain necessary exposure while protecting against the broader headline risks mentioned earlier.
That being said, we’re here with a list of the 14 best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz stock screener to compile a list of stocks that were trading between $2 billion and $10 billion. From that, we selected growth stocks with an EPS growth rate (TTM) and a forward EPS diluted growth rate (1-year estimate) of at least 20% each. We then selected 14 stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order by the number of hedge funds with stakes in them as of Q3 2025.
Note: All data was sourced on January 19.
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).
14 Best Mid-Cap Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now
14. Calix Inc. (NYSE:CALX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Calix Inc. (NYSE:CALX) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 15, JPMorgan upgraded Calix to Overweight from Neutral and raised its price target to $90 from $75. This decision was made following an improving spending environment among broadband service providers.
The firm highlighted that Calix is well-positioned to benefit from the Broadband Equity and Access Deployment program in unserved and underserved US regions over the medium term. The firm noted that Calix stands out from other equipment providers due to its commitment to improving service levels. Additionally, JPMorgan placed the stock on a Positive Catalyst Watch ahead of its January 28 Q4 2025 earnings report and February 24 investor day.
Calix Inc. (NYSE:CALX) has invested $2 billion over 15 years into its platform and is now accelerating AI development through a strategic partnership with Google Cloud. This third-generation platform aims to simplify operations and drive international expansion, with a monetization strategy that includes direct charges for agentic AI and tools designed to help customers grow their subscriber bases.
Calix Inc. (NYSE:CALX), together with its subsidiaries, provides cloud & software platforms, systems, and services in the US, the rest of the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific.
13. Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:SLAB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:SLAB) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 15, RBC Capital initiated coverage of Silicon Labs with a Sector Perform rating and $160 price target. The company is starting to see the benefits of a healthier market as old stock finally clears out of the supply chain. Despite this positive trend, the firm isn’t ready to recommend buying the stock yet and wants to wait and see if the company’s new Wi-Fi tech actually takes off first.
Earlier on December 18, MOKOSMART and Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:SLAB) announced a partnership to address critical visibility gaps in the global cold chain. This collaboration focuses on the launch of two high-precision Bluetooth beacons: the M4 Pro and the S05T temperature loggers. The initiative comes as the global cold chain market is projected to grow from $228.30 billion in 2024 to $372 billion by 2029, sustaining a CAGR of 10.30%.
The partnership uses a synergy between MOKOSMART’s rugged hardware design and Silicon Labs’ wireless precision. Both sensors are powered by the BG22 System-on-Chip, which uses a high-performance ARM Cortex-M33 core. This allows for a compact form factor while delivering industry-leading energy efficiency. For example, the S05T is a disposable, soft-foam logger featuring a 220mAh non-replaceable battery with a lifespan of up to 2 years under default settings, while the M4 Pro provides a replaceable battery option that can last up to 4 years in presence monitoring mode.
Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:SLAB) is a fabless semiconductor company that provides analog-intensive mixed-signal solutions in the US, China, Taiwan, and internationally.
12. Appian Corporation (NASDAQ:APPN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32
Appian Corporation (NASDAQ:APPN) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 12, Morgan Stanley analyst Sanjit Singh upgraded Appian to Overweight from Equal Weight with an unchanged price target of $45. This decision was made as the firm believes that Appian is undervalued due to a market misperception of its true competitive position, presenting a significant investment opportunity. The firm is optimistic about Appian’s ability to maintain at least mid-teens growth through 2026, supported by early success in AI-tier subscriptions and strong momentum in the Federal sector.
Furthermore, as part of its broader 2026 software sector outlook, Barclays reduced the price target for Appian Corporation (NASDAQ:APPN) from $37 to $34, while maintaining an Underweight rating.
Despite the specific adjustment for Appian, the firm expressed optimism for the software industry as a whole heading into 2026. The firm noted that the sector currently offers a favorable setup for investors, characterized by stable IT spending and resilient macroeconomic conditions. Furthermore, with sector valuations remaining low and software currently being out of favor with the broader market, Barclays suggested there is significant recovery potential for the group.
Appian Corporation (NASDAQ:APPN) operates as an international software company that offers the Appian Platform, which is an integrated automation platform that enables organizations to design, automate, and optimize mission-critical business processes.
11. Global-E Online Ltd. (NASDAQ:GLBE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
Global-E Online Ltd. (NASDAQ:GLBE) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 20, as part of a broader Q4 2025 earnings preview for the FinTech sector, Truist analyst Matthew Coad raised the price target for Global-e Online to $43 from $41 while maintaining a Hold rating.
The firm anticipates that Global-e will report solid quarterly results; however, it cautions that difficult year-over-year comparisons might prevent significant beats in transaction volume. Looking ahead to 2026, Truist remains generally optimistic about the FinTech group. Despite this positive outlook, the analyst warned that management teams may provide conservative initial 2026 guidance in an effort to reset market expectations to more attainable levels.
Earlier on December 11, Matthew Coad upgraded Global-e Online to Hold from Sell with a price target of $41, which was brought up from $36. This sentiment was posted as Truist upgraded two cross-border payment specialists, citing a more favorable outlook for transaction volume growth in 2026. The firm noted that after a period of poor stock performance, valuations in the payments and fintech sectors now look attractive when adjusted for their growth potential.
Global-E Online Ltd. (NASDAQ:GLBE), together with its subsidiaries, provides a direct-to-consumer cross-border e-commerce platform in Israel, the UK, the US, and internationally.
10. SiTime Corporation (NASDAQ:SITM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
SiTime Corporation (NASDAQ:SITM) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 16, Stifel raised its price target on SiTime to $400 from $360 and maintained a Buy rating. This was announced as Stifel updated its outlook on the analog and processor sectors, and cited returning appetite for analog components as industry inventories stabilize. While large-scale AI data center spending remains strong, the firm highlights Edge AI as a key catalyst that is finally becoming a reality for 2026 earnings.
Furthermore, on January 15, Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley upgraded SiTime Corporation (NASDAQ:SITM) from Underweight to Equal Weight, raising the price target to $360 from $260.
This rating shift reflected the firm’s previous underestimation of SiTime’s strategic evolution and noted that the company effectively transitioned into a primary AI-focused entity. Barclays highlighted that SiTime possesses substantial operating leverage, as the surge in AI demand acts as a dual catalyst for both accelerated sales growth and expanded profit margins.
SiTime Corporation (NASDAQ:SITM) designs, develops, and sells silicon timing systems solutions in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the US, Singapore, and internationally.
9. Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 9, Mizuho lowered its price target on Wingstop to $310 from $320 with an Outperform rating. The firm revised its price targets for the restaurant sector as part of its 2026 outlook and anticipates a sustained price war throughout the year as chains fight to reclaim market share from grocery stores, which have become more attractive to consumers due to sharp post-pandemic restaurant price hikes.
On January 7, as part of Stifel’s 2026 restaurant industry outlook, analyst Chris O’Cull lowered the price target for Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) from $300 to $290 with a Buy rating. In the broader sector analysis, Stifel warned of a convergence of structural forces that are expected to create a more difficult operating environment in 2026.
At the same time, Barclays analyst Jeffrey Bernstein raised the price target for Wingstop from $295 to $335 with an Overweight rating. The firm noted that while the restaurant industry as a whole continues to navigate persistent sales challenges and shifting consumer habits, specific segments are poised for a comeback. Barclays predicts that Quick Service Restaurants/QSR, like Wingstop, will begin to recapture market share from the fast-casual and casual dining categories as value-conscious diners trade down.
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING), together with its subsidiaries, franchises, and operates restaurants under the Wingstop brand in the US, Australia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands.
8. Alignment Healthcare Inc. (NASDAQ:ALHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
Alignment Healthcare Inc. (NASDAQ:ALHC) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 14, UBS raised its price target on Alignment Healthcare to $21 from $18, while maintaining a Neutral rating.
On January 6, Piper Sandler analyst Jessica Tassan raised the firm’s price target for Alignment Healthcare Inc. (NASDAQ:ALHC) from $20 to $30 and maintained an Overweight rating. The firm updated its financial model to account for strong Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) sales and retention levels during Q4 2025, which are expected to result in higher membership throughout 2026. Additionally, the firm refined estimates for 2027 and introduced new projections for the 2028-2030 period.
JPMorgan also raised its price target for Alignment Healthcare earlier on December 17 from $20 to $23 with an Overweight rating. This adjustment was part of the firm’s 2026 outlook for the healthcare services sector. JPMorgan believes most companies in the space will hit earnings trough in 2026, if they have not already done so in 2025, creating a setup for potential upward revisions in the future.
Alignment Healthcare Inc. (NASDAQ:ALHC) operates a consumer-centric healthcare platform for seniors in the US. The company delivers a customized healthcare experience to meet seniors’ needs through its Medicare Advantage plans.
7. Axsome Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:AXSM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42
Axsome Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:AXSM) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 16, Piper Sandler raised its price target on Axsome Therapeutics to $223 from $148 with an Overweight rating. Piper Sandler is confident in Auvelity’s commercial potential, particularly given the highly likely FDA label expansion into Alzheimer’s agitation expected by April 30 this year. The optimism is further supported by the drug’s sustained momentum in the depression market and a long-term patent runway that secures market exclusivity through 2039.
On January 13, Baird also raised its price target for Axsome Therapeutics from $157 to $209, while maintaining an Outperform rating. This target revision was driven by the firm’s update to its financial model following the release of preliminary Q4 2025 results that featured a slight beat compared to expectations.
Furthermore, Wells Fargo raised its price target for Axsome Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:AXSM) from $157 to $193 while maintaining an Overweight rating. The firm noted that Q4 2025 sales for Auvelity and Sunosi exceeded consensus estimates, a trend it believes will drive continued positive momentum for the stock. Additionally, Wells Fargo increased its probability of success for ADA (Alzheimer’s Disease Agitation) from 75% to 90% following the FDA’s decision to grant a priority review.
Axsome Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:AXSM) is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and delivers novel therapies for the management of central nervous system (CNS) disorders in the US.
6. Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:HALO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42
Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:HALO) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 8, TD Cowen raised its price target on Halozyme to $90 from $79 and kept a Buy rating. Ahead of Q4 2025 earnings, the firm adjusted price targets within the diagnostic tools group and noted that investor sentiment is beginning to shift positively. 2026 guidance will be key for investors looking to position themselves for a sector-wide recovery.
On the same day, Takeda and Halozyme Therapeutics announced a global collaboration and exclusive license agreement. The partnership grants Takeda exclusive access to Halozyme’s proprietary ENHANZE drug-delivery technology for use with vedolizumab, which is marketed globally as ENTYVIO. Vedolizumab is a biologic therapy approved for treating adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, with total global exposure surpassing one million patient years to date.
The agreement was finalized in December 2025 and provides Takeda with Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.’s (NASDAQ:HALO) recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 enzyme to facilitate the subcutaneous delivery of vedolizumab. By integrating this commercially validated technology, Takeda aims to offer patients greater treatment flexibility and reduced time spent on therapy management.
Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:HALO) is a biopharmaceutical company that researches, develops, and commercializes proprietary enzymes and devices in the US and internationally.
5. Mirum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42
Mirum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRM) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 13, Baird analyst Brian Skorney raised the firm’s price target on Mirum Pharmaceuticals to $95 from $81, while maintaining an Outperform rating. This revision came as the firm updated its valuation model after preliminary results delivered a beat-and-raise on earnings and guidance. The stronger-than-expected data provides a solid foundation heading into a high-activity year in 2026.
Furthermore, H.C. Wainwright raised its price target for Mirum Pharmaceuticals to $102 from $81 and maintained a Buy rating. The firm described the company’s preliminary financial results as impressive and noted bullish guidance for 2026.
Earlier on December 19, Citizens raised the price target for Mirum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRM) to $140 from $95 with an Outperform rating. The firm noted that Mirum has outperformed year-to-date and is expected to maintain its leadership position in 2026, fueled by several high-confidence pivotal readouts within its clinical pipeline.
Mirum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRM) is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes novel therapies for debilitating rare and orphan diseases.
4. Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE:ZETA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE:ZETA) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 15, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Zeta Global to $27 from $23. While SaaS application stocks lagged the broader software and tech sectors in 2025, there is growing evidence that the perceived threats from AI may be less damaging than anticipated. This shift is fostering a more positive outlook for the sector heading into 2026. Nevertheless, the firm remains selectively opportunistic, as a widespread increase in enterprise spending has yet to materialize.
In other news, on January 5, Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE:ZETA) announced a collaboration with OpenAI to enhance Athena by Zeta, which is the company’s AI-powered agent for enterprise marketing. The partnership integrates OpenAI models into the Zeta Marketing Platform to provide conversational intelligence and agentic applications. The collaboration aligns Zeta’s product roadmap with OpenAI’s technological advances.
The announcement marks the expansion of beta access for Athena’s first two agentic applications: Insights and Advisor. Insights with Athena is a conversational analytics tool that provides immediate access to trends, audience opportunities, and user-ready dashboards. Advisor with Athena is a goal-driven optimization tool that scans campaigns to recommend or automatically execute actions based on specific objectives such as revenue growth, customer retention, and operating efficiency.
Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE:ZETA) operates an omnichannel data-driven cloud platform that provides enterprises with consumer intelligence and marketing automation software in the US and internationally.
3. Travere Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:TVTX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50
Travere Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:TVTX) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 14, Bank of America lowered its price target on Travere Therapeutics to $43 from $47, while keeping a Buy rating. Following a three-month extension of the FDA’s review for Filspari’s use in FSGS, the new PDUFA action date has been moved to April 13 this year. While the firm acknowledges the delay as a temporary setback, the overall outlook for approval remains positive, given that the extension allows for a deeper evaluation of the clinical data rather than indicating a fundamental issue with the drug’s safety or manufacturing.
On January 13, Travere Therapeutics announced that the US FDA extended the review period for its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for FILSPARI (sparsentan) for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The new Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date is now set for April 13 this year.
The extension was triggered by Travere’s recent submission of additional data requested by the FDA to further define the clinical benefit of the drug. The agency classified these responses as a Major Amendment to the sNDA, necessitating the three-month extension. Travere noted that the FDA has not requested any additional information regarding the safety or manufacturing of FILSPARI. If approved, FILSPARI would become the first medication specifically indicated for FSGS.
Travere Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:TVTX) is a biopharmaceutical company that identifies, develops, and delivers therapies to people living with rare kidney and metabolic diseases in the US.
2. Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ:RGEN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53
Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ:RGEN) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 16, UBS raised the firm’s price target on Repligen to $200 from $190, while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm believes that Repligen is uniquely positioned to lead a sustained recovery in the bioprocessing sector, supported by its diversified growth drivers and the accelerating reshoring trend. With over 20% order growth and an expanding footprint in Edge manufacturing, the firm sees Repligen as a core beneficiary as biopharma companies move production closer to their primary markets in 2026.
Additionally, previously on December 16, Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ:RGEN) announced the launch of three new high-performance chromatography resins: AVIPure HiPer AAV9, AVIPure HiPer AAV8 (affinity resins), and HiPer QA (anion exchange resin). These additions expand the company’s protein portfolio and are specifically designed to address the needs of next-gen bioprocessing, particularly for viral vectors used in gene therapy.
These resins use Tantti DuloCore base bead tech for convective flow. This engineering is intended to improve molecule stability, accelerate product development, and enhance overall process economics for gene therapy developers. By using both AVIPure affinity ligands and HiPer bead technologies, these tools offer faster processing times and performance for complex biotherapeutic workflows.
Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ:RGEN) is a life sciences company that develops and commercializes bioprocessing technologies and systems in North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally.
1. Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 102
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) is one of the best mid-cap growth stocks to buy right now. On January 16, Oppenheimer lowered its price target on Boston Scientific to $100 from $125 with an Outperform rating. Oppenheimer is cautious on the financial optics of Boston Scientific’s $14.5 billion acquisition of Penumbra. Although the deal creates a powerhouse in the thrombectomy and neurovascular markets, analysts are questioning the valuation. At $374 per share, the high purchase multiple may hinder the company’s ability to generate a strong ROIC, leading the firm to question whether the timing was ideal for such a large-scale transaction.
Penumbra’s acquisition represents Boston Scientific’s second-largest takeover in its history and marks its re-entry into the neurovascular market.
The move is designed to broaden Boston Scientific’s cardiovascular and neurovascular portfolios. Having divested its neurovascular business to Stryker over a decade ago, Boston Scientific CEO Mike Mahoney emphasized that the company sought a scaled platform and a strong pipeline to return to this attractive segment. Penumbra is expected to contribute ~$1.4 billion in sales for 2025, and the integration is projected to enhance Boston Scientific’s revenue and margins over the long term.
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties. It has two segments: MedSurg and Cardiovascular.
While we acknowledge the potential of BSX 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 BSX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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