On January 16, Carol Schleif, BMO private wealth chief market strategist, joined CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the latest market trends. Schleif observed that earnings have performed well despite a rocky backdrop and political challenges aimed at the financial services industry. She highlighted positive economic themes and noted that consumers and companies remain resilient. Regarding her outlook for the S&P 500, she suggested it could reach the 7,700 level. This target represents a 10% to 12% increase from the previous year’s close. She clarified that she does not expect valuations to expand and even sees potential downward pressure there. Instead, she believes the market’s progress will be driven by the ability to generate solid growth in an environment of lower inflation than the previous year.
Earlier on December 22, Scott Wren, chief global equity strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, joined CNBC’s ‘Squawk on the Street’ to highlight his preference for sticking with larger- and mid-cap US stocks over international stocks in a global bull market. Wren shared that, while the firm had been focused almost entirely on the US for the last 4 or 5 years, it moved to a neutral stance on developed international and emerging markets about a year ago. He described emerging markets as a cheaper way to gain exposure to tech and AI. Despite this, Wren emphasized that his preference is to stick with US large-cap and mid-cap stocks. While the firm maintains international exposure and is looking for opportunities to increase it, he does not believe the current moment is the right time to do so.
That being said, we’re here with a list of the 15 best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz stock screener to compile a list of large-cap value stocks trading between $10 billion and $200 billion and with a forward P/E ratio under 15. We then selected 15 stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds, had at least 5% upside potential, and received favorable analyst views. 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).
15 Best Large Cap Value Stocks to Buy in 2026
15. Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS)
Average Upside Potential: 16.23%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52
Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 12, RBC Capital raised its price target on Webster Financial to $72 from $70 and maintained an Outperform rating. In its Q4 2025 earnings preview, RBC Capital updated its regional bank price targets while maintaining a constructive stance on the sector’s fundamentals. The firm expects a stable outlook compared to Q3, driven by improvements in loan volume and revenue growth.
On January 9, Truist also increased its price target for Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) to $72, up from the previous target of $67, while maintaining a Buy rating. This adjustment came just ahead of the banking earnings season.
Truist suggested that small- to mid-sized regional banks are well-positioned to recover after underperforming large banks in 2025. Potential drivers for this growth include a steepening yield curve, the restart of share buybacks, and organic expansion. Additionally, the current attractive valuation gaps compared to larger peers could help these regional banks regain their previous market standing.
Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association, which provides a range of financial products and services to businesses, individuals, and families in the US.
14. First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN)
Average Upside Potential: 16.09%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52
First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 16, DA Davidson analyst Peter Winter raised the firm’s price target on First Horizon to $27 from $25 with a Neutral rating. DA Davidson is leaning into a positive 2026 outlook for the company after a strong finish to Q4 2025. The firm sees revenue climbing by as much as 7% due to steady loan growth. Because the company is keeping its expenses in check, its operating leverage is expected to more than triple from 2025 levels.
On the same day, TD Cowen increased its price target on First Horizon to $27 from $26 with a Hold rating. The firm updated its financial model in response to Q4 2025 results and future guidance. The update highlights improved lending performance, specifically driven by strong growth in Commercial & Industrial loans.
Additionally, Stephens increased its price target for First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN) to $29 from $28 while maintaining an Overweight rating. This revision followed a post-earnings analysis in which the firm raised its operating EPS estimates for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.
First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN) operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank, which provides a range of financial services. It operates through the Regional Banking, Specialty Banking, and Corporate segments.
13. Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC)
Average Upside Potential: 13.88%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 16, Scotiabank analyst Paul Cheng lowered the firm’s price target on Marathon Petroleum to $174 from $189 with an Outperform rating. The firm is revising price targets across its US Integrated Oil, Refining, and large-cap E&P coverage. Scotiabank anticipates a predictable earnings season and believes investor attention will shift to how recent market volatility might affect 2026 guidance and whether E&P firms will implement new cost-saving measures.
On January 14, Citi lowered its price target for Marathon Petroleum to $182 from $185, while maintaining a Neutral rating. This adjustment was made as part of a Q4 2025 preview. To refine its financial model, the firm incorporated the most recent commodity price data into its projections for the company.
A day before that, Mizuho increased its price target for Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC) to $205 from $198 with a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm anticipates that the company will report strong results for Q4. However, Mizuho expressed caution regarding the future and noted that current market consensus estimates for 2026 appear to be set too high.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC), together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated downstream energy company in the US. The company operates through three segments: Refining & Marketing, Midstream, and Renewable Diesel.
12. Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF)
Average Upside Potential: 14.73%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56
Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 12, RBC Capital analyst Jon Arfstrom raised the firm’s price target on Synchrony to $91 from $76 and kept a Sector Perform rating. In a broad Q4 2025 preview of the consumer finance sector, RBC Capital highlighted steady fundamentals supported by a resilient consumer base and an improving macroeconomic backdrop. The firm expects seasonal trends to drive quarter-over-quarter loan growth, alongside slight improvements in core credit quality.
On the same day, JPMorgan increased its price target for Synchrony to $86 from $75, while maintaining a Neutral rating. This adjustment is part of a broader review of the consumer finance sector ahead of Q4 2025 results. The firm noted that President Trump’s proposal to mandate a 10% cap on credit card interest rates for one year has introduced significant near-term volatility. JPMorgan warned that if this rate reduction were enacted, it would fundamentally alter the credit card industry by sharply decreasing issuer profitability and limiting consumer access to credit.
Despite the potential impact, the firm classified the proposal as a high-severity, low-probability risk that would likely face intense legal challenges. Consequently, JPMorgan continues to recommend a defensive investment strategy within the consumer finance category.
Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer financial services company in the US.
11. US Bancorp (NYSE:USB)
Average Upside Potential: 9.38%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56
US Bancorp (NYSE:USB) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 7, TD Cowen raised the firm’s price target on US Bancorp to $65 from $60 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. In a Q4 2025 earnings preview, TD Cowen adjusted its price targets for the banking sector. The firm pointed to expanding balance sheets and favorable asset repricing as key drivers. Furthermore, the firm expects bank stocks to benefit from a shift in Fed leadership in 2026.
HSBC also raised its price target for US Bancorp to $62 from $58 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. The firm noted that a recent pullback in bank stocks has created selective opportunities for investors to increase their exposure. As part of this update, HSBC increased 2025–2026 adjusted EPS estimates for the sector by ~1% to 7%. These higher projections are driven by expectations for increased net interest income, stronger investment banking fees, and more robust share repurchase activity.
However, Wolfe Research downgraded US Bancorp (NYSE:USB) on the same day to Peer Perform from Outperform.
US Bancorp (NYSE:USB) is a financial services holding company that provides a range of services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities, and other financial institutions in the US.
10. Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC)
Average Upside Potential: 12.02%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56
Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 7, TD Cowen raised its price target on Truist Financial to $59 from $55, while maintaining a Buy rating. This decision was made as the firm updated its banking sector outlook, citing a positive end to the year driven by asset repricing and balance sheet expansion. The firm remains bullish on 2026 and noted that a shift toward a more accommodative Fed leadership could be a significant catalyst for stock appreciation.
HSBC also upgraded Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC) to a Buy rating from Hold on the same day, while also raising the price target to $50 from $47. The firm noted that the shares have underperformed significantly since 2020, but expects this trend to conclude in 2025.
The upgrade is based on progress made throughout 2024, during which the company improved its cost structure, established a capital cushion, and enhanced its net interest income trajectory. HSBC believes that these developments set the foundation for double-digit EPS growth and material expansion in return on equity (ROE) and return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) throughout 2025 and 2026.
Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC) is a financial services company that provides banking and trust services in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic US.
9. Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN)
Average Upside Potential: 21.55%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59
Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 16, Bank of America raised its price target on Devon Energy to $46 from $45 while maintaining a Buy rating. Heading into 2026, the firm maintains a cautious stance on the broader oil market. BofA is prioritizing companies with resilient portfolios and low breakeven points.
However, Scotiabank downgraded Devon Energy to Sector Perform from Sector Outperform, while lowering the price target to $41 from $47. This adjustment followed a year in which Devon was the top-performing stock within the firm’s E&P coverage for 2025.
Due to that significant price appreciation, the company’s valuation shifted to the middle of the range when compared to other second-tier E&P firms. While Scotiabank anticipated continued progress from Devon’s internal self-help initiatives, the firm believes the majority of the positive catalysts had already been realized and were reflected in the stock’s 2025 outperformance.
A day before that, Scotiabank analyst Paul Cheng downgraded Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN) to Sector Perform from Outperform, setting a $41 price target.
Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN) is an independent energy company that explores, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the US.
8. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:PNC)
Average Upside Potential: 9.55%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:PNC) is one of the best large-cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 20, Keefe Bruyette increased its price target for PNC Financial to $247 from $228, while maintaining a Market Perform rating. The firm adjusted its target after the company issued a bullish outlook for 2026.
On the same day, RBC Capital also increased its price target for PNC Financial to $235 from $222 with an Outperform rating. The firm highlights the company’s business model, which centers on commercial banking supported by a strong consumer deposit franchise and diversified fee-based services, including wealth management, mortgage, and investment banking. PNC Financial has successfully driven organic growth through acquisitions that enhance tangible book value.
Furthermore, Truist raised the price target for PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:PNC) to $240 from $229, while maintaining a Hold rating. This update follows the company’s Q4 2025 earnings report, which exceeded analyst expectations.
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:PNC) operates as a diversified financial services company in the US. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Asset Management Group.
7. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL)
Average Upside Potential: 25.86%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 14, Mizuho raised the firm’s price target on Allstate to $255 from $254, while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. Following the end of the quarter, the firm updated its financial models for the insurance sector to reflect the latest data.
Wells Fargo also increased its price target on Allstate to $223 from $216 a day before Mizuho’s rating, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock. As the insurance sector enters its quarterly reporting period, the firm indicated that for property & casualty companies like Allstate, investors should focus on pricing strategies, loss trends, and reserve levels.
On January 12, TD Cowen downgraded The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) to Hold from Buy, while raising its price target to $231 from $224. The firm reported that the company faced intensifying competition for personal auto policies-in-force, which created growth headwinds. Allstate is under additional pressure due to a declining number of exclusive agents. TD Cowen also expects policy retention across the company’s book to continue falling, particularly as the non-standard auto insurance segment expands.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL), together with its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty, and other insurance products in the US and Canada.
6. EOG Resources Inc. (NYSE:EOG)
Average Upside Potential: 27.23%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 61
EOG Resources Inc. (NYSE:EOG) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 16, Scotiabank analyst Paul Cheng lowered the firm’s price target on EOG Resources to $123 from $130 with a Sector Perform rating. The firm is adjusting its price targets for big US oil, refining, and drilling companies. It expects this quarter’s earnings to be business as usual because there weren’t any bad winter storms to slow down production.
On the same day, KeyBanc downgraded EOG Resources to Sector Weight from Overweight without providing a specific price target. This decision reflects the firm’s more selective outlook for the oil and gas industry in 2026, which is driven by weak oil prices and volatility in natural gas markets.
The firm specifically cited concerns about asset degradation at EOG Resources Inc. (NYSE:EOG) and noted clear signs of this issue in both the Eagle Ford and the Delaware Basin. Additionally, the downgrade was influenced by a notable decrease in operational activity in the Eagle Ford region.
EOG Resources Inc. (NYSE:EOG), together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in producing basins in the US, the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, and internationally.
5. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK)
Average Upside Potential: 12.09%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 14, Truist raised its price target on BNY Mellon to $136 from $134 and maintained a Buy rating after its Q4 2025 earnings results. The firm also raised its 2027 EPS forecast by $0.15 to $9.55, a sentiment driven by a stronger outlook for fees and net interest income. While the firm noted a slight headwind from higher expenses and a slower pace of share buybacks, the overall growth in core revenue is expected to drive higher profitability.
Morgan Stanley also increased its price target for BNY Mellon to $132 from $124, while keeping an Overweight rating. This adjustment followed the bank’s impressive 27.4% ROTCE and its 8th consecutive quarter of positive operating leverage. The firm also pointed to an optimistic 2026 outlook, which anticipates an additional increase in operating leverage of over 100 basis points.
Additionally, BofA increased its price target for The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) to $142 from $140 while reiterating a Buy rating. The firm suggested that the combination of Q4 2025 performance and management’s guidance should support investor confidence.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) provides a range of financial products and services in the US and internationally. It operates through four segments: Securities Services, Market & Wealth Services, Investment & Wealth Management, and Other.
4. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)
Average Upside Potential: 8.72%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 16, HSBC upgraded Chubb to Buy from Hold, setting a price target of $354.
Furthermore, Citizens increased the firm’s price target for Chubb to $350 from $325 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm anticipates that Q4 2025 results will show reduced catastrophe losses and minimal mark-to-market effects, with investors likely to focus on pricing shifts due to weakness in property lines. Despite a decline in property pricing, the firm noted that returns stay robust and casualty lines are seeing consistent rate growth, suggesting the market is currently in a state of transition rather than entering a broad softening phase.
On January 14, Mizuho adjusted its price target for Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) to $317 from $318, while maintaining a Neutral rating. Following the end of the quarter, the firm updated its models across the insurance group, which led to this slight reduction as well.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) provides insurance and reinsurance products. The company has six segments: North America Commercial P&C Insurance, North America Personal P&C Insurance, North America Agricultural Insurance, Overseas General Insurance, Global Reinsurance, and Life Insurance.
3. United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL)
Average Upside Potential: 17.63%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66
United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 13, Goldman Sachs analyst Catherine O’Brien raised the firm’s price target on United Airlines to $129 from $115, while keeping a Buy rating. The firm has reduced the Q4 2025 net income forecast for the industry by 15% due to the significant economic drag from the government shutdown. Goldman Sachs specifically highlighted that the 43-day impasse disrupted federal spending and hit consumer liquidity, leading to more conservative earnings expectations for the final quarter.
On January 12, Barclays increased its price target for United Airlines to $150 from $135, while keeping an Overweight rating as part of its Q4 sector outlook. The firm suggested that airline guidance may exceed conservative consensus estimates, driven by strong demand momentum in late 2025, reduced industry growth in early 2026, and favorable yield comparisons.
Earlier on January 9, Susquehanna increased its price target for United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) to $150 from $117 with a Positive rating in anticipation of Q4 results. The firm believed the airline industry faces a favorable fundamental environment heading into 2026.
United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL), through its subsidiaries, provides air transportation services in the US, Canada, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and Latin America.
2. Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL)
Average Upside Potential: 20.69%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70
Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 14, Seaport Research lowered its price target on Delta Air Lines to $88 from $89, while maintaining a Buy rating due to the current macro volatility in the market.
UBS also lowered its price target for Delta Air Lines from $90 to $87 while keeping a Buy rating. The firm informed investors that Delta’s cautious 2026 guidance suggests the potential for performance to exceed expectations.
Furthermore, Argus increased its price target for Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) to $80 from $70 with a Buy rating following the release of Q4 2025 results. The firm highlighted that the company is seeing gains from its varied revenue sources, including cargo, loyalty programs, and premium services. Additionally, the firm expects that the demand for premium and business travel will stay strong throughout 2026.
Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) provides scheduled passenger and cargo air transportation in the US and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Airline and Refinery.
1. EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT)
Average Upside Potential: 31.58%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 82
EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) is one of the best large-cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 18, Jefferies analyst Lloyd Byrne raised the firm’s price target on EQT Corporation to $71 from $68 and kept a Buy rating on the shares as part of the firm’s broader Q4 2025 earnings preview. The firm now expects its Q4 EBITA to reach the upper end of its previous guidance.
However, on January 16, BofA reduced its price target on EQT Corporation to $74 from $84, with a Buy rating. Although natural gas sentiment has remained bullish for 18 months, the firm anticipates a growing risk of oversupply in 2027. This concern, along with lowered price forecasts, has led to an average 12% decrease in price objectives across the firm’s gas-levered E&P coverage.
Earlier on January 9, Bernstein increased its price target for EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) to $73 from $72 and maintained an Outperform rating on the stock. Entering 2026, the firm holds a balanced outlook for oil, anticipating short-term volatility followed by long-term strength.
EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) produces, gathers, and transmits natural gas. It sells natural gas and natural gas liquids to marketers, utilities, and industrial customers located in the Appalachian Basin.
While we acknowledge the potential of EQT 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 EQT and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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