In this article, we will be talking about the 20 Best Investments in 2026.
The S&P 500 reached a new high as investors focused on upcoming tech sector earnings, and U.S. markets reportedly recovered in the last week of January amid heightened geopolitical concerns. Tech giants helped the NASDAQ Composite jump more than 0.9% before the Federal Reserve’s policy statement on January 27, which surpassed the S&P 500’s 0.4% gain.
There is a 97% likelihood that interest rates would remain between 3.50% to 3.75% after the Fed’s two-day meeting, according to the CME Group.
The next rate cut is not anticipated until at least June 2026, since the central bank has taken a more cautious stance following three rate cuts in 2025. At every meeting, Fed policymakers have stated that they will decide what to do next.
JPMorgan Asset Management claims that corporate profits have been a major factor in the S&P 500’s recent advances, with the technology sector expected to account for almost 60% of total earnings growth in 2026.
The market’s focus on artificial intelligence was emphasized by Thomas Martin, senior portfolio manager at Globalt Investments, who noted that investors are primarily focused on spending trends and innovation in both capital and operating expenditures. With advancements in robotics, agents, and model utilization sustaining a long-term positive trajectory in the market, he continued, AI will continue to propel growth along with data center infrastructure.
With this being said, let’s now look at the best investments.
Our Methodology
For our methodology, we began by filtering stocks using a screener for companies with a market cap of at least $1 billion, EPS growth, and a price target upside of at least 20% or more as of February 22. 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 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
Here is our list of the 20 best investments in 2026.
20. Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE:KRC)
Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE:KRC) is placed twentieth on our list of best investments.
TheFly reported on February 17 that Bank of America reduced its price target for KRC to $42 from $43 and maintained a Neutral rating. The reduction was in response to the company’s fourth-quarter results report, which was released during a week that was especially turbulent for REITs with an office focus.
Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE:KRC) revealed its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results on February 9. According to the report, the company had its highest fourth-quarter leasing performance in six years in Q4, signing about 827,000 square feet of contracts. The largest leasing volume since 2019 occurred throughout the year, totaling 2.1 million square feet. The stabilized portfolio was 81.6% occupied and 83.8% leased at the end of the year.
Additionally, the company’s revenue for the fourth quarter was $272.2 million, and FFO per diluted share was $0.97, compared to $1.20 during the same period the previous year. Full-year 2025 sales were $1.11 billion, with an annual FFO per diluted share of $4.20.
During the quarter, KRC also completed several property sales, which include Sunset Media Center and other assets, while also acquiring the Nautilus Campus and expanding its presence in the life sciences sector.
Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE:KRC) is a REIT that develops, owns, and manages office and mixed-use properties, primarily in West Coast U.S. markets, focusing on high-quality, sustainable buildings and long-term tenant relationships.
19. NICE Ltd. (NASDAQ:NICE)
NICE Ltd. (NASDAQ:NICE) is placed nineteenth on our list of best investments.
TheFly reported on February 20 that Morgan Stanley reduced its price target for NICE to $148 from $160 and kept an Overweight rating on the stock. The firm highlighted another quarter of stability in the company’s core cloud business, alongside continued acceleration in its backlog. According to Morgan Stanley, the present price already reflects a cautious assessment of potential threats from AI-related disruption, but any re-rating will depend on continued execution.
On February 19, NICE Ltd. (NASDAQ:NICE) released its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, which demonstrated robust growth in both its cloud and artificial intelligence sectors. The report claims that cloud revenue surpassed earlier estimates by 8% from 2024 to $2.95 billion for the whole year and by 9% year over year to $786.5 million in Q4.
In addition, non-GAAP fully diluted EPS increased to $12.30 for the whole year, an 11% gain over 2024, and AI-powered solutions were extensively used in all major transactions. Strong operational profitability, continuous development in key cloud businesses, and a healthy balance sheet with $417 million in cash and no debt were all shown by the findings.
Looking ahead, NICE guided 2026, projecting full-year non-GAAP revenue of $3.17–$3.19 billion, an 8% increase over 2025, and non-GAAP fully diluted EPS in the range of $10.85–$11.05, supported by anticipated growth in cloud and AI-related offerings.
NICE Ltd. (NASDAQ:NICE) provides cloud and on-premise software solutions for customer experience, financial crime, and public safety. NICE specializes in analytics, AI, and automation to improve decision-making, security, and operational efficiency across industries.
18. Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL)
The next stock on our list of best investments is Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL).
On February 17, 2026, B. Riley Securities lowered its price target for SEZL to $76 from $111 while keeping a Buy rating on the stock. The firm pointed out that Sezzle will have a more difficult time growing in 2026 as it moves past two major projects that had produced impressive results in the preceding two years: the Sezzle On-Demand collaboration with WebBank and the Sezzle Premium/Sezzle Anywhere subscription programs. This year, these programs are projected to have a milder impact than in the past, when they drove subscriber growth, merchant sales, subscription income, and buy-now-pay-later expansion.
Additionally, on February 18, Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) introduced Sezzle Mobile, a new unlimited phone plan priced from $29.99 per month, which is aimed at customers who use the platform as a central tool for managing daily expenses. The service delivers unlimited mobile access and is enabled through Gigs, a provider of embedded connectivity solutions, operating on the AT&T (T) network. With this launch, SEZL expands beyond its core buy-now-pay-later offerings, adding wireless service to its growing ecosystem of consumer-focused products.
Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) is a fintech company offering buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment solutions, enabling consumers to split purchases into interest-free installments while helping merchants increase sales and customer engagement.
17. Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:IRT)
Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:IRT) is among the best investments.
TheFly reported on February 18 that Citi reduced its price target for IRT to $18 from $19.50 and maintained a Neutral rating on the stock.
The fourth quarter and year-end results of Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:IRT), which concluded on December 31, 2025, were also released on February 11. The company’s fourth quarter net income attributable to common shareholders was $33.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to a net loss during the same period last year. Core FFO remained constant at $78.9 million, or $0.32 per share, compared to the same time in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $98.5 million, while same-store NOI was up 1.8%.
Additionally, the reports showed that Core FFO was $279.8 million, or $1.17 per share, while net income for the entire year was $56.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share. NOI at the same store increased 2.4% during the year. In addition, the business announced a new $350 million unsecured term loan that will mature in 2030 and provided a 2026 projection, predicting EPS of $0.21–$0.28 and Core FFO per share of $1.12–$1.16.
Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:IRT) is a REIT that owns, manages, and develops multifamily residential properties across the U.S., focusing on high-quality apartments and long-term tenant satisfaction.
16. Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRMY)
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRMY) is one of the best investment stocks on our list.
TheFly reported on February 20 that Truist Securities downgraded HRMY from Buy to Hold following the conclusion of its bench trial against Paragraph IV filer AET Pharma. The analyst pointed out that Judge Hall’s early post-trial comments raised the possibility of Harmony’s case ending badly. The company consequently voiced concerns over the Wakix franchise, pointing out that there was a high risk and a good chance that generic rivals would join the market before 2029.
On February 17, Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRMY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved its supplemental New Drug Application for WAKIX (pitolisant) tablets to treat cataplexy in children with narcolepsy who are six years of age or older. Regardless of whether a child has cataplexy or not, Wakix is now the first and only FDA-approved non-scheduled therapy for narcolepsy. This achievement expands the range of therapy options available to patients of all ages by enabling physicians to prescribe WAKIX to patients six years of age and older for excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, or both.
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRMY) is a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for rare neurological disorders, focusing on innovative treatments for conditions like narcolepsy and other sleep-related diseases.
15. Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ:JKHY)
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ:JKHY) is one of the best investments.
TheFly reported on February 17 that Wells Fargo upgraded JKHY from Equal Weight to Overweight and raised its price target to $196 from $181. The firm highlighted growing confidence in the company’s 2027 revenue growth, potential upside versus 2027 and 2028 estimates, a strong competitive position, and an attractive valuation. Despite market concerns around AI, Wells Fargo views these fears as overstated and has added Jack Henry to its “Fab 5” list of top fintech picks.
The firm emphasized the company’s strong competitive position, possible upside compared to 2027 and 2028 estimates, increased confidence in its 2027 sales growth, and an appealing valuation. Wells Fargo has included JKHY in its “Fab 5” list of outstanding fintech choices because it believes that market concerns about AI are exaggerated.
Moreover, on February 11, Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ:JKHY) announced that Blue Sky Bank selected its technology to modernize and enhance both retail and commercial banking services. The bank will use Jack Henry’s cutting-edge core platform in conjunction with integrated digital and commercial solutions. The bank has grown its assets from just over $200 million in 2018 to $1.3 billion today across a network of 15 branches across Oklahoma and Texas. While commercial operations will use LoanVantageTM to integrate lending and Treasury Management to optimize workflows and serve the bank’s expanding, affluent clientele, retail clients will benefit from the Banno Digital PlatformTM for scalable, self-service account management.
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ:JKHY) provides technology solutions and payment processing services for banks and credit unions, enabling secure, efficient financial operations and digital banking experiences.
14. Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH)
The next stock on our list is Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH).
TheFly reported on February 20 that Evercore ISI lowered its price target for INVH from $33 to $31 and gave it an Outperform rating. A softer pricing environment that affected the company’s short-term perspective also caused the firm to lower its revenue growth target.
Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH) released its fourth quarter and year-end 2025 financial results on February 18, 2026. The company reported Core FFO per share of $0.48 in Q4, a 1.3% increase over the prior year, even though GAAP net income per diluted share was $0.24, up from $0.23 but somewhat below certain projections. AFFO rose 1.8% to $1.63 per share during the year, while Core FFO up 1.7% to $1.91.
Additionally, the corporation revealed that full-year revenues reached $2.73 billion, up 4.2% from 2024, and overall revenues in Q4 increased 4.0% to $685 million, exceeding forecasts. Even though new lease rates fell 4.1%, Q4 same-store Net Operating Income (NOI) increased 0.7% thanks to a 4.2% increase in renewal rents, resulting in a 1.8% increase in blended rent. The quarter’s average occupancy was 95.9%, which was 90 basis points lower than the previous year.
Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH) is a REIT that acquires, renovates, and manages single-family rental homes across the U.S., focusing on high-quality properties and long-term tenant satisfaction.
13. Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI)
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) is one of the best investments on our list.
TheFly reported on February 18 that Oppenheimer raised its price target for ITRI to $133 from $125 and maintained an Outperform rating. The upgrade followed the company’s strong fourth-quarter results, which exceeded both revenue and earnings expectations. ITRI also provided guidance for FY2026 that was better than anticipated, along with several indicators suggesting a potential uptick in future demand.
The company’s fourth quarter and full year 2025 results were posted a day earlier on February 17. According to the report, total revenue for Q4 declined 7% year-over-year to $572 million due to portfolio optimization and the timing of project deployments. For the full year, revenue fell 3% to $2.4 billion.
The company generated a notable profit beat with non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.46 for the quarter, up from $1.35 in the prior year and surpassing the $2.19 expert average. GAAP net income rose from $58 million to $102 million, or $2.21 per diluted share, via higher operating income and a tax benefit. Free cash flow rose 59% to $112 million for the quarter.
Due to a good mix of products and customers, the GAAP gross margin increased by 560 basis points to 40.5%. Operational efficiency was demonstrated by the 21% growth in adjusted EBITDA to $99 million. These results were mainly bolstered by growth in Outcomes revenue and strategic acquisitions.
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) provides technology solutions for energy and water resource management, including smart meters, data analytics, and connected devices, helping utilities improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
12. Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING)
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) is one of the best investments on our list.
TheFly reported on February 19 that RBC Capital lowered its price target for WING to $340 from $350 and gave it an Outperform rating. Although the company’s fourth-quarter results had fallen short of the lower-than-expected forecasts, the firm also hinted that the first quarter of 2026 trends were not as strong as expected.
On February 18, 2026, Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and the entire year of 2025. According to the report, the company’s system-wide sales of $1.3 billion and contributions from net new restaurant openings drove an 8.6% increase in overall revenue to $175.7 million in Q4 compared to the previous year. However, a 5.8% decline in domestic same-store sales was somewhat offset by higher franchise, royalties, and advertising revenues. While adjusted net income and adjusted EPS were $27.8 million and $1.00, respectively, net income came to $26.8 million, or $0.96 per diluted share. At $61.9 million, adjusted EBITDA increased by 9.8%.
Moreover, over the full year, WING reported that it expanded system-wide sales to $5.3 billion, added 493 new locations, and posted total revenue of $696.9 million, up 11.4% from 2024. Net income surged 60.3% to $174.3 million, with adjusted EPS rising to $4.08.
WING’s FY2026 guidance includes modest same-store sales growth, 15–16% global unit growth, and controlled expenses.
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in chicken wings, offering a variety of flavors and sides through dine-in, takeout, and delivery across its U.S. and international locations.
11. HealthEquity, Inc. (NASDAQ:HQY)
HealthEquity, Inc. (NASDAQ:HQY) is given eleventh position on our list of best investments.
TheFly reported on February 19 that Jefferies lowered its price target for HQY to $108 from $120 and maintained a Buy rating. The firm noted that pre-released Q4 results showed solid growth, with HSA accounts up 6.9% and assets increasing 13.6% year-over-year. The firm also highlighted the stock as a defensive choice for investors seeking healthcare or tech exposure without AI-related risks.
HealthEquity, Inc. (NASDAQ:HQY) reported its fiscal year that concluded on January 31, 2026, on February 17. The company highlighted the robust growth in HSAs and associated assets. Overall, there were 10.6 million HSAs, up 7% from the previous year, and 17.8 million accounts, up 4% from 17.0 million the year before, according to the research.
The company reported that HSA assets grew 14% to $36.5 billion, supported by a 26% increase in HSA investments, which reached $18.5 billion. Fourth-quarter new HSA sales alone jumped 17% compared with the same period last year, reflecting strong demand and effective acquisition efforts.
HQY reaffirmed its previously provided guidance for fiscal 2026 and 2027, expecting 2026 results to approach the top of earlier projections. Strong sales performance supports the company’s plan to issue updated full-year guidance for 2027 when it releases fiscal 2026 year-end results in March.
HealthEquity, Inc. (NASDAQ:HQY) provides health savings accounts (HSAs) and benefits administration solutions, helping individuals and employers manage healthcare expenses efficiently through digital tools and financial services.
10. Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS)
The tenth position on our list is given to Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS).
TheFly reported on February 18 that RBC Capital lowered its price target for LDOS to $215 from $230 and maintained an Outperform rating. The company’s fourth-quarter results were mixed, with the slowdown in Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) activity presenting a headwind. At the same time, the firm highlighted LDOS’ ongoing shift toward higher-growth defense technology and viewed the reallocation of capital into these markets positively, though it expects the company to continue being valued primarily as a service-focused firm.
Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS) recently reported on February 19 that it had implemented a new digital system at Reagan National Airport (DCA) with the goal of increasing aircraft safety and efficiency. The technology, which was created for the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program, helps controllers improve aircraft movements on the ground by substituting real-time digital data and predictive modeling tools for conventional paper flight strips.
The accelerated implementation at Reagan National was completed 45% faster than the typical 18-month deployment. By providing an integrated, shared view for controllers, air traffic managers, and airline operations, the system is designed to reduce delays, enhance safety, and streamline operations, contributing to a smoother and more predictable travel experience at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS) provides IT, engineering, and defense solutions, including cybersecurity, systems integration, and mission support services for government and commercial clients worldwide.
9. TransUnion (NYSE:TRU)
TransUnion (NYSE:TRU) is among the best investments.
TheFly reported on February 17 that BofA Securities reinstated coverage on TRU with a Neutral rating and an $83 price target. BofA noted a generally positive perspective on the industry and projected growth of about 7% in sales, 12% in EPS, and 11% in free cash flow in 2026. This action was part of the firm’s larger coverage reinstatement for 19 information and business services stocks.
TransUnion’s (NYSE:TRU) financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 were announced earlier on February 12. According to the report, the company’s overall sales rose 13% year over year to $1,171 million in Q4, even while net income improved to $101 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, from $66 million, or $0.34 per share, a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 10% to $417 million with an adjusted net income of $208 million and an adjusted EPS of $1.07.
The corporation reported a 9% increase in revenue to $4,576 million and a net income of $455 million, or $2.32 per share, for the entire year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 9% to $1,646 million, adjusted net income was $846 million, and adjusted EPS was $4.30. These outcomes demonstrated steady margin growth and excellent operational performance throughout the course of 2025.
TransUnion (NYSE:TRU) is a global credit reporting and risk management company, providing credit data, analytics, and insights to businesses and consumers for informed financial decisions and fraud prevention.
8. Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL)
Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) is on our list of best investment stocks.
TheFly reported on February 18 that Morgan Stanley reduced its price target on DELL from $111 to $101and gave it an Underweight rating. The firm anticipates a solid, though not exceptional, performance for the January quarter and upcoming April guidance from off-cycle hardware coverage, including Dell, HP Enterprise, HP Inc., NetApp, and Pure Storage. Despite these expectations, the firm is reinforcing its cautious outlook based on prior experiences in the IT hardware sector.
In other news, on February 17, McLaren Racing and Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) announced the extension of their multi-year relationship, which had started in 2018. DELL continues to supply cutting-edge AI infrastructure, servers, and PCs as McLaren’s Official Innovation Partner, supporting every facet of the team’s operations from trackside performance and race strategy to car design and engineering.
Every race weekend, McLaren uses the Dell AI Factory to crunch massive amounts of data, run fast simulations, and employ digital twins to optimize performance in real time. In addition to helping the team make data-driven decisions, encourage innovation, and maintain a competitive edge on the Formula 1 circuit, this collaboration has been mainly responsible for McLaren’s success, which includes back-to-back Constructors’ Championships in 2024 and 2025.
Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) provides IT hardware, software, and services, including servers, storage, networking, and cloud solutions, enabling businesses and consumers to build, manage, and secure digital infrastructures efficiently.
7. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFM)
The seventh stock on our list of best investments is Sprout Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFM).
TheFly reported on February 20 that Goldman Sachs lowered its price target on SFM to $111 from $130 and kept a Buy rating. Despite falling short on gross margins, the company’s fourth-quarter results surpassed comparable-store sales projections. Additionally, early-year patterns revealed slower-than-expected comps, which caused the full-year 2026 projection to fall short of expectations. The analyst points out that the amended target and outlook have context because these lower comp trends are generally acknowledged and have taken into account in current expectations.
Sprout Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFM) released its fourth quarter and year-end 2025 financial results on February 19. The company reported strong revenue and earnings growth, with Q4 net sales reaching $2.1 billion and diluted EPS rising to $0.92 from $0.79 a year earlier. With a 14% increase in full-year revenues of $8.8 billion and an EPS of $5.31, the company kept growing and also opened 477 stores in 24 states.
Despite these encouraging results, the company indicated a cautious forecast for 2026 and cited first-half headwinds from challenging prior-year comparisons and a turbulent macro environment. Although SFM is confident in its long-term development trajectory, guidance highlights challenges ahead and projects diluted EPS between $5.28 and $5.44 for the full year and a minor negative to modest improvement in comparable-store sales.
Sprout Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFM) is a grocery retail chain offering fresh, natural, and organic products, including produce, bulk foods, and supplements, focusing on healthy living and affordable wellness for customers.
6. BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN)
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) is next on our list.
TheFly reported on February 18 that Wells Fargo & Company increased its price target for BMRN from $70 to $75 while keeping an Overweight rating. The firm believes the upcoming Transcon-CNP PDUFA may mark the final negative catalyst for BMRN, and its sum-of-the-parts analysis indicates the stock is trading below its value excluding Voxzogo. According to Wells Fargo, the current share price presents a compelling opportunity for purchase.
Furthermore, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) reported on February 12 that it had completed the $850 million offering of 5.500% senior unsecured notes that mature in 2034 and were issued at par. In addition to other term loan arrangements and available funds, the proceeds are primarily intended to support the upcoming acquisition of Amicus Therapeutics and related transaction expenses.
The notes’ proceeds were placed in escrow pending the deal’s completion, with the stipulation that they be redeemed at full principal plus accrued interest in the event that the acquisition is not completed by the deadline. In addition to having normal covenant restrictions and being guaranteed by certain subsidiaries, the notes were made available to eligible institutional buyers and non-U.S. investors through a private offering.
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing therapies for rare genetic diseases, focusing on enzyme replacement and gene-targeted treatments.
5. Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:VEEV)
The fifth stock on our list of best investment stocks is Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:VEEV).
TheFly reported on February 20 that UBS reduced its price target on VEEV to $200 from $280 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock.
Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:VEEV) made a significant announcement on January 29 when it unveiled Veeva eSource, a new application within its SiteVault platform designed to improve data accuracy and reduce manual operations in clinical trials.
The solution enables direct digital capture of trial information at research sites, removing reliance on paper records. It integrates with electronic health records to transfer relevant patient data and connects with electronic data capture systems to automate data flow to sponsors. By minimizing duplicate entry and eliminating traditional source data verification processes, the application is designed to lower administrative burden, decrease errors, and accelerate study execution. Veeva eSource also features open API connectivity and is expected to become available to early adopters in the second half of 2026.
Moreover, on February 11, VEEV announced it will release its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full-year financial results on March 4, 2026.
Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:VEEV) provides cloud-based software solutions for the life sciences industry, supporting drug development, regulatory compliance, and commercial operations.
4. Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO)
Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) is among the best investments on our list.
TheFly reported on February 19 that UBS reduced its price target on MCO to $490 from $515 and maintained a Neutral rating, reflecting adjustments to its model after the company’s fourth-quarter earnings release.
On February 18, 2026, Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) released its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, emphasizing robust top-line growth. Revenue for the fourth quarter was $1.9 billion, up 13% from the previous year, with a slight positive impact from foreign exchange. Revenue was $7.7 billion for the entire year, a 9% increase over 2024.
While recurring revenue continues to make up the great majority of sector sales, MCO’s Analytics produced strong results, propelled by growth in Decision Solutions, Research and Insights, and Data & Information. significant corporate finance activity, particularly significant investment-grade issuance, helped MCO’s Investors Service achieve its best-ever fourth-quarter revenue of 17%.
For the full year, the company’s MIS revenue also advanced 9%, benefiting from constructive market conditions and elevated issuance volumes across asset classes. Overall, 2025 reflected broad-based growth across segments and continued momentum in subscription-based and recurring revenue streams.
Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) is a global provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, helping investors and businesses make informed financial decisions.
3. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU)
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is on our list of best investments in 2026.
TheFly reported on February 22 that Jefferies lowered its price target for INTU to $650 from $850 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm anticipates solid results in the company’s fiscal Q2, despite a “seasonally light” period that includes only six days of tax e-filing. Additionally, Jefferies sees potential upside from Credit Karma, driven by favorable momentum among card issuers.
In other news, on February 19, Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) unveiled a major update to its Consumer Group with the introduction of the TurboTax “Done-For-You” experience. This hybrid model combines Agentic AI, which handles about 90% of standard tax form data entry, with support from nearly 600 Expert Offices and 20 new immersive stores.
TurboTax and Uber Advertising together will further improve accessibility by offering consumers a complimentary ride up to $25 to visit their local tax expert. Experts may concentrate on making complex decisions while AI handles repetitive duties in the new stores’ serene, stress-free atmosphere and smooth combination of digital tools and human supervision. This program embodies Intuit’s approach to streamline tax preparation, eliminate obstacles, and provide filers with a more effective, individualized, and secure experience.
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) provides financial, accounting, and tax software solutions, including QuickBooks, TurboTax, and Mint, helping individuals and businesses manage finances efficiently.
2. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD)
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is among the best investments.
TheFly reported on February 20 that Goldman Sachs lowered its price target for HOOD to $111 from $130 while maintaining a Buy rating. With funded accounts climbing 9% year over year to 27.2 million, equity and cryptocurrency trading volumes rising 57% and 12%, respectively, and prediction market event contracts gaining 17% month over month to $3.4 billion, the firm highlighted the company’s solid January performance. As daily commissions hit $10 million and app downloads increased 30% month over month, platform engagement remained high. While keeping an eye on the company’s valuation and changing trading activity, Goldman Sachs updated their January-adjusted estimates in response to these movements.
Additionally, as part of its goal to become a full-featured financial super-app, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) recently introduced a new tax offering for its users on February 18. Through a partnership with April, an AI-powered tax platform, eligible customers can file their 2025 federal and state taxes at no cost through April 15, 2026.
The service provides a streamlined, mobile- and web-friendly filing experience, allowing users to receive potential refunds up to four days earlier when deposited directly into their HOOD brokerage accounts. This initiative simplifies tax preparation, reducing complexity and costs, while leveraging automation to handle routine tasks, giving users a faster and more confident path to completing their taxes.
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a fintech company offering commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, providing a user-friendly platform for retail investors to manage and grow their investments.
1. MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI)
MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) tops our list for being one of the best investments.
TheFly reported on February 17 that Wedbush adjusted its price target for MELI to $2,600 from $2,700 while keeping an Outperform rating on the stock. The firm supports MELI as a top choice for 2026 and believes it is well-positioned going into the fourth quarter, but it points out that investors might need a few quarters to properly evaluate management’s recent actions to preserve market share in important areas.
Similarly, JPMorgan raised the price objective for MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) from $2,650 to $2,800 earlier on February 12 after upgrading the stock from a Neutral to an Overweight rating. The recent underperformance of the stock and the firm’s opinion that the value is currently attractive are reflected in the upgrade. Competitive pressures appear to be easing, highlighted by Shopee’s recent increase in take rates, creating a more favorable environment for MELI. JPMorgan also expects the company’s consensus estimates for 2026 and 2027 to remain well-supported, and anticipates strong growth in Brazil in the fourth quarter of 2025, with expansion likely exceeding 30%.
Moreover, MELI will be releasing its Q4 2025 results on February 24.
MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) is a leading e-commerce and fintech company in Latin America, providing online marketplaces, payment solutions, and digital financial services to consumers and businesses.
While we acknowledge the potential of MELI 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 MELI and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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