5 Best Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

4. Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU)

Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) ranks among the best growth stocks to buy and hold for the long term. On March 9, BofA Securities reduced its price objective for Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) to $17 from $18, maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm decreased its target price-to-earnings multiple to 21x from 22x to take account of the de-rating associated with global high-growth banking companies.

Due to increased risk and operating costs, the company’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings before taxes fell short of BofA projections by about 15%. That said, Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) announced revenue of $4.9 billion, surpassing average expectations of $3.79 billion by 29% and representing a 45% year-over-year jump.

BofA’s net income forecasts remain intact, with higher operating expenses and reserve charges for loan losses offset by stronger revenues and a lower effective tax rate. In that regard, the firm expects earnings growth of 45% in 2026 and 28% in 2027, with a return on equity of around 30%.

Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) provides a digital banking platform in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, the Cayman Islands, and the US. It offers spending and mobile payment solutions, as well as Nu Shopping.