5 Best Industrial Stocks to Buy in 2026

3. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL)

Stock Upside Potential: 36.04%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79

United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is one of the best industrial stocks to buy in 2026. On April 14, United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) popped in the market amid reports that the company was considering a merger with American Airlines.

Reuters reports that United Airlines’ Scott Kirby has already pitched a potential merger of the two carriers to US President Donald Trump. A merger of the two would result in the largest-ever airline consolidation in more than a decade. The two airlines boast the largest fleets among US airlines, with more than 1,000 aircraft each.

In addition, the combined company would be in a better position to compete internationally, where foreign carriers control a majority of long-haul seat capacity to and from the US. Nevertheless, a merger of United Airlines and American Airlines won’t be easy. The deal is expected to face steep regulatory hurdles amid competition concerns, higher fares, and potential job losses. There are also concerns over route overlap in a concentrated US airline market.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is a major American airline holding company that operates United Airlines and provides global passenger and cargo air transportation. As one of the world’s largest carriers, it manages a vast global network, transporting passengers and cargo across six continents.