In this article, we will list the 5 Best Stocks You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner. Please visit 11 Best Stocks You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner if you’d like to see the extended list and the methodology behind it.
5. Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is one of the 11 best stocks you’ll wish you bought sooner.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) announced investments in capacity expansion and technology in 2026 at the Bank of America Global Industrials Conference on March 17, 2026. The company’s CEO, John Plant, pointed out the increasing demand across commercial aerospace, defense, and industrial gas turbines, which was heavily contributed to by data center energy needs alongside fleet growth. With the intention of maintaining its competitive moat, Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is incorporating advanced AI to increase the manufacturing yields and traceability. However, Plant acknowledges the challenges in the industry, including global machine tool lead times now exceeding two years. The company intends to balance strict profitability with capacity expansions to sail through the changing inventory cycles and supply chain constraints.
In another development, on March 11, 2026, RBC Capital raised its price target on Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) from $275 to $300 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. The firm noted the Whitehall casting production facility highlighted by the company at its 2026 Technology and Markets Day and cited the company’s technology leadership and distinct business model in sustaining positive investor sentiment.
Founded in 1888, Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) is a global leader in engineered metal products for the aerospace and defense sectors. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, the company specializes in jet engine components, fastening systems, and titanium structural parts for high-stress environments.
4. Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 74
Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO) is one of the 11 best stocks you’ll wish you bought sooner.
On March 24, 2026, BMO Capital cut its price target on Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO) from $135 to $116. The firm’s analyst Etienne Ricard kept a Market Perform rating on the stock. The price target adjustment was part of a broader research note on Alternative Asset Manager names. Etienne cited rising BDC redemptions, credit instability in Asset-Based Finance markets, and AI-driven performance disruption as the key concerns. Furthermore, widening credit spreads and fraud allegations have intensified scrutiny over underwriting and downside protection. It was also noted that the market volatility is creating significant uncertainty regarding asset realizations.
In another development, on March 25, 2026, Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO) announced that it has priced a $750 million offering of 5.700% senior notes due 2036. The Offering is expected to close on March 30, 2026, and generate approximately $745 million. Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO) intends to utilize these funds for various corporate purposes, including the retirement of $500 million in outstanding 4.400% senior notes maturing later this year.
Founded in 1990, Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), is a global alternative asset manager. The New York-based company specializes in investments in credit, private equity, infrastructure, secondaries, and real estate markets.
3. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is one of the 11 best stocks you’ll wish you bought sooner.
On March 31, 2026, TD Cowen lowered the price target on American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) from $375 to $330 and maintained a Hold rating on the stock. With a preview of the first quarter, the firm has adjusted price targets in the consumer finance group. TD Cowen noted that the AI’s impact on employment and geopolitical tensions is driving up the macroeconomic uncertainty. The firm further identified gas price hikes as a significant headwind for low-income consumers, while noting that competition in auto lending remains elevated.
Earlier on March 26, 2026, American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) announced a partnership with fashion label STAUD to launch a limited-edition resort-wear collection as part of the celebration of the Gold Card’s 60th anniversary. The eight-piece capsule features travel-inspired motifs and honors the card’s 1966 debut. Eligible Gold Card members can earn a one-time $90 statement credit on qualifying STAUD purchases till June 30, 2026. With this partnership, the company has started off its yearlong series of commemorative anniversary events.
In another event, on March 23, 2026, Truist lowered its price target on American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) from $400 to $360. Analyst Brian Foran kept a Buy rating on the company’s stock. The revision was part of the firm’s broader research note on financials. In the analyst research note, Brian further cited the lower-than-historical multiples that the market is ascribing and the need to account for the higher cost of equity in the firm’s models.
Founded in 1850, American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is an American bank holding company and multinational financial services corporation that offers credit cards, travel services, and expense management. Based in New York City, the company is known for its premium “closed-loop” network.
2. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 104
The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is one of the 11 best stocks you’ll wish you bought sooner.
On March 6, 2026, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) announced the launch of the Schwab Teen Investor account. This joint brokerage platform is designed for individuals aged between 13 and 17 and their guardians. With this initiative, the company aims to provide the teens with hands-on investing experience through a diverse range of products and tailored financial education. The company wants to encourage early participation, so it’s offering $50 in fractional shares to users who complete an online education course within 45 days under the initiative. By combining professional 24/7 support with practical market exposure, the company believes its new strategic move will assist in developing the next generation of investors.
In a separate instance, on March 2, 2026, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) announced the completion of its acquisition of Forge Global Holdings, Inc. With this merger, Forge’s private market expertise is integrated into The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW)’s platform, providing access to pre-IPO shares for individual investors and RIAs. The all-cash deal enabled Forge shareholders to receive $45 per common share.
Founded in 1971, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is a savings and loan holding company that provides brokerage, banking, and wealth management. Based in Texas, the company pioneered discount brokerage and manages $12.22 trillion in client assets.
1. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 146
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is one of the 11 best stocks you’ll wish you bought sooner.
On March 26, 2026, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) raised its price across all subscription tiers for the first time since January 2025. The ad-supported plan has moved up to $8.99 – a $1 increase, while the premium tier reaches $26.99 – a $2 increase. These hikes support the company’s forecast of a $20 billion spend in 2026 on content, in its January earnings report. The spend covers expansions into live events and video podcasts. Prior to the price adjustments, in its January report, the company further stated that it anticipates revenue in the range of $50.7 billion to $51.7 billion, likely supported by increases in membership and pricing.
Separately, on March 27, 2026, Oppenheimer raised its price target for Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) from $125 to $135, maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm believes that the recent U.S. price hike boosts the company’s revenue and further cites Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)’s excellent consumer retention capabilities and industry-low churn.
Founded in 1997, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is one of the world’s leading entertainment services companies. Based in California, the company provides its members with a vast library of films, series, and games across various genres in 190 countries.
While we acknowledge the potential of NFLX 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 NFLX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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