5 Best Transport Infrastructure Stocks to Buy for 2026

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1. FreightCar America, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAIL)

Upside Potential: 87.97%

On May 4, FreightCar America, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAIL) reaffirmed its FY26 adjusted EBITDA outlook of $41 million–$50 million and maintained its railcar delivery guidance of 4,000–4,500 units. CEO Nick Randall stated that the company remains focused on disciplined execution across its operational opportunities, with its tank car retrofit program progressing as planned and continued expansion expected in its aftermarket business. He added that a strong backlog, productivity enhancements, flexible manufacturing footprint, and a disciplined commercial strategy provide clear visibility into full-year expectations and support performance across varying market conditions.

The same day, FreightCar America, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAIL) reported Q1 revenue of $64.31 million, below the consensus estimate of $74.6 million. Management noted that results were in line with expectations given current industry conditions, while highlighting continued success in securing high-quality commercial opportunities, improving efficiencies, and expanding its aftermarket parts business. The company achieved its highest quarterly gross margin in over a decade, reflecting strong operational positioning. Randall also emphasized that aging fleets and deferred replacement cycles are driving pent-up demand across the industry, positioning FreightCar America to respond with scalable capacity and operational flexibility, while its full-service railcar offerings, including retrofits, conversions, and aftermarket services, support long-term growth.

FreightCar America, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAIL), founded in 1901 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading pure-play manufacturer of railroad freight cars, specializing in the design, construction, and repair of aluminum, steel, and hybrid railcars. The company plays a critical role in transport infrastructure by producing essential equipment such as hopper cars, gondolas, and flat cars used in the movement of bulk commodities, energy products, and intermodal freight.

Reaffirmed guidance alongside improving margins and a growing backlog highlights FreightCar America’s strengthening operational execution and earnings visibility. Coupled with rising replacement demand driven by aging railcar fleets, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on an industry upcycle and deliver sustained growth.

While we acknowledge the potential of RAIL as the best transport infrastructure stock to buy for 2026, 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 RAIL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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