In this article, we will list the 5 Most Profitable S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now. Please visit 10 Most Profitable S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now if you would like to see the extended list and the methodology behind it.
5. Edison International (NYSE:EIX)
On March 18, 2026, JPMorgan analyst Aidan Kelly raised the price target on Edison International (NYSE:EIX) to $74 from $66 and maintained a Neutral rating after updating models across the North America utilities group.
Earlier in March, Ladenburg analyst Paul Fremont downgraded Edison International (NYSE:EIX) to Sell from Neutral and raised the price target to $63 from $59.50. The firm pointed to the “anticipated true up” of Southern California Edison’s earned versus authorized returns tied to the company’s 2029 rate case, noting that recent legislation requires regulators to adjust revenue requirements based on actual costs, which could pressure earnings if over-earning assumptions reverse.
Last month, Edison International (NYSE:EIX) reported Q4 EPS of $1.86, above the $1.45 consensus estimate, and FY25 revenue of $19.32B versus $18.45B expected. CEO Pedro Pizarro said the results reflect progress toward a “safer, more resilient, and more affordable energy system,” highlighting grid hardening efforts and wildfire mitigation measures, including over 7,000 miles of covered conductor installed. Pizarro also noted recent rate reductions for residential and small business customers as part of the company’s broader affordability efforts.
Edison International (NYSE:EIX) generates and distributes electricity across a large service territory in California.
4. EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG)
On March 22, 2026, Bernstein raised the price target on EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG) to $167 from $126 and maintained a Market Perform rating after updating models to reflect current crude prices and crack spreads. Bernstein said geopolitical risks remain elevated, noting that conflicts that extend beyond the near term can last for years, and added that, given the “uncertainty and right tail risk,” increasing exposure to energy remains a consideration.
On March 20, 2026, JPMorgan raised its price target on EOG Resources to $145 from $125 and maintained a Neutral rating, stating that oil market fundamentals have “shifted on a dime” following the Middle East conflict. The firm said supply disruptions have reduced global productive capacity and removed concerns of a near-term supply glut, with the potential for a $5 to $10 per barrel geopolitical risk premium to be embedded in longer-term oil prices.
Mizuho also raised its price target on EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG) to $146 from $134 and kept a Neutral rating, increasing its 2026 oil price outlook by 14% to $73.25 while noting that it remains too early to determine whether higher prices will be sustained, though the bias is likely upward.
EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG) explores, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas across multiple regions.
3. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
On March 20, 2026, Citi raised the price target on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to $125 from $120 and maintained a Neutral rating.
On March 18, 2026, Merck’s Animal Health division announced that the FDA approved an expanded label for Bravecto Quantum in dogs, adding treatment and control for additional tick species for up to 12 months with a single injection. The product, first approved in July 2025, remains available through licensed veterinarians and continues to cover fleas and multiple tick infestations.
On March 16, 2026, the company also said new data from its cardio-pulmonary pipeline will be presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting, including results from the Phase 3 CORALreef AddOn trial evaluating enlicitide and the Phase 2 CADENCE trial evaluating Winrevair.
Earlier in March, Wells Fargo raised its price target on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to $150 from $135 and maintained an Overweight rating, stating that Sac-TMT could become “best-in-class” and potentially replace chemotherapy across several indications.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) develops and markets pharmaceutical and vaccine products across a wide range of therapeutic areas.
2. FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS)
On March 18, 2026, RBC Capital analyst Ashish Sabadra lowered the price target on FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) to $243 from $320 previously and maintained a Sector Perform rating ahead of Q2 results. RBC pointed to risks from “GenAI disintermediation” and said that while annual subscription value should benefit from easier comparisons after prior large client losses, increased AI investments and higher incentive compensation tied to stronger ASV growth could weigh on margins.
Earlier in March, FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) appointed Kate Stepp as Chief AI Officer and Bob Stolte as Chief Technology Officer, moves aimed at advancing the company’s artificial intelligence strategy across its platform.
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) also introduced AI-driven financial crime risk management tools within its Workstation, including capabilities for Know Your Customer, Anti-Money Laundering, and broader risk management, targeting improvements in compliance and onboarding workflows.
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) provides financial data, analytics, and software solutions to the global investment community.
1. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU)
On March 19, 2026, Morgan Stanley elevated Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) to a Top Pick within its coverage, maintaining an Overweight rating and a $580 price target. The firm said valuation appears attractive and pointed to two upcoming product cycles that could drive revenue acceleration, adding that fiscal Q3 results may provide clearer visibility into tax-related momentum and potential estimate revisions. Morgan Stanley also noted that recent web traffic trends suggest improving business activity.
On March 16, 2026, Intuit announced that its founder and executive leadership team had terminated all pre-scheduled stock sale plans under Rule 10b5-1. The company also reiterated plans to accelerate share repurchases, with up to $3.5B remaining under its authorization as of January 31, 2026. Intuit repurchased $1.8B of shares in the first half of its fiscal year, representing a 40% increase from the prior year.
Earlier in the month, Rothschild & Co Redburn upgraded Intuit to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $700 from $670, citing potential upside driven by the company’s core products. The firm said QuickBooks and TurboTax are among the “most resilient to AI disruption risk,” supported by strong data advantages and network effects, which could support sustained growth.
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) provides financial management, tax, and compliance software solutions across consumer and business markets.
While we acknowledge the potential of INTU 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 INTU and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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