12 Strong Buy Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next 5 Years

In this article, we will look at the 12 Strong Buy Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next 5 Years.

Strong Buy stocks are getting more attention as investors look past the index-level rally and focus on companies where analyst optimism is backed by earnings growth, cash flow, and business quality. That matters because a five-year holding period is not just about near-term upside to price targets. It also depends on whether a company can keep growing through changing rates, slower macro periods, and shifts in market leadership.

BlackRock says “earnings are broadening beyond a highly concentrated group of mega-cap technology names tied to AI,” giving investors “greater choice for sourcing growth.” Capital Group makes a similar point, saying markets are moving toward “a more balanced one with a broadening opportunity set,” where “active stock selection, supported by deep research,” matters more. Fidelity adds that “best-in-class companies with strong brands, deep competitive moats, and recurring revenues” may be better positioned to “adapt and thrive as conditions change.” In summary, the case for Strong Buy stocks is when bullish ratings line up with durable earnings, pricing power, and a business model that can compound over time.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 12 Strong Buy Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next 5 Years.

Our Methodology

We used the Finviz screener to identify stocks that carry a “Strong Buy” rating from analysts. We then limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).

12. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)

On May 22, 2026, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) agreed to pay $250M to settle investor litigation over its takeover of Activision Blizzard, Bloomberg’s Mike Leonard reported, citing court filings. The pact, filed in Delaware’s Chancery Court, would settle allegations that Activision ex-CEO Bobby Kotick and other board members offered a heavily discounted transaction to escape the sexual misconduct scandal that had engulfed the “Call of Duty” maker. Leonard noted that a judge allowed the case to move forward against Activision Blizzard last October, though claims that Microsoft exploited the scandal to push down the purchase price were dismissed.

On the same day, Business Insider’s Ashley Stewart reported that Microsoft’s chief marketing officer, Yusuf Mehdi, is set to depart after the next fiscal year, according to an internal memo. Mehdi, a 35-year company veteran, wrote that the “time is right” to begin planning for his next move and said he will work through the next fiscal year to help reimagine Windows for the agentic era, grow Microsoft 365 services, and advance the company’s One Copilot vision.

Earlier in May, Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square disclosed in an SEC filing its holdings as of March 31. Pershing Square took a new 5.65M-share stake in Microsoft (MSFT) during Q1.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions worldwide.

11. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)

On May 22, 2026, Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) was reportedly facing a leadership shake-up months after announcing that John Furner would replace Doug McMillon as CEO, according to The Wall Street Journal’s Sarah Nassauer. The report said Sam’s Club Chief Operating Officer Tom Ward, a company veteran of almost two decades, and Cedric Clark, head of U.S. stores, are leaving the company.

On the same day, RBC Capital lowered the firm’s price target on Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) to $137 from $140 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares after inline Q1 results and below-consensus guidance. RBC said the stock had a high bar heading into the print at 40-times expected earnings and noted that higher fuel costs led to slightly worse unanticipated flow-through.

Meanwhile, JPMorgan added Walmart to the firm’s Analyst Focus List as a growth idea while maintaining an Overweight rating and $137 price target. JPMorgan said the post-earnings share selloff creates a buying opportunity and cited Walmart’s accelerating share gains and alternate profit pool “flywheel.”

Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) operates retail and wholesale stores and clubs, ecommerce websites, and mobile applications worldwide.

10. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW)

On May 20, 2026, Morgan Stanley analyst Meta Marshall raised the firm’s price target on Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) to $253 from $223 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares. Marshall said Morgan Stanley’s latest channel discussions and reseller survey data suggest Palo Alto Networks continues to gain share across multiple security categories, while expecting “solid” fiscal Q3 results.

Cantor Fitzgerald also raised the firm’s price target on Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) to $285 from $220 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares ahead of the company’s earnings report due after the market close on June 2. Cantor Fitzgerald expects continued platformization, large deal momentum, and broad-based strength to support “solid” fiscal Q3 results.

Meanwhile, Stifel raised the firm’s price target on Palo Alto Networks (PANW) to $275 from $185 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares ahead of the company’s fiscal Q3 report on Tuesday, June 2. Stifel cited recent partner checks and a solid print from Fortinet (FTNT), saying it expects at least in-line results both organically and inorganically.

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) provides cybersecurity solutions across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan.

9. Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI)

On May 21, 2026, Raymond James raised the firm’s price target on Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) to $430 from $385 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares. Raymond James said Analog Devices delivered another strong quarter, with accelerating AI-driven data center demand accounting for most of the communications revenue. The firm also cited the acquisition of Empower Semiconductor, which expands the company’s AI and data center power exposure.

TD Cowen also raised the firm’s price target on Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) to $450 from $400 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. TD Cowen said the upcycle continues, with strong results in industrial and communications supported by upside in automotive. The firm added that AI data center-related revenue grew considerably again, while the Empower tuck-in deal should bolster low-voltage power offerings.

On May 20, 2026, Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) reported fiscal Q2 adjusted EPS of $3.09, ahead of the consensus estimate of $2.90. Revenue totaled $3.62B, above the consensus estimate of $3.51B. CEO and Chair Vincent Roche said the quarter came in above the high end of the company’s outlook, reflecting “record demand” and operational discipline. Roche added that ADI continues to invest in technology leadership and long-term value for customers and shareholders.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits, software, and subsystem products globally.

8. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)

On May 22, 2026, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) was reportedly exploring options for a potential full takeover of Delivery Hero SE, Bloomberg’s Eyk Henning, Loni Prinsloo, Ruth David, and Dinesh Nair reported. The report said Uber had increased its stake to roughly 19.5%, with additional exposure through options, as the company evaluates ways to strengthen its international delivery position and compete more directly with DoorDash (DASH). Uber was also said to be engaging with other Delivery Hero investors and continuing to use advisers to assess further ownership increases.

A few days earlier, Delivery Hero SE said Uber had acquired additional shares and instruments in the company, giving Uber ownership of 19.5% of Delivery Hero’s issued capital and a further 5.6% in options. Delivery Hero said it welcomed Uber’s additional investment as a further endorsement of its platform and Everyday App strategy, while remaining focused on operational performance and its strategic review.

Earlier in May, Fox Advisors analyst Steven Fox upgraded Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) to Outperform from Equal-Weight with a $95 price target. Fox said Uber’s heavier investment pace over the past year is “poised to more consistently contribute to profit growth.” Fox also said Uber may have “topped off” its rideshare platform through hotel bookings, the acquisition of parking marketplace Spot Hero, and other actions tied to a hybrid autonomous rideshare future.

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) develops and operates proprietary technology applications across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

7. CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS)

On May 21, 2026, Glenview Capital said CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) remains one of its three largest positions after a partial rebalance. Glenview said CVS shares have generated a total return of 80% since its May 2024 purchases, reflecting progress in the company’s long-term cultural and operational turnaround. Following healthy Q1 results and increased annual guidance, Glenview reduced its overall holdings by 3.75 million shares for diversification and to create buying power for other opportunities. Glenview added that it has “no plans for additional adjustments” to its CVS holdings and said its confidence in the company’s outlook “remains strong.”

On May 20, 2026, Mizuho raised the firm’s price target on CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) to $110 from $102 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares. Mizuho viewed Q1 reports in the managed-care group as solid and cited a reduced likelihood of negative medical loss ratio shifts through the end of 2026.

On May 13, Bernstein also raised the firm’s price target on CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) to $106 from $94 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares. Bernstein said CVS continues to have attractive exposure to a Medicare Advantage turnaround, as well as potential for more stable earnings in its pharmacy and pharmacy benefit manager businesses after PBM reform. Bernstein also said the PBM bill and the first Federal Trade Commission settlement earlier this year made PBM reform largely complete and created a clearing event, reducing uncertainty around CVS’ turnaround.

CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) provides health solutions in the United States through its Health Care Benefits, Health Services, and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness segments.

6. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)

On May 21, 2026, QAD Redzone announced an expanded strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services, a unit of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and Tata Consultancy Services. The companies said the collaboration is aimed at helping manufacturers modernize operations, scale execution, and use agentic AI without the cost, disruption, time, and staffing often tied to traditional ERP. QAD Redzone said the three companies are working on a secure, agile architecture and services offering for mid-market manufacturers, helping them move away from legacy enterprise systems and build a System of Action.

On May 20, 2026, Wells Fargo lowered the firm’s price target on Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) to $312 from $313 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares. Wells Fargo said market confidence is improving in companies that monetize compute investments directly through cloud businesses, supported by accelerating cloud revenue, stable-to-improving margins, and rapidly rising backlogs.

On May 13, 2026, Amazon introduced Alexa for Shopping, which it called “the world’s best, most personalized AI assistant for shopping.” The feature is available to U.S. customers on the Amazon Shopping app and website, as well as on Echo Show devices. Amazon said the product combines Rufus’s product expertise, Amazon shopping history, and Alexa+ personalization to deliver a “more personal, helpful shopping experience” across Amazon’s shopping app, website, Echo Show, and other stores across the web.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscription services through online and physical stores in North America and internationally.

5. Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG)

On May 21, 2026, Morgan Stanley lowered the firm’s price target on Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) to $359 from $361 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares. Morgan Stanley said it updated price targets for North American Regulated & Diversified Utilities / IPPs for April and noted that utilities underperformed the S&P’s return this month.

On May 14, 2026, Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) and Pine Creek RNG announced a long-term agreement that includes Constellation’s purchase of a minority equity interest in five operating Pine Creek RNG production facilities. The facilities, located in Washington, Utah, Iowa, and Illinois, currently produce approximately 1.5 million MMBtus of RNG per year. The agreement also creates a framework for Constellation and Pine Creek to develop approximately 3.0 million MMBtus of additional annual RNG production.

On May 11, 2026, Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $2.74, ahead of the consensus estimate of $2.61. Revenue totaled $11.12B, above the consensus estimate of $8.71B. President and CEO Joe Dominguez said America needs “reliable, clean power” and that Constellation is focused on execution, including fleet operations, integration, bringing new resources to market, and navigating a changing regulatory environment.

Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) produces and sells energy products and services in the United States.

4. Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM)

On May 18, 2026, Citi analyst John Godyn raised the firm’s price target on Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) to $303 from $271 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. Godyn said Citi updated models across the aerospace and defense sector and does not expect an “immediate V-shaped rally” without a resolution to the Middle East conflict. Citi still sees buying opportunities after recent selloffs and expects aerospace to rally before defense.

On May 10, 2026, Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu raised the firm’s price target on Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) to $320 from $315 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. Kahyaoglu said every Howmet segment posted sequential margin expansion in Q1.

Earlier in May, Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) reported Q1 EPS of $1.22, ahead of the consensus estimate of $1.11. Revenue totaled $2.31B, above the consensus estimate of $2.24B. CEO John Plant said the company delivered a “strong start to 2026,” with revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and adjusted EPS exceeding the high end of guidance. Plant also cited 19% year-over-year revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of 320 basis points to 32.0%, and free cash flow of $359 million after $94 million in capital expenditures. Howmet also completed the CAM and Brunner acquisitions, divested a disk forging business within Engineered Structures, and said the net revenue effect of portfolio adjustments adds approximately $275 million to the year’s guidance, with an insignificant EPS effect in 2026 and accretion expected in 2027.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries internationally.

3. Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN)

On May 19, 2026, TD Securities analyst Cherilyn Radbourne raised the firm’s price target on Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN) to $60 from $59 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. Radbourne cited Brookfield’s positive forward momentum following the Q1 report and said the company is “uniquely positioned to deliver the backbone of AI,” pointing to its energy franchise and infrastructure platform.

Scotiabank also raised the firm’s price target on Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN) to $53 from $48.50 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares. Scotiabank said the concept of “HALO” fits Brookfield well and noted limited expected tax implications from the combination between Brookfield and its insurance business BNT.

On May 14, 2026, Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN) reported Q1 EPS of 66c, compared to 65c last year. Revenue totaled $18.58B, up from $17.94B last year. President Nick Goodman said Brookfield started the year strong, with growth in asset management, continued scaling of wealth solutions, and stable cash flows in its operating businesses. Goodman also said the company repurchased more than $1 billion of shares year-to-date in the open market, including $470 million of BN shares and $575 million of BAM shares.

Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN) is a multi-asset manager focused on real estate, credit, renewable power and transition, infrastructure, venture capital, and private equity.

2. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU)

On May 22, 2026, Argus lowered the firm’s price target on Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) to $480 from $580 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. Argus cited the stock’s decline after Intuit lowered its TurboTax revenue forecast despite beating quarterly sales and EPS expectations. The firm also noted that Intuit continues to push back against concerns that AI agents could replace its solutions, pointing to customer integration, ease of use, scalability, and security across core products such as QuickBooks.

TD Cowen also lowered the firm’s price target on Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) to $504 from $576 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. TD Cowen adjusted estimates following the company’s Q3 report and 17% workforce reduction announcement.

On May 20, 2026, Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) reported fiscal Q3 EPS of $12.80, ahead of the consensus estimate of $12.57. Revenue totaled $8.56B, above the consensus estimate of $8.54B. Consumer revenue grew to $5.3 billion, up 8%, while TurboTax revenue increased to $4.4 billion, up 7%. Credit Karma revenue rose 15% to $631 million, while ProTax revenue was flat at $278 million. Global Business Solutions revenue increased 15% to $3.3 billion, and Online Ecosystem revenue grew 19% to $2.5 billion. CEO Sasan Goodarzi said the quarter was driven by Intuit’s “AI-driven expert platform strategy” and cited growth across assisted tax, its money portfolio, and mid-market businesses growing north of 30%.

Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) provides financial management, payments and capital, compliance, and marketing products and services in the United States.

1. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

On May 20, 2026, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) said it is deepening its presence in Missouri with a new data center in Montgomery County. The company said it is expanding infrastructure “responsibly,” while advancing energy affordability and creating new career pathways. Through its Capacity Commitment Framework agreement with Ameren, Alphabet said it is supporting the development of more than 500 megawatts of additional capacity and establishing a $20 million Energy Impact Fund to help lower utility bills through home weatherization and efficiency initiatives.

Also on May 20, Morgan Stanley said I/O 2026 showcased new, more efficient models and agentic offerings across commerce, travel, and daily life. The firm noted that Google introduced Gemini Spark, a personal agent that will roll out across the Gemini app, which now has more than 900M monthly active users, as well as Search, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and other Google apps. Morgan Stanley kept an Overweight rating and $375 price target on Alphabet shares, saying “agentic sparks are set to fly with GOOGL lighting the torch.”

Wells Fargo also raised the firm’s price target on Alphabet to $435 from $427 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares, citing improving market confidence in companies monetizing compute investments through cloud businesses.

On May 19, 2026, Google introduced Gemini 3.5, its latest family of models “combining frontier intelligence with action.” The company said 3.5 Flash is available through the Gemini app, AI Mode in Google Search, Google Antigravity, Gemini API in Google AI Studio and Android Studio, and Gemini Enterprise products. Google also said it is working on 3.5 Pro, which is already being used internally and is expected to start rolling out next month.

Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) offers various products and platforms across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America.

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