Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

Top 10 Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

In this article, we will look at the Top 10 Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term.

​On June 9, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ Index fell by around 2.4% and 3.6%, respectively. The slight sell-off has resurfaced the concerns of a market bubble ready to burst. To discuss market moves, Adam Coons, Chief Investment Officer at Winthrop Capital Management, appeared on a Schwab network interview on June 11. Adam noted that the market reaction was a healthy pullback. He elaborated that the AI trade over the past couple of weeks, before the pullback, had run a little too fast, and it’s healthy to see the market correcting itself.

​Adam noted that over this phase, where we are trying to figure out the winners and losers of the AI trade, the market continues to correct itself. For instance, Adam noted Oracle as a great sign that the market can identify when a stock is running up really fast and getting ahead of itself. On the other hand, stronger players such as Alphabet (Google) have sustained their tremendous run on the basis of vertically integrated models. Adam acknowledged that even good companies, including Nvidia and Apple, have witnessed pullbacks despite above-expectation earnings. He elaborated that as the valuations of the big tech names move higher, the margin of error diminishes. He advised investors to look at the long-term picture in figuring out which stocks are going to turn out as winners of this AI trade.

​With that, let’s take a look at the list of Top 10 Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term.

Stocks chart

Our Methodology

We sifted through financial media reports to compile a list of stocks widely discussed for their long-term potential, and 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. Insider Monkey’s quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 599.2% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 372 percentage points (see more details here).

​Top 10 Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

​10. CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) has gained more than 17.5% over the past 30 days. Much of these gains are driven by record net new annual recurring revenue of $256 million in fiscal Q1 2027, driven by increased AI-driven security demand. CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) is one of our Top Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term.

​Recently, on June 11, Piper Sandler reiterated an Overweight rating on the stock with a $750 price target. Piper Sandler met with the company’s CFO and VP of Investor Relations in Toronto. The conversation covered several growth drivers, including pipeline momentum, demand trends, and key products like Falcon Flex and identity and endpoint security solutions. A major theme was the impact of Mythos and Project Glasswing on customer demand. The firm noted these initiatives appear to be driving a meaningful shift in how organizations prioritize and spend on cybersecurity.

​As a result, the firm came back more confident in CrowdStrike’s ability to capitalize on the market opportunity, describing Mythos as creating a “step-function change” in security prioritization among customers.

​That said, during the fiscal Q1 2026 earnings reported on June 4, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) reported revenue of $1.39 billion, beating the estimates of $1.36 billion. The adjusted EPS of $1.10 also surpassed the expectations of $1.07. Notably, management raised the fiscal year 2027 net new ARR growth guidance by 520 basis points at the midpoint, reflecting accelerating demand for AI-native security solutions.

CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) is a technology company that offers cybersecurity solutions through its unified platform and a SaaS subscription-based model.

​9. Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 87

Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) ranks among our Top Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term. Wall Street expects more than 19.8% upside from the current level. Recently, on June 12, Truist raised the firm’s price target on Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) from $129 to $134 and maintained a Hold rating on the shares.

​The firm noted the update in price target to be part of its broader preview of the travel and leisure companies. Truist sees a generally encouraging spending backdrop for US leisure travel, particularly in mass-market destinations like Orlando, with strength expected through Q2 to Q4. Notably, the firm noted that the travel outlook improves as in today’s K-shaped economy, where wealthier consumers continue to spend freely while lower-income groups remain under pressure.

​That said, during the fiscal Q1 2026 earnings, reported on May 8, Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) reported revenue of $2.68 billion, surpassing the estimate of $2.62 billion. However, the adjusted EPS of $0.26 missed the expectation of $0.31. Management noted the Nights and Experiences Booked to be key drivers of growth as it grew 9% year-over-year to 156.2 million.

Moreover, the Gross Booking Value also improved 19% during the same time to $29.2 billion, driven by resilient travel demand and pricing strength.

​Management has raised the full-year 2026 revenue growth outlook to the low-to-mid teens and projects Q2 revenue between the range of $3.54 billion and $3.60 billion.

Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) manages and operates an online marketplace for rooms, which connects hosts and guests online. The company is based in San Francisco, California and was founded in 2007 by Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk, and Joseph Gebbia.

​8. Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88

Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) has gained more than 11% over the past month, mainly driven by a major $5 billion share repurchase authorization and strong fiscal Q1 2026 results. The stock ranks eighth among our Top Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term.

​Wall Street is also generally bullish on Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) as 73% of the 52 analysts covering the stock maintain a Buy rating on the stock. Moreover, the 12-month average analyst price target suggests more than 38.5% upside from the current level.

​During the fiscal Q1 2026 earnings reported last month, the company reported revenue of $3.17 billion, surpassing estimates of $3.09 billion. The adjusted EPS of $0.36 also topped projections of $0.33. Management noted that the gross merchandise volume reached $100.7 billion, reflecting 35% year-over-year growth and also marking the second quarter of exceeding the $100 billion mark. The growth was attributed to broad-based performance across all geographies.

​Following the release, on May 28, UBS reiterated a Hold rating on the stock and maintained a price target of $130. The firm highlighted that Shopify’s POS segment accounts for around 12% of gross merchandise volume. UBS believes this could grow to nearly 20% by 2035, making it an increasingly important part of the company’s growth story. Moreover, UBS expects POS to contribute 300-500 basis points to Shopify’s 10-year GMV growth rate and 100-200 basis points to gross profit growth.

​Earlier on May 20, Piper Sandler reiterated a Buy rating on Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) with a price target of $150. The firm noted encouraging product adoption trends and a recovery in business momentum. Piper Sandler highlighted that a standout data point is Sidekick, Shopify’s AI assistant. The firm noted that usage of the assistant is up 100% to 200% among expert merchants, and reflects that the tool is delivering real value.

Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) operates as a commerce technology company. The company offers tools to run, start, market, and scale businesses of different sizes globally. It is also involved in the sale of themes and apps, advertising on the Shopify App Store, point-of-sale hardware, shipping labels through Shopify Shipping, and Shop Campaigns for buyer acquisitions.

​7. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 103

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is among our Top Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term. Recently, on June 12, Bank of America Securities analyst Travis Steed lowered the firm’s price target on Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) from $520 to $515, while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares.

​The analyst noted that the adjustment in the price target is based on a more cautious stance for the broader sector heading into 2027. The firm’s services team has flagged a lower utilization environment, which suggests that medical procedures using robotic systems may come in below expectations. Steed has also factored in inflation as a headwind for 2027 and expects it to limit margin expansion across the broader medtech sector.

​Notably, the analyst highlighted that the valuations of the medtech sector already reflect some of this utilization risk; this is why he has lowered price targets now rather than later.

​Overall, the Street’s 12-month average price target suggests roughly 40% upside from the current levels.

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) engages in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of da Vinci surgical systems and Ion endoluminal system.

​6. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 170

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares have declined following important AI-related announcements at the WWDC 2026 conference. The falling investor sentiment comes as the company was not able to meet AI advancement expectations. However, the Street sees the conference as a meaningful step for Apple. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also one of our Top Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term.

​Recently, on June 9, Maxim raised the price target on the stock from $310 to $350 and reiterated a Buy rating. Maxim noted meaningful progress in the company’s AI efforts. The firm noted that the enhanced version of Siri is set for beta launch later this year, which is a positive sign.

​On the same day, Bernstein SocGen also reiterated an Outperform rating and $350 price target. The firm noted that a key revelation from WWDC was that Apple’s next-generation Foundation Models were built in collaboration with Google, using its Gemini technology. This powers Apple Intelligence, running both on-device and via Private Cloud Compute. Bernstein flagged the conference as the first meaningful step towards AI monetization.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and home accessories. The company develops its own operating systems (iOS, macOS) and provides digital services, including iCloud, Apple Pay, and content streaming through the App Store and Apple TV+.

While we acknowledge the potential of AAPL 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 AAPL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Click to continue reading and see the Top 5 Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.

The $250 Trillion AI Hype is Real. A few years from now, you’ll probably wish you’d bought this stock.

Dr. Inan Dogan

Dr. Ian Dogan

Co-Founder and Research Director at Insider Monkey

When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard.

Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences.

At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000.

Do the math. According to Musk, this technology could be worth $250 trillion by 2040.

Put another way, that’s roughly equal to:

  • 175 Teslas
  • 107 Amazons
  • 140 Metas
  • 84 Googles
  • 65 Microsofts
  • And 55 Nvidias

And here’s the wild part — this $250 trillion wave isn’t tied to one company, but to an entire ecosystem of AI innovators set to reshape the global economy.

It’s a leap so massive, it could reshape how businesses, governments, and consumers operate worldwide.

Even if that $250 trillion figure sounds ambitious, major firms like PwC and McKinsey still see AI unlocking multi-trillion-dollar potential.

How could anything be worth that much?

The answer lies in a breakthrough so powerful it’s redefining how humanity works, learns, and creates.

And this breakthrough has already set off a frenzy among hedge funds and Wall Street’s top investors.

What most investors don’t realize is that one under-owned company holds the key to this $250 trillion revolution.

In fact, Verge argues this company’s supercheap AI technology should concern rivals.

Before I reveal the details, let’s talk about how some of the richest people on the planet are positioning themselves.

  • Bill Gates sees artificial intelligence as the “biggest technological advance in my lifetime,” more transformative than the internet or personal computer, capable of improving healthcare, education, and addressing climate change.
  • Larry Ellison — through Oracle, is spending billions on Nvidia chips and partnering with Cohere to embed generative AI across Oracle’s cloud and apps.
  • Warren Buffett — not known for tech hype — says this breakthrough could have a ‘hugely beneficial social impact.

When billionaires from Silicon Valley to Wall Street line up behind the same idea — you know it’s worth paying attention to.

Even as we admire what Tesla, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft have built, we believe an even greater opportunity lies elsewhere…

But the real story isn’t Nvidia — it’s a much smaller company quietly improving the critical technology that makes this entire revolution possible.

And judging by what I’m hearing from both Silicon Valley insiders and Wall Street veterans…

This prediction might not be bold at all:

A few years from now, you’ll wish you’d owned this stock.

The best part? You can discover everything about this company and its groundbreaking technology right now.

I’ve compiled everything you need to know about this groundbreaking company in a detailed, members-only report.

Trust me — you’ll want to read this report before putting another dollar into any tech stock.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 a month, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Here’s what to do next:

1. Subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99 a month. (33% Off – was $14.99).

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

<b>Cancel anytime.</b> Turn off auto-renewal via our website with just a click.

 

Buy This $3 Stock Now Before the 400% Surge Begins

Dr. Inan Dogan

Dr. Ian Dogan

Co-Founder and Research Director at Insider Monkey

My name is Inan Dogan. I’m the co-founder and Research Director of Insider Monkey. I have an important message for you today.

Since March 2017, my stock picks have returned 16.5% annually. Today, I’ve found an opportunity even bigger than my British American Tobacco call.

Two years ago, Wall Street wrote off British American Tobacco (BTI) as a “melting ice cube.” The stock had crashed 40% from its peak, and consensus said the business was dying.

We looked under the cover and realized they were wrong.

We alerted our subscribers, and BTI returned 90% in just 16 months.

Now if you had invested just $10,000 in BTI in June 2024, you’d be sitting on $19,000 in October 2025.

Today, we have identified a nearly identical pattern in a digital-first giant trading at $3.

While the market panics over a surface-level revenue decline, our PhD-led research shows management has actually surgically cut $100 million in waste to focus on high-margin growth.

This pattern is a hallmark of our 16.5% annual return track record. The current opportunity offers a 400% upside potential—dwarfing even our 90% BTI return.

Get the ticker for our new “Underdog” pick and the full BTI case study for just 99 cents.

This exclusive offer is for NEW newsletter subscribers ONLY! Join our Premium Readership Newsletter for only $0.99 and become part of a savvy investor community.!

This offer vanishes in 7 days, so don’t miss your chance to lock in market beating returnsSign up NOW! The monthly newsletter comes with a 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee. This offer is available to the first 1000 new investors who respond.

Regular price $9.99/mo. Cancel anytime.

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $0.99.

2. Enjoy a month of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the Trump tariff and nuclear energy company as well as the revolutionary AI-robotics company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

Regular price $9.99/mo. Cancel anytime.