In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
Warren Buffett is the legendary founder of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the world’s most successful value investors. As of early 2026, Buffet transitioned to a Chairman role in Berkshire following his retirement as CEO, with Greg Abel now leading the firm’s $274.16 billion portfolio.
Buffett was never interested in making quick profits, which often rely on opportunities created by short-term market trends. He always insisted on prioritizing the quality of the stocks when making investment decisions, and this is reflected in one of his popular quotes from his 1989 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders.
”It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.”
Accordingly, his framework is focused on steady profitability, long-term value, and the company’s overall financial strength. Given the current economic volatility, marked by looming tariff disputes and uncertain rate cuts, Buffett’s framework might prove helpful in building a more resilient portfolio for investors.
In this regard, we have come up with 10 stocks that align perfectly with the Oracle of Omaha’s timeless investing philosophy.
Stay with us as we count down the best Buffett-style plays for 2026.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026, we applied a Buffett-style framework focusing on capital efficiency, financial strength, and consistent profitability. We screened for companies with Return on Equity (ROE) above 15%, Debt-to-Equity below 1, and EPS growth of at least 8%–10% over the past five years. We further narrowed our selection to stocks trading below the broader market forward P/E multiple (S&P 500 at 22x P/E).
From this pool, we selected 10 stocks with the highest number of hedged funds having a stake in each and ranked them accordingly. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. All the pricing data are current as of market close on February 27, 2026.
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 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
10. East West Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:EWBC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
East West Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:EWBC) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
In an insider activity on February 4, 2026, East West Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:EWBC) saw significant sales from one of its top executives. The company’s CEO, Ng Dominic, sold 50,000 shares of company stock in a sale totaling $5,890,752, resulting in a -6% change in the CEO’s ownership value.
Separately, on February 6, 2026, one of the company’s top executives, Director Molly Campbell, sold 1,800 shares of the company’s stock. The transaction, valued at $221,058, reduced the Director’s ownership value in the company by 24%, reflecting a notable impact on her personal holdings.
Prior to these events, on January 22, 2026, East West Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:EWBC) reported its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings results and highlighted record-high revenue of $2.9 billion, a 12% year-over-year increase. The net income was a record $1.3 billion, or $9.52 per diluted share – a 14% year-over-year increase. Notably, the company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.80 per share on February 17, 2026, a 33% increase.
Founded in 1973, East West Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:EWBC) is the parent company of East West Bank, which provides commercial and consumer banking services globally, with its headquarters in California.
9. SEI Investments Company (NASDAQ:SEIC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
SEI Investments Company (NASDAQ:SEIC) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 25, 2026, Pravati Capital, one of the oldest litigation finance firms in the U.S., announced a strategic partnership with SEI Investments Company (NASDAQ:SEIC) to provide litigation finance as an alternative investment via the SEI Access platform. With this partnership, advisors can efficiently manage differentiated assets as it aims to modernize access to litigation finance through an integrated marketplace for wealth managers. Mathew Dellorso, managing director of sales for SEI Access, gave the following statement.
SEI Access provides alternative managers with an end-to-end platform that simplifies operations, enhances transparency and supports more efficient engagement with advisors.
In another development, on February 26, 2026, SEI Investments Company (NASDAQ:SEIC) saw significant insider activity with Mark Andrew Warner selling 4,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction valued at $326,960. In a separate incident, earlier this month, on February 2, 2026, SEI Investments Company (NASDAQ:SEIC)’s CEO, Ryan Hicke, carried out a comparably larger sale by offloading 80,000 shares of the company. These moves are likely to gain the attention of the investors tracking the company’s insider activity.
Founded in 1968, SEI Investments Company (NASDAQ:SEIC) is a global provider of technology and investment solutions for the financial services industry with headquarters in Pennsylvania.
8. Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42
Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 25, 2026, Wells Fargo analyst Elyse Greenspan raised the price target on Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) from $170 to $171 while keeping an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm is lowering earnings estimates for most companies following fourth-quarter guidance that matched or trailed consensus expectations. Wells Fargo is also aligning its valuation models with 2027 earnings and introducing initial estimates for 2028, signaling more extensive coverage in long-term financial forecasting for the sector.
In another event, on February 9, 2026, Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) noted significant insider activity. The company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Clay Majors, disclosed a sale of 30,000 shares of the company’s stock. The transaction, valued at $4,406,655, resulted in a -39% change in Michael’s ownership stake in Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL).
According to CNN, 69% of 13 analysts covering the stock have assigned a Buy rating as of February 27, 2026, with a 1-year median price target of $171.
Founded in 1900, Globe Life Inc. (NYSE:GL) is a provider of life and supplemental health insurance for middle-income families with headquarters in Texas.
7. Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42
Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOX) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 25, 2026, Bank of America downgraded its rating on Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOX) from Buy to Underperform and cut the price target from $80 to $45. The firm has shifted its stance on the stock after anticipating its potential vulnerability to upcoming NFL contract renewals. The analyst has cited a strong sports and news portfolio, but alongside a potential 22% downside to fiscal 2027 EBITDA estimates, assuming the average annual value increases by 1.5 times. The company’s stock has dropped significantly since early January, and the firm expects it to remain under pressure until the financial terms of the NFL deal are finalized.
In another update, on February 24, 2026, Seaport Research upgraded Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOX) from Neutral to Buy and kept a price target of $64. The analyst cited strong catalysts like the FIFA World Cup and mid-term elections and called the recent pullback in the shares as overdone. Additionally, the analyst also noted that the company reduced its linear subscriber losses with direct-to-consumer services.
Formed in 2019 following the spin-off of 21st Century Fox’s assets to Disney, Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOX) is a news and sports-focused media giant with headquarters in New York.
6. Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 49
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 16, 2026, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH) announced its partnership with Google Cloud to scale agentic AI for enterprises. Cognizant utilizes its Agent Development Lifecycle to deliver optimally governed and highly impactful AI workflows by adopting Gemini Enterprise and Google Workspace internally and commercially. This expanded partnership focuses on translating AI strategy into real-world execution, using specialized centers of excellence to optimize productivity and business results across the globe.
In a more recent event on February 24, 2025, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH) announced a multi-year partnership with one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. The purpose of the partnership is to use artificial intelligence and automation to optimize the company’s operations in factories and offices worldwide. Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH)’s Chief Executive Officer, Ravi Kumar S, gave the following statement.
By applying artificial intelligence at the core of the workplace, alongside automation, human‑centric design and responsible governance, we are helping enable a more intelligent, resilient and future‑ready environment for Daimler Truck’s global workforce.
Founded in 1994, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH) is a global leader in IT services and consulting with headquarters in New Jersey.
5. Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57
Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 26, 2026, KeyBanc raised its price target on Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) from $69 to $74 while maintaining an Underweight rating. The analyst noted that the firm remains bearish on the stock despite the enterprise and online growth exceeding year-end estimates. The firm further cited the expectation of a pause in margin expansion, as investments in product development and sales initiatives are likely to increase the company’s expenses.
Conversely, on the same day, Bernstein lowered its price target on Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) by $2, from $90 to $88, and maintained a Market Perform rating on the stock. According to the firm’s analyst, the company’s fourth-quarter results showed operational consistency, exceeding guidance for the third consecutive time. Stability in the online segment, with 2.9% monthly churn, contributed to performance. The firm anticipates further revenue growth in 2026, owing to price hikes from last June and an upcoming annual SKU price increase starting in March.
Founded in 2011, Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) is a California-based communications technology company known for its videoconferencing application Zoom.
4. The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 26, 2026, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) saw significant insider activity with two of its top executives disclosing major sales of the company’s shares. Maria Olivo, EVP, ERM & Chief Risk Officer, sold 10,400 shares of the company’s stock. The sales generated proceeds of approximately $3,188,536 and reduced Maria’s ownership value by 8%. David Donnay Rowland, the company’s EVP & Co-Chief Investment Officer, sold 4,731 shares in a transaction valued at $1,459,560. With this transaction, David’s ownership stake in the company decreased by 11%.
In another development, on February 26, 2026, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) by $15, from $295 to $310, while keeping an Equal Weight rating on the stock. The firm, while updating targets for the property and casualty insurance group, told that insurers with differentiated underwriting and durable margins will outperform peers, despite weak pricing and AI headwinds.
Founded in 1853, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) is an American multinational insurance company operating through three main segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance, serving millions of customers globally. Its headquarters is in New York.
3. United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68
United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 26, 2026, H.C. Wainwright raised the price target on United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR) from $525 to $600 while maintaining a Buy rating. The company has announced that it is developing a soft mist inhaler for treprostinil, slated for a 2027 launch to treat PAH and PH-ILD. In the analyst note, H.C. Wainwright sees this as a strategic move to counter competitors like Yutrepia while evolving the Tyvaso franchise. The management reaffirmed its target of a $4 billion revenue run rate by late 2027, while it awaits the upcoming Phase 3 data for ralinepag and IPF treatments. The firm anticipates upside to this target.
On the same day, RBC Capital analyst Lisa Walter also raised United Therapeutics Corporation’s (NASDAQ:UTHR) target price from $587 to $643 while keeping an Outperform rating on the stock. Similar to H.C. Wainwright, RBC Capital analyst also cited the new announcement for a soft mist inhaler for Treprostinil that could be preferred over DPIs.
Founded in 1996, United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR) is a biotechnology company focused on rare diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its co-headquarters are in Maryland and North Carolina.
2. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 27, 2026, Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) saw its rating from Bernstein upgraded from Market Perform to Outperform. The firm’s analyst Bob Brackett set a price target of $157. The research note cited the firm’s bullish view on gold as the reason for the stock’s upgrade. Bob also pointed to the new CEO’s focused agenda, realistic guidance, and a reconciliation with its biggest joint-venture partner as catalysts for the stock’s new rating.
In another development, on February 26, 2026, Bank of America raised its price target on Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) from $134 to $151 while maintaining a Buy rating. According to the analyst, the firm is revising its valuation targets for North American Metals & Mining stocks, following updated 2026 metal price forecasts.
As of February 27, 2026, CNN recorded a consensus Buy rating from 27 analysts following Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM). The 1-year average upside potential on the stock stands at 7.51%.
Founded in 1921, Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) is one of the largest gold mining companies and a significant producer of copper, silver, zinc, and lead, with headquarters in Colorado.
1. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 104
The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is one of the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett would buy in 2026.
On February 17, 2026, Barclays analyst Benjamin Budish reiterated a Buy rating on The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) and kept a price target of $120. Notably, the firm’s analyst participated in the company’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call on January 21, 2026, and raised questions about the company’s 5% growth outlook and the status of legacy Ameritrade clients. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW)’s CEO, Rick Wurster, responded that Ameritrade met the company’s expectations and has transitioned from negative to meaningfully positive net new assets, aligning with Schwab’s legacy base. The management also conveyed that it focuses on deepening existing relationships across Schwab’s $12 trillion asset base to drive diversified growth.
Separately, on February 13, 2026, the company reported its monthly activity report for January, highlighting $27.8 billion in core net new assets brought to the company. It also reported $12.15 trillion in total client assets as of January 31, 2026 – an 18% growth compared to January 2025.
Founded in 1971, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is a financial services powerhouse that provides wealth management, banking, and asset management services. Its headquarters is in Texas.
While we acknowledge the potential of SCHW 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 SCHW and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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