Three Stocks Set to Outperform the Market in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 16 2026
0mins
Should l Buy GOOGL?
Source: Fool
- Alphabet Cloud Growth: Alphabet's cloud business had an annual revenue run rate of approximately $70 billion at the end of 2025, with a backlog growth exceeding 100% year-over-year to $240 billion in Q4, which is expected to significantly enhance the company's profitability in 2026 and solidify its leadership in the AI sector.
- BeOne Drug Development Progress: BeOne Medicines plans to announce Phase 3 study results for Brukinsa in combination with rituximab in the first half of 2026, and is expected to gain U.S. regulatory approval for sonrotoclax, further enhancing its competitiveness in the blood cancer treatment market.
- Rhythm Drug Approval Outlook: Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' Imcivree is anticipated to receive FDA approval for treating acquired hypothalamic obesity by March 20, 2026, which would significantly expand its market potential as this condition affects more patients than the combined total of its three existing indications.
- Multiple Clinical Trial Data Releases: Rhythm also plans to report top-line data from a Phase 3 study evaluating Imcivree in four other genetic diseases in Q1 2026 and disclose results from an exploratory Phase 2 study on Prader-Willi syndrome in the first half of the year, further boosting investor confidence.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy GOOGL?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on GOOGL
Wall Street analysts forecast GOOGL stock price to rise
33 Analyst Rating
26 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 341.680
Low
305.00
Averages
374.25
High
400.00
Current: 341.680
Low
305.00
Averages
374.25
High
400.00
About GOOGL
Alphabet Inc. is a holding company. The Company's segments include Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets. The Google Services segment includes products and services such as ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Google Maps, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. The Google Cloud segment includes infrastructure and platform services, collaboration tools, and other services for enterprise customers. Its Other Bets segment is engaged in the sale of healthcare-related services and Internet services. Its Google Cloud provides enterprise-ready cloud services, including Google Cloud Platform and Google Workspace. Google Cloud Platform provides access to solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) offerings, including its AI infrastructure, Vertex AI platform, and Gemini for Google Cloud; cybersecurity, and data and analytics. Google Workspace includes cloud-based communication and collaboration tools for enterprises, such as Calendar, Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Meet.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Apple's CEO Transition Raises AI Strategy Questions
- CEO Transition: Apple announced that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, with John Ternus taking over; Ternus, who has been with the company for 25 years, faces significant challenges in advancing the company's AI strategy.
- Strong iPhone Sales: In the latest quarter, Apple's iPhone revenue surged 23% year-over-year to $85.3 billion, primarily driven by robust sales of the iPhone 17 models, indicating strong consumer demand for new products.
- Lagging AI Strategy: Despite Apple's relatively conservative investment in AI, relying on Google's Gemini to enhance Siri features, the market's demand for AI-integrated hardware is growing, and Ternus must accelerate the application of AI technologies.
- Future Product Outlook: Apple plans to accelerate the development of three AI wearables centered around Siri, including smart glasses and AirPods with cameras, indicating potential innovation directions in the AI hardware space.
See More
Tim Cook's Departure Leaves AI Strategy Gap for Apple
- CEO Transition and AI Challenges: Apple announced Tim Cook's departure on September 1, with John Ternus stepping in to address the company's AI strategy gap, as investors anticipate a clear plan to compete with rivals in the AI space.
- Strong iPhone Sales: Despite lagging in AI, Apple's latest quarter saw iPhone revenue surge 23% year-over-year to $85.3 billion, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17, yet Ternus must ensure this growth translates into success in AI.
- AI Hardware Development Focus: Ternus's appointment may signal Apple's commitment to integrating AI with hardware, with potential upcoming products like smart glasses and a foldable phone to meet market demand for AI-enabled devices.
- Privacy vs. Personalization Dilemma: Ternus faces the challenge of balancing user privacy with the push for AI-driven personalization, as analysts highlight the need for Apple to find new growth avenues in a rapidly changing tech landscape, particularly with rising consumer interest in generative AI services.
See More
Comparative Outlook on Microsoft and Meta's Earnings Reports
- Microsoft's Strong Earnings: In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported adjusted earnings per share of $4.14, a 24% year-over-year increase that exceeded analyst expectations, highlighting the robust appeal of its cloud computing business despite intense AI competition.
- Intensifying Competitive Challenges: The rapid advancement of generative and agentic AI poses significant challenges to Microsoft's core software business, compelling the company to make substantial investments to maintain its technological edge against giants like Alphabet and Amazon.
- Meta's Vast User Base: Meta boasts nearly 3.6 billion daily active users across its social media platforms, creating a powerful network effect; the application of AI enhances user engagement, leading to a nearly 24% year-over-year revenue growth in the latest quarter.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: Meta anticipates capital expenditures between $115 billion and $135 billion for 2026, and despite the hefty spending, CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains optimistic about the long-term returns from investments in personal superintelligence and infrastructure development.
See More
Microsoft and Meta Earnings Preview: AI-Driven Growth
- Microsoft's Strong Earnings: In its second quarter of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.14, a 24% year-over-year increase that exceeded analyst expectations, highlighting the robust appeal of its cloud computing business despite intense AI competition.
- Meta's Impressive Revenue Growth: Meta's revenue surged nearly 24% year-over-year to nearly $60 billion in its most recent quarter, indicating the effectiveness of its strategy to leverage AI for optimizing content and advertising algorithms, which enhances user engagement and ad impressions.
- Significant Capital Expenditure Increase: Both companies are signaling a substantial rise in capital expenditures for 2026, with Meta projecting between $115 billion and $135 billion, which may pressure free cash flow, although CEO Zuckerberg remains optimistic about long-term returns.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Microsoft faces competition from giants like Alphabet and Amazon in software sales, while Meta capitalizes on its network effect with 3.6 billion daily active users, using AI to enhance profitability on its social media platforms, showcasing differing investment appeals.
See More
Micron Technology: Potential in the AI Memory Market
- Surging AI Memory Demand: Accelerating investments in AI infrastructure are fueling explosive demand for DRAM and NAND chips, with the HBM market expected to reach $100 billion by 2028, highlighting Micron's unique positioning in this sector.
- Enhanced Financial Flexibility: By cleaning up its balance sheet, Micron has stabilized cash flow, reducing reliance on heavy borrowing or issuing new shares, which allows for continued investment in new manufacturing capabilities and strengthens its market competitiveness.
- Diverse Customer Base: Micron's marquee customers include tech giants like Nvidia, along with steady consumer buyers in automotive, manufacturing, and consumer electronics, providing a cushion against volatility in any single market segment.
- Industry Cycle Risks: While Micron has a promising outlook in the AI memory market, vigilance is required regarding cyclical fluctuations and potential economic slowdowns, as an influx of competitors could lead to price declines and impact profit margins.
See More
Nasdaq Correction Hits AI Chip Stocks, Micron Positioned for Rebound
- Growing Market Demand: As the AI revolution progresses, Micron's high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2028, indicating strong growth potential, particularly amid surging demand for AI infrastructure.
- Improved Financial Health: By cleaning up its balance sheet and generating steady cash flow, Micron has reduced reliance on new share issuance and heavy borrowing, enhancing its investment flexibility in new manufacturing capabilities, which is expected to drive future sales and profit growth.
- Diverse Customer Base: Micron's marquee customers include major tech firms like Nvidia, along with stable consumer buyers in automotive, manufacturing, and consumer electronics, providing a cushion against risks associated with fluctuations in any single market.
- Industry Risk Warning: Despite Micron's competitive edge in the AI memory market, the cyclical nature of the industry and macroeconomic uncertainties remain, as any production delays or demand pullbacks could pressure its margins.
See More
Apple's CEO Transition Raises AI Strategy Questions
- CEO Transition: Apple announced that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, with John Ternus taking over; Ternus, who has been with the company for 25 years, faces significant challenges in advancing the company's AI strategy.
- Strong iPhone Sales: In the latest quarter, Apple's iPhone revenue surged 23% year-over-year to $85.3 billion, primarily driven by robust sales of the iPhone 17 models, indicating strong consumer demand for new products.
- Lagging AI Strategy: Despite Apple's relatively conservative investment in AI, relying on Google's Gemini to enhance Siri features, the market's demand for AI-integrated hardware is growing, and Ternus must accelerate the application of AI technologies.
- Future Product Outlook: Apple plans to accelerate the development of three AI wearables centered around Siri, including smart glasses and AirPods with cameras, indicating potential innovation directions in the AI hardware space.
See More
Tim Cook's Departure Leaves AI Strategy Gap for Apple
- CEO Transition and AI Challenges: Apple announced Tim Cook's departure on September 1, with John Ternus stepping in to address the company's AI strategy gap, as investors anticipate a clear plan to compete with rivals in the AI space.
- Strong iPhone Sales: Despite lagging in AI, Apple's latest quarter saw iPhone revenue surge 23% year-over-year to $85.3 billion, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17, yet Ternus must ensure this growth translates into success in AI.
- AI Hardware Development Focus: Ternus's appointment may signal Apple's commitment to integrating AI with hardware, with potential upcoming products like smart glasses and a foldable phone to meet market demand for AI-enabled devices.
- Privacy vs. Personalization Dilemma: Ternus faces the challenge of balancing user privacy with the push for AI-driven personalization, as analysts highlight the need for Apple to find new growth avenues in a rapidly changing tech landscape, particularly with rising consumer interest in generative AI services.
See More
Comparative Outlook on Microsoft and Meta's Earnings Reports
- Microsoft's Strong Earnings: In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported adjusted earnings per share of $4.14, a 24% year-over-year increase that exceeded analyst expectations, highlighting the robust appeal of its cloud computing business despite intense AI competition.
- Intensifying Competitive Challenges: The rapid advancement of generative and agentic AI poses significant challenges to Microsoft's core software business, compelling the company to make substantial investments to maintain its technological edge against giants like Alphabet and Amazon.
- Meta's Vast User Base: Meta boasts nearly 3.6 billion daily active users across its social media platforms, creating a powerful network effect; the application of AI enhances user engagement, leading to a nearly 24% year-over-year revenue growth in the latest quarter.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: Meta anticipates capital expenditures between $115 billion and $135 billion for 2026, and despite the hefty spending, CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains optimistic about the long-term returns from investments in personal superintelligence and infrastructure development.
See More
Microsoft and Meta Earnings Preview: AI-Driven Growth
- Microsoft's Strong Earnings: In its second quarter of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.14, a 24% year-over-year increase that exceeded analyst expectations, highlighting the robust appeal of its cloud computing business despite intense AI competition.
- Meta's Impressive Revenue Growth: Meta's revenue surged nearly 24% year-over-year to nearly $60 billion in its most recent quarter, indicating the effectiveness of its strategy to leverage AI for optimizing content and advertising algorithms, which enhances user engagement and ad impressions.
- Significant Capital Expenditure Increase: Both companies are signaling a substantial rise in capital expenditures for 2026, with Meta projecting between $115 billion and $135 billion, which may pressure free cash flow, although CEO Zuckerberg remains optimistic about long-term returns.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Microsoft faces competition from giants like Alphabet and Amazon in software sales, while Meta capitalizes on its network effect with 3.6 billion daily active users, using AI to enhance profitability on its social media platforms, showcasing differing investment appeals.
See More
Micron Technology: Potential in the AI Memory Market
- Surging AI Memory Demand: Accelerating investments in AI infrastructure are fueling explosive demand for DRAM and NAND chips, with the HBM market expected to reach $100 billion by 2028, highlighting Micron's unique positioning in this sector.
- Enhanced Financial Flexibility: By cleaning up its balance sheet, Micron has stabilized cash flow, reducing reliance on heavy borrowing or issuing new shares, which allows for continued investment in new manufacturing capabilities and strengthens its market competitiveness.
- Diverse Customer Base: Micron's marquee customers include tech giants like Nvidia, along with steady consumer buyers in automotive, manufacturing, and consumer electronics, providing a cushion against volatility in any single market segment.
- Industry Cycle Risks: While Micron has a promising outlook in the AI memory market, vigilance is required regarding cyclical fluctuations and potential economic slowdowns, as an influx of competitors could lead to price declines and impact profit margins.
See More
Nasdaq Correction Hits AI Chip Stocks, Micron Positioned for Rebound
- Growing Market Demand: As the AI revolution progresses, Micron's high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2028, indicating strong growth potential, particularly amid surging demand for AI infrastructure.
- Improved Financial Health: By cleaning up its balance sheet and generating steady cash flow, Micron has reduced reliance on new share issuance and heavy borrowing, enhancing its investment flexibility in new manufacturing capabilities, which is expected to drive future sales and profit growth.
- Diverse Customer Base: Micron's marquee customers include major tech firms like Nvidia, along with stable consumer buyers in automotive, manufacturing, and consumer electronics, providing a cushion against risks associated with fluctuations in any single market.
- Industry Risk Warning: Despite Micron's competitive edge in the AI memory market, the cyclical nature of the industry and macroeconomic uncertainties remain, as any production delays or demand pullbacks could pressure its margins.
See More
