The Top 10 Best Stocks to Buy Now for Long-Term Growth in 2026

Thinking about where to put your money for the long haul? It can feel like a puzzle, trying to figure out which companies will still be doing well a few years down the line. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 best stocks to buy now for long-term growth, looking ahead to 2026. These are companies that seem to have a solid plan and are in good spots to keep growing.

Key Takeaways

• Growth stocks, like those in tech, offer high potential returns but also come with more risk. It’s smart to hold them for at least three to five years, or even longer.
• Companies like MercadoLibre, often called the ‘Amazon of Latin America,’ are in high-growth markets and also have payment services, making them interesting.
• Even if a company’s growth rate slows down, it might just be because it’s getting bigger. Look at the overall picture and future potential.
• Investing regularly, like every month, can be a good strategy. It helps you buy at different prices and reduces the stress of trying to pick the perfect moment.
• It’s important to spread your money around. Owning a mix of different types of stocks can help lower your overall risk.

1. Nvidia

Alright, let’s talk about Nvidia. This company has been absolutely crushing it, and it’s hard to ignore their position in the market right now. They’re basically powering the AI revolution with their graphics processing units (GPUs), which are in super high demand. Think about it – every AI model, every data center, they all need these powerful chips.

Nvidia’s stock has been on a tear, and projections show their revenue growing by about 65% year-over-year. That’s a pretty wild number, and it makes you wonder if it’s too late to jump in. But honestly, the AI trend is so massive, and Nvidia is so central to it, that it feels like they’ve still got a lot of runway ahead.

Here’s a quick look at why they’re so dominant:

• GPU Dominance: Their hardware is the gold standard for AI training and inference.
• Software Ecosystem: They’ve built a strong software platform around their hardware, making it easier for developers to use their tech.
• Expanding into New Areas: Beyond gaming and data centers, they’re pushing into areas like automotive and robotics.

It’s not just about the chips, though. Nvidia is also investing heavily in research and development, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI. They’re also making strategic moves, like their investment in Nokia, showing they’re thinking about the broader ecosystem.

The demand for advanced computing power isn’t slowing down. As AI becomes more integrated into everything we do, the need for specialized hardware like Nvidia’s will only increase. This creates a strong foundation for continued growth.

While past performance is never a guarantee of future results, Nvidia’s current trajectory and its critical role in the AI boom make it a compelling pick for long-term investors. It’s worth keeping an eye on their latest financial reports to see how they continue to perform.

2. Apple

Apple is not just another tech giant—it’s a brand that shapes how people work and play worldwide. Right now, the company is getting a big surge from the fresh wave of iPhone 17 releases, which is giving the stock a notable short-term boost even as its long-term outlook points toward steady, mid-level growth. If you like consistency and innovation wrapped up in one package, Apple is well worth a close look for your next investment pick.

Apple’s strong presence, constant new products, and loyal customer base keep it in a solid position for long-term growth.

Here’s what sets Apple apart for long-term investors:

• Regular product refresh cycles (iPhone, Mac, iPad) keep revenue flowing and the brand relevant every year.
• An expanding services division, which includes iCloud, Apple TV+, Music, and the App Store, now accounts for a significant chunk of profit.
• A balance sheet that’s tough to match: Apple’s cash reserves allow for buybacks and dividends, making the stock attractive for both growth and income-focused investors.

Apple’s ability to blend hardware, software, and services keeps its business resilient even when certain products slow down. With strength in so many areas, a short-term boom from the iPhone 17 launch is just the beginning of the story for investors, as highlighted in this Apple is experiencing a strong short-term boost report.

Don’t overlook how reliable and stable Apple’s business has become. The combination of innovation, brand loyalty, and a growing services ecosystem can set up the stock for years of continued gains—even in volatile markets.

3. MercadoLibre

MercadoLibre is often called the "Amazon of Latin America," and for good reason. This company has really built up a massive presence in e-commerce across South America. Think about it: online shopping is still pretty new in a lot of these places, but it’s catching on fast, especially with more people getting smartphones.

The company is positioned to benefit from the ongoing growth of e-commerce in Latin America. It’s not just about selling stuff online, though. MercadoLibre also has a big payment processing business, which is super important in regions where digital payments are becoming more common. This dual focus on both shopping and payments gives them a pretty strong hold on the market.

Here’s a quick look at some key aspects:

• E-commerce Dominance: They are the go-to online marketplace in many Latin American countries.
• Fintech Integration: Their payment system, Mercado Pago, is a major player, handling transactions both on and off their platform.
• Regional Focus: Their main markets include Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, which are also some of the biggest economies in the region.
• Growth Potential: With increasing internet and smartphone penetration, there’s still a lot of room for growth in online retail and digital payments.

The expansion of internet access and smartphone use across Latin America is a major tailwind for MercadoLibre. As more people come online and gain access to digital payment methods, the company’s platforms become even more attractive to both buyers and sellers. This creates a positive feedback loop that can drive continued expansion.

While competition is always a factor, MercadoLibre’s established infrastructure and deep understanding of the local markets give it a solid advantage. It’s a company that’s really tapped into the unique opportunities present in Latin America’s e-commerce landscape.

4. Alibaba

Think of Alibaba as the Amazon of China, and if you’re looking for long-term growth, it’s definitely worth a look. This company started out in e-commerce, which still makes up about half of its income, and that part of the business is growing at a pretty good clip, around 15% this year. But Alibaba isn’t just about online shopping anymore. They’ve got their fingers in a lot of other pies, like a video streaming service called Youku, a workplace tool called DingTalk, and even a grocery delivery service called Freshippo.

What’s really interesting, though, is their cloud computing business. It brought in $5.6 billion in just three months recently, and it’s growing fast, up 34% year over year. This cloud segment is where Alibaba really stands out from companies like Amazon or MercadoLibre.

Here’s a quick look at some of their key areas:

• E-commerce: The core business, still showing solid growth.
• Cloud Computing: A rapidly expanding and profitable segment.
• Other Ventures: Diversified interests in media, software, and retail.

Alibaba is also making moves in the AI space, developing its own chips that could compete with Nvidia. This is a big deal because even though China’s AI market is somewhat separate, it’s huge. Goldman Sachs predicts China’s AI market could be worth $1.4 trillion by 2030, and Alibaba seems well-positioned to grab a good chunk of that.

The company’s strategy involves building on its strong e-commerce foundation while aggressively expanding into high-growth areas like cloud computing and artificial intelligence. This diversification is key to its long-term potential, allowing it to tap into multiple revenue streams and adapt to evolving market demands.

While it might seem like a lot, Alibaba’s ability to grow across different sectors makes it a compelling option for investors looking for growth that goes beyond just online retail.

5. Uber Technologies

Uber Technologies (UBER) is a company that’s been through a lot, and its stock price has seen some ups and downs lately. You might see headlines about slowing growth or the big costs coming up for their robotaxi plans, and that can make you nervous. But it’s worth looking past the short-term noise.

Think about the bigger picture. More and more people, especially younger generations, aren’t keen on owning cars. They’d rather just use an app to get a ride or have something delivered. This trend isn’t going away anytime soon; it could keep going for decades, which is good news for Uber’s long-term prospects.

Plus, they’re getting ready for the future of self-driving cars. While it’s still a ways off from being everywhere, Uber is aiming to be a big player in the robotaxi market. Even if those cars are expensive at first, not having to pay a human driver could make them profitable down the line.

Here’s a quick look at why Uber could be a solid long-term bet:

• Shifting Consumer Habits: A growing number of people prefer on-demand transportation and delivery services over personal car ownership.
• Expansion into New Markets: Beyond ridesharing, Uber is pushing into food delivery, freight, and other logistics services.
• Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Significant investment and development in self-driving technology position them for the next era of transportation.

The company is working on making its services more efficient and expanding its reach. While there are always challenges with big tech companies, Uber’s core business model seems to be adapting well to how people want to get around and get things done.

Even with the recent stock dips, analysts still expect Uber to grow its revenue and profits steadily for years to come. It’s a company that’s trying to change how we move and get things, and that kind of ambition can pay off for patient investors.

6. Broadcom

Broadcom has become a pretty familiar name in tech circles, but lately, it’s not just about chips anymore. This company is huge in both semiconductors and software, quietly pushing forward just about every part of the internet most of us use day in, day out. More than 90% of global internet traffic actually relies in some way on Broadcom’s products.

Check out these numbers from Broadcom’s 2025 results:

Here’s why I think Broadcom stands out for long-term growth:

• Broadcom is everywhere: you’ll find its chips and software running data centers, 5G networks, and cloud infrastructure.
• They’ve got a diversified product mix, so if one part of tech stumbles, others pick up the slack.
• The company is investing heavily in AI, making it a key part of how new software and hardware gets built and managed for years to come.

Broadcom just keeps expanding its reach, adding stability to what can normally be a rollercoaster ride when it comes to tech stocks. Even if there are bumps along the way, its mix of innovation and big industry footprint should support steady gains.

Sure, the stock isn’t cheap at current prices, and you should expect a bit of ups and downs like with most tech names. But if you want exposure to the backbone of the internet and AI, Broadcom is right up there on the list.

7. Micron Technology

Micron Technology is a big player in the memory chip world, and honestly, it’s been doing pretty well lately. You might be surprised to hear that the stock has jumped over 300% in the last year alone. But here’s the thing: a lot of folks think it’s not done growing yet.

Why all the fuss? Well, artificial intelligence needs a ton of memory, and that demand isn’t slowing down. Micron is one of the few companies globally that makes the high-bandwidth memory chips that AI relies on. They’ve got a solid backlog of orders, which means they’re likely to stay busy and profitable for a good while.

Here’s a quick look at some numbers:

• Record Revenue: Micron has been hitting new highs in terms of sales.
• Expanding Margins: They’re making more profit on each chip they sell.
• AI Demand: The ongoing need for AI processing power directly benefits their products.

The tech world is still figuring out how AI will change things over the next few years. Companies that can keep up with these changes and provide what’s needed will likely do well. Micron seems to be in a good spot to benefit from this shift.

While the stock has seen some big gains, it’s worth remembering that tech stocks can be a bit jumpy. Still, if you’re looking for a company that’s tied into a major technological trend, Micron is definitely one to consider.

8. Nokia

Okay, so Nokia. You might be thinking, ‘Didn’t they make phones?’ And yeah, they did, but that’s not really their main gig anymore. These days, Nokia is quietly getting its act together in the telecom world, especially with all this AI stuff taking over. They’ve been putting money into new wireless tech for 5G and what’s coming next, 6G. It’s a big shift they announced a little while back.

Nokia’s making a strategic pivot into AI-native wireless technology, aiming to capture growth in 5G and future 6G networks.

Here’s a quick look at what they’re focusing on:

• Network Infrastructure: This is about the backbone of communication networks. Think routers, switches, and all the gear that keeps data moving.
• Mobile Networks: This covers the tech that powers our cell phones and wireless connections, which is getting more complex with AI.
• AI and Cloud Services: They see big opportunities here, working with companies that need robust networks to handle AI workloads and cloud computing.

It’s not just wishful thinking, either. They’ve got some serious backing, including a notable investment from Nvidia. This shows that other big players see potential in Nokia’s new direction. They’ve streamlined things, focusing on these core areas to really push forward.

The company’s strategy now is to build out the infrastructure that will support the next wave of digital communication. This means focusing on the hardware and software that allow for faster, more reliable connections, which are absolutely necessary for AI to function at its best. It’s a long game, but the groundwork seems to be laid.

While it might not be the flashy consumer brand it once was, Nokia’s move into the foundational tech for AI and advanced networks could be a smart bet for the long haul.

9. Amazon

Okay, so Amazon. It’s hard to even talk about long-term growth without mentioning this company, right? It feels like it’s been around forever, but honestly, it’s still got a lot of runway ahead. We all know it started as an online bookstore, but look at it now – cloud computing with AWS, streaming with Prime Video, even groceries with Whole Foods. It’s basically woven into the fabric of modern life.

The sheer scale of Amazon’s operations is what makes it such a compelling long-term play. They’ve built an incredible logistics network that’s tough for anyone to match, and their customer loyalty programs keep people coming back. Plus, their move into artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge tech means they’re not just resting on their laurels.

Here’s a quick look at why Amazon keeps winning:

• E-commerce Dominance: Still the go-to place for millions to buy almost anything online.
• AWS Cloud Powerhouse: Amazon Web Services is a massive profit engine and a leader in cloud infrastructure.
• Expanding Ecosystem: From streaming and smart home devices to advertising and healthcare, Amazon is everywhere.
• Innovation Engine: They consistently invest in new technologies and ventures, like AI chips.

While some might worry about market saturation or increased competition, Amazon’s ability to adapt and innovate is pretty remarkable. They’ve shown time and again that they can enter new markets and become a major player. It’s this adaptability that really makes it a stock worth holding onto for the long haul.

Sure, it’s a massive company, so explosive, overnight growth might be less likely than with a smaller startup. But for steady, consistent growth over many years, Amazon is still a top contender. It’s the kind of company that just keeps finding ways to grow, even when you think it can’t get any bigger.

10. Alphabet

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is a tech giant with a hand in so many different pies, it’s hard to keep track. From search and advertising to cloud computing and self-driving cars, they’re constantly innovating. Their continued dominance in online search and advertising provides a stable foundation, while their investments in areas like Google Cloud and AI show serious long-term potential.

Alphabet’s revenue growth has been pretty solid. In the last quarter of 2025, they saw an 18% jump compared to the previous year. A big chunk of that came from Google Cloud, which pulled in about $17.7 billion. That’s a huge number and shows how much businesses are relying on their cloud services.

Here’s a quick look at some key areas:

• Search & Advertising: Still the cash cow. People search for everything, and companies pay to be seen. It’s a cycle that keeps on giving.
• Google Cloud: Growing fast and taking market share. Businesses are moving their operations to the cloud, and Google is a major player.
• Other Bets: This includes things like Waymo (self-driving cars) and Verily (life sciences). While these might not be making big profits yet, they represent future growth opportunities.

Investing in Alphabet means betting on a company that’s deeply integrated into our digital lives and is actively building the technologies of tomorrow. It’s not just about search anymore; it’s about the entire digital ecosystem. They’ve got a knack for finding new ways to make money and stay relevant, which is exactly what you want in a long-term growth stock. Remember, sticking with a solid investment strategy over time is key to seeing those returns for your financial future.

The company’s focus on artificial intelligence is particularly noteworthy. They’re developing advanced AI tools that can help businesses make better decisions and even write code. This push into AI could be a major driver of growth in the coming years, making Alphabet a company to watch closely.

Wrapping Up Your Long-Term Investment Strategy

So, we’ve looked at some companies that seem like they could do well over the next few years. Remember, picking stocks is just one part of the puzzle. It’s really important to spread your money around, not put all your eggs in one basket. Think about index funds if picking individual companies feels like too much work. And most importantly, if you’re investing for the long haul, try not to stress too much about what the market does day-to-day. Stick to your plan, keep adding money when you can, and let time do its thing. That’s usually the best way to see your investments grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are growth stocks and why are they popular?

Growth stocks are shares of companies that are expected to grow faster than most others. People like them because they have the chance to increase a lot in value over time. These companies usually put their profits back into the business, so they don’t often pay out dividends.

Is it safe to invest in these top 10 stocks for the long term?

No investment is ever 100% safe, but these 10 companies are leaders in their fields and have shown strong growth. If you plan to keep your money in the market for at least three to five years, and if you spread your investments out, you lower your risk.

How do I start investing in stocks like these?

You can begin by opening an account with a brokerage firm. Once your account is set up and funded, you can buy shares of any of these companies. It’s smart to do your own research or talk to a financial advisor before investing.

Why should I think about long-term investing instead of short-term?

Long-term investing lets you ride out the ups and downs of the market. Over time, the stock market usually goes up, so keeping your investments for several years gives you a better chance of making money.

Should I only buy these 10 stocks or should I diversify?

It’s a good idea to diversify, which means owning different types of stocks or funds. This way, if one company does badly, it won’t hurt your whole investment as much. You can add index funds or other stocks to your portfolio.

How much money do I need to start investing in these stocks?

You don’t need a lot to start. Some brokerages let you buy fractions of a share, so you can begin with just a few dollars. The important thing is to start early and keep investing regularly.

Peyman Khosravani