Which Stock to Buy Now? Four Solid Opportunities Worth Your Attention in 2026

The Case for Deploying Capital Today

With $1,000 ready to invest, timing matters less than you might think. Market history shows that staying invested beats trying to time entry points—the upside from missing gains typically outweighs the temporary downside of buying at peak valuations. Here are four companies positioned to deliver strong returns in 2026, each with distinct growth trajectories and market catalysts.

Broadcom: The Custom Chip Play in AI

Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) has quietly become essential infrastructure in the artificial intelligence boom. While Nvidia dominates mindshare, Broadcom’s custom AI accelerators are gaining serious traction with hyperscalers designing their own chips—including powerhouses like Alphabet and OpenAI.

The growth numbers tell the story: fiscal 2026 revenue is projected to rise 50% year-over-year, with 2027 expected to see 36% growth. Compare that to fiscal 2025’s 24% expansion, and you’re looking at genuine acceleration. This trajectory makes Broadcom worth considering if you believe AI infrastructure spending will remain robust.

Alphabet: The AI Comeback Story

Alphabet was written off in the generative AI race just months ago. But Gemini’s emergence as a top-tier model changed the narrative completely. What’s more impressive is how its core businesses are holding up.

Google Search posted 15% year-over-year growth in Q3—solid for a “mature” business that many thought would be disrupted. Google Cloud is firing harder, with revenue up 33% and operating margins expanding from 17% to 24%. The momentum across Alphabet’s portfolio suggests 2026 could be another strong year.

Amazon: The Underperforming Performer

Here’s an interesting disconnect: Amazon’s business is firing on all cylinders, but its stock has barely moved—rising just 6% in 2025 while the market surged. That’s a potential setup for a rebound.

The numbers justify optimism. Core commerce growth accelerated to 10% for online sales and 12% for third-party seller services—both recent peaks. AWS and advertising services delivered their best quarters in months, with revenue climbing 20% and 24% respectively. When a stock lags while the business outperforms, something’s likely to give.

MercadoLibre: The Under-the-Radar Grower

Most investors overlook MercadoLibre, despite its explosive track record. It successfully replicated Amazon’s playbook in Latin America, then added fintech capabilities for a region where online payments remain underdeveloped. The result: consistent, year-after-year acceleration.

Currently down roughly 25% from its all-time high, the stock offers an entry point that could look attractive if the company maintains its growth trajectory through 2026.

The Bottom Line

Each of these companies presents a different growth story: infrastructure beneficiary (Broadcom), competitive resurgence (Alphabet), valuation catch-up (Amazon), and emerging market expansion (MercadoLibre). Which stock to buy now depends on your thesis—but all four deserve consideration in a diversified 2026 portfolio.