Excellent Long-Term USA Stocks to Invest In for 2026

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Are you searching for the best long-term investment stocks to buy now and hold? This article reveals a curated list of top US stocks with high growth potential for 2026. Major firms project significant market growth, creating opportunities for smart investments.

S&P 500 Projections for 2026:

• Ed Yardeni: Forecasts the S&P 500 to reach 7,700.
• Deutsche Bank: Predicts a finish at 8,000.
• Morgan Stanley: Projects U.S. equities to hit 7,800.

These long-term investment stocks are chosen for their market leadership and strong finances. We selected the best stocks to buy to give you a solid starting point. Our list of the best long-term investment stocks can help you build your long-term portfolio.

Key Takeaways

• Look for companies with strong finances. They should have growing sales, good cash flow, and low debt.
• Choose companies that lead their market. They should have a special advantage that protects their business.
• Find companies with clear plans for future growth. These plans can include new products or big market trends.
• NVIDIA, Alphabet, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals are good examples. They meet the criteria for strong long-term investments.
• Always research stocks yourself before investing. This helps you make smart choices for your money.

Our Criteria for Top-Tier Stock in USA

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Finding a great US stocks requires a clear and disciplined process. We do not select companies based on hype. Instead, we use a strict set of criteria to identify businesses built for long-term success. This method helps you understand why a company makes our list.

Vetting Financial Health

A company’s financial strength is the foundation of a good investment. We look for businesses with strong balance sheets and consistent performance. You can use platforms like Biyapay to analyze these numbers for any US stocks. We specifically check for:

• Consistent Revenue Growth: We target companies that grow their sales by more than 15% each year.
• Positive Free Cash Flow: This shows a company generates more cash than it needs to run its business.
• Low Debt Levels: We assess leverage ratios, like the debt-to-equity ratio, to ensure a company is not overly reliant on debt.

Assessing Market Leadership

Market leaders have a durable advantage over their competitors. This advantage is often called a “competitive moat.” A wide moat protects a company’s profits and market share, making it a safer long-term investment. We look for two key types of moats:

Network Effects: The value of the service increases as more people use it. Think of how more riders on Uber attract more drivers, creating a better experience for everyone.

Brand Power: Some companies, like Ferrari or Patagonia, have such strong brand loyalty that customers will choose them over cheaper alternatives.

Identifying Growth Catalysts

A great company needs a clear path to future growth. We identify major trends and events that can propel a company forward and boost shareholder returns. These catalysts can be broad market shifts or company-specific news. We focus on businesses benefiting from powerful trends like Agentic AI, which automates complex tasks, and the development of smart supply chains. New partnerships or positive regulatory changes can also act as powerful catalysts for growth.

Best Long-Term Investment Stocks to Buy Now and Hold

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After setting our criteria, you are ready to explore specific companies. The following list contains some of the best long-term investment stocks. Financial experts at The Motley Fool also recommend brilliant growth stocks like Alphabet and Vertex Pharmaceuticals for a buy now and hold strategy. These companies are not just performing well today. They are positioned to lead their industries for years to come, making them excellent long-term investment stocks.

NVIDIA (NVDA): Dominating the AI Revolution

Core Investment Thesis: NVIDIA’s complete control over the AI chip market makes it an essential engine for the next wave of technology, offering unmatched growth potential for your portfolio.

NVIDIA is a top US stocks and a clear leader in artificial intelligence. The company’s graphics processing units (GPUs) are the foundation for training complex AI models. This gives it a powerful advantage. These are some of the best long-term investment stocks you can find.

• AI and Data Center Dominance: The data center segment is NVIDIA’s biggest growth engine. Revenue from this area grew an incredible 142% last year. Companies worldwide need NVIDIA’s chips to build their AI capabilities.
• Expanding Automotive Sector: The auto industry is another key growth area. NVIDIA’s DRIVE platform helps carmakers develop self-driving technology. This segment’s revenue increased by over 55% as more companies adopt its AI-powered systems.

Financial Snapshot

Outlook for 2026 Looking toward 2026, NVIDIA is set for continued success. The AI chip market is projected to hit $200 billion by then, and NVIDIA is in the best position to capture a large share of it. Analysts are very positive, with some like Rick Schafer setting price targets as high as $265. This strong market demand makes NVIDIA one of the best long-term investment stocks to buy now and hold for significant long-term growth.

Alphabet (GOOGL): A Diversified Tech Behemoth

Core Investment Thesis: Alphabet’s unmatched dominance in digital advertising, combined with its rapid expansion in high-growth cloud and AI markets, creates a resilient and powerful opportunity for long-term investment stocks.

Alphabet is much more than just Google Search. It is a massive technology company with multiple sources of revenue. This diversification makes it one of the most reliable long-term investment stocks available. When you invest in Alphabet, you get exposure to several thriving industries at once.

• Cloud Computing Growth: Google Cloud is a major driver of future profits. In a recent quarter, its revenue jumped 34% to $15.2 billion. As more businesses move their operations online, Google Cloud is positioned to keep growing quickly.
• Advertising Powerhouse: Google Search and YouTube remain incredibly profitable. YouTube’s ad revenue grew 15% in the last quarter. This steady income provides the cash needed to invest in new technologies and deliver strong shareholder returns.

Financial Snapshot

Outlook for 2026 Alphabet’s future looks bright. The company continues to lead in AI research and is integrating it across all its products, from Search to Cloud. This focus on innovation will keep it ahead of the competition. Its strong financial position allows it to weather economic changes and continue investing for the long-term. These factors make it one of the best stocks to buy for a buy now and hold portfolio.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX): A Top Biotech Pick for Long-Term Investment Stocks

Core Investment Thesis: Vertex’s near-monopoly in the cystic fibrosis market, along with a promising pipeline of new drugs, establishes it as a premier biotechnology investment with a clear path to sustained growth.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a leader in treating rare diseases. The company has built an incredible business by focusing on treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF). This focus gives it a strong competitive moat and makes it one of the best long-term investment stocks in the healthcare sector.

• Cystic Fibrosis Leadership: Vertex has a dominant hold on the CF market. Its medicines treat over 75,000 patients, and it is expected to command over 85% of the $16 billion CF market by 2034. This provides a very stable and predictable source of revenue.
• Promising Drug Pipeline: Vertex is not just a CF company. It is expanding into new areas. The company expects to launch a new non-opioid pain treatment, Journavx, soon. Success in new areas like pain management or kidney disease could unlock massive new revenue streams.

Financial Snapshot

Outlook for 2026 Vertex is well-positioned for growth leading into 2026. The approval and successful launch of new drugs outside of its core CF franchise will be a major catalyst. The company’s strong profitability from its existing drugs gives it the financial power to fund research and development for future breakthroughs. This combination of a secure base business and high-growth potential makes it an excellent choice for your long-term portfolio.

NVIDIA, Alphabet, and Vertex offer strong growth potential. Their market leadership and financial health make them some of the best long-term investment stocks. NVIDIA’s past performance, with returns around 1,200% over five years, shows its power. However, this list is only a starting point for your long-term portfolio. These are not the only long-term investment stocks available.

Your Next Steps 📝 Before you buy now and hold any stock, you must do your own research. Tech and biotech face risks like intense competition. Assess your personal risk tolerance using online tools. Review company filings to make informed decisions. This makes you a smarter investor and helps you find the best long-term investment stocks for your goals.

FAQ

How many stocks should I have in my long-term portfolio?

You should aim to own between 15 and 30 different stocks. This number provides good diversification. It helps protect your portfolio if one company performs poorly. Owning too many stocks can make them difficult to track.

Are these tech and biotech stocks too risky?

All stocks carry risk. Tech and biotech companies can be volatile. However, market leaders like Alphabet and Vertex have strong financials and wide competitive moats. This helps reduce their long-term risk compared to smaller, unproven companies.

When should I sell a long-term investment stock?

You should consider selling if the company’s core business weakens. A major change in leadership or a loss of market advantage are also warning signs. Do not sell just because the stock price drops temporarily.

How can I find other great long-term stocks?

You can find great stocks by using the criteria from this article. Look for companies with strong financial health, market leadership, and clear growth catalysts. Always do your own research before you invest your money.