Stock selections: the best picks by region and sector - page 2

Artificial intelligence has reached an inflection point, with enterprise adoption accelerating and AI infrastructure becoming mission-critical for businesses worldwide. The companies powering this transformation are delivering exceptional growth through advanced semiconductors, cloud platforms, and enterprise AI solutions. Nvidia continues to dominate AI computing with its H100 and next-generation GPU architectures that power the world's largest AI training and inference workloads. AppLovin leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to optimize mobile advertising and user acquisition, creating powerful network effects in the mobile app economy. Innodata specializes in AI training data services and advanced data engineering, positioning the company at the center of the artificial intelligence revolution. As we enter 2026, these AI leaders represent the backbone of the digital economy's next phase. From semiconductor innovation to cloud infrastructure and enterprise software, these stocks offer investors direct exposure to the technologies reshaping industries and driving unprecedented productivity gains.

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Highly profitable companies often enjoy pricing power, efficient operations, and strong returns on capital, which help them stand out in any market environment. The most profitable stocks combine innovation, financial discipline, and sustainable competitive advantages to deliver consistent and impressive earnings growth. Celestica provides electronics manufacturing services and supply chain solutions to companies across telecommunications, aerospace, and industrial sectors worldwide. Rheinmetall manufactures advanced defense systems and automotive technologies, serving as one of Europe's leading defense contractors with comprehensive military solutions. Comfort Systems USA provides mechanical contracting services specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for commercial and industrial clients nationwide. These companies, along with other leaders in sectors from manufacturing to technology, have consistently generated solid profits and demonstrated resilience through changing market cycles. They represent some of the most compelling investment opportunities for 2026.

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Long-term investing is all about identifying resilient businesses with strong fundamentals, enduring demand, and the ability to grow through market cycles. The best stocks to hold forever often share traits like consistent earnings, industry leadership, and a proven track record of rewarding shareholders. McKesson delivers pharmaceuticals and medical products to thousands of locations, supporting both independent healthcare providers and large-scale institutions with advanced data analytics and supply chain solutions. Cencora leverages data-driven insights and advanced logistics to enhance supply chain efficiency and improve patient outcomes through comprehensive pharmaceutical distribution services. Comfort Systems USA provides mechanical contracting services specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for commercial and industrial clients nationwide. These stocks span sectors such as industrials, technology, and manufacturing – yet all share a long-term value creation mindset. In 2026, these companies continue to demonstrate they can perform through economic cycles and deliver shareholder value.

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European technology companies represent a unique blend of defense innovation, smart home solutions, and advanced sensor technologies that drive critical infrastructure worldwide. What makes these European technology pioneers particularly compelling for investors seeking specialized tech exposure? B2 Impact provides cloud-based software solutions that enable organizations to measure, manage, and report on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and sustainability initiatives. ASML specializes in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology essential for producing the most advanced semiconductor nodes used in microchip production. SAP provides enterprise resource planning and cloud computing solutions to organizations worldwide, helping businesses manage their operations and customer relationships. These European technology leaders combine operational excellence with strategic positioning in defense, smart home, and sensor technology markets, making them attractive investment opportunities as specialized technology sectors continue evolving in 2026. Their established expertise and adaptation to changing technological landscapes position them well for sustained growth and innovation.

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European retail encompasses some of the world's most prestigious luxury brands, innovative consumer goods companies, and resilient market leaders that have demonstrated exceptional staying power across economic cycles. What makes these European retail giants particularly attractive for investors seeking consumer exposure? Hermès International operates as a distinguished luxury goods manufacturer renowned for high-quality craftsmanship and exclusive products across leather goods, fashion, and accessories. Imperial Brands manufactures and markets a diverse portfolio of tobacco products and next-generation alternatives to consumers in over 120 markets worldwide. Dino Polska operates a rapidly expanding grocery retail chain with mid-sized supermarkets strategically located in rural regions and small towns across Poland. These European retail leaders represent compelling investment opportunities spanning luxury goods, consumer products, and essential retail services, positioning them well for sustained growth and market leadership in 2026. Their established brand equity and operational excellence make them attractive choices for investors seeking exposure to diverse European consumer markets.

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The European manufacturing sector continues to demonstrate resilience and innovation as companies adapt to evolving global supply chains and technological advancement. Are you looking for exposure to Europe's industrial backbone with strong operational excellence? Hanza operates as a leading European manufacturing partner providing customized industrial solutions and advanced manufacturing services across multiple sectors and international markets. Prysmian specializes in cable manufacturing and energy infrastructure solutions, delivering critical components for telecommunications and power transmission systems globally. Alfa Laval develops sophisticated heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling technologies that serve essential industries including marine, energy, and food processing markets worldwide. The European manufacturing sector offers compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to industrial innovation and operational excellence. These are among the best European manufacturing stocks for 2026.

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European industrial companies represent a powerful combination of defense innovation, aerospace excellence, and advanced technology solutions that drive critical infrastructure worldwide. These industry leaders leverage decades of engineering expertise while adapting to evolving security needs and technological advancement. Bilfinger operates as a leading German industrial services provider, specializing in maintenance, modification, and engineering solutions for industrial plants and infrastructure across Europe. ACS Actividades de Construcción y Servicios stands as one of Spain's largest construction and engineering groups, delivering complex infrastructure projects and industrial services globally. Siemens Energy provides comprehensive energy technology solutions spanning wind turbines, grid management systems, and hydrogen technologies for the global energy transition. These European industrial leaders combine operational excellence with strategic positioning in defense and technology markets, making them attractive investment opportunities as global security priorities continue evolving in 2026. Their established expertise and adaptation to changing industrial landscapes position them well for sustained growth and innovation.

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European healthcare companies combine scientific innovation with regulatory excellence, creating compelling investment opportunities across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. These firms benefit from strong research ecosystems and access to diverse global markets. Dynavox Group specializes in assistive technology for people with speech and communication disabilities, providing solutions that enhance quality of life. RaySearch Laboratories develops advanced software solutions for radiation therapy treatment optimization in cancer care facilities worldwide. EssilorLuxottica leads the global eyewear industry through innovative lens technology, iconic brands, and an extensive retail network. In 2025, European healthcare stocks offer investors exposure to demographic tailwinds, innovation pipelines, and defensive earnings profiles. These companies represent compelling opportunities for those seeking quality growth in a resilient sector.

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European financial institutions represent some of the continent's most strategically positioned banking leaders, combining traditional strengths with modern innovation. These banks have demonstrated remarkable resilience through economic cycles while maintaining strong market positions across diverse European markets. Banco Sabadell provides comprehensive financial services across Spain and internationally, leveraging digital transformation and strategic restructuring to strengthen its competitive position. Banco BPM operates as one of Italy's leading banking groups, offering diversified financial services while benefiting from strategic mergers and operational improvements. UniCredit stands as a major European financial institution, serving clients across multiple countries with strong digital capabilities and comprehensive banking solutions. These European financial leaders combine operational excellence with strategic market positioning, making them attractive investment opportunities as the sector continues evolving in 2025. Their established market presence and adaptation to changing financial landscapes position them well for sustained growth and value creation.

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The European energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by renewable energy expansion, grid modernization, and the push for energy independence across the continent. Companies in this space are at the forefront of the energy transition, combining traditional power generation with cutting-edge clean technologies and sustainable solutions. Siemens Energy provides comprehensive energy technology solutions spanning wind turbines, grid management systems, and hydrogen technologies for the global energy transition. Iberdrola operates as a leading renewable energy producer with extensive wind, solar, and hydroelectric power assets across Europe and North America. Capricorn Energy focuses on oil and gas exploration and production with operations in the North Sea, delivering traditional energy resources while transitioning to cleaner alternatives. These European energy stocks offer investors exposure to both traditional power generation and renewable energy expansion, positioning them well for Europe's energy transition goals. With strong government support for clean energy and ongoing infrastructure investments, they represent compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the evolving European energy landscape in 2025.

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