7 Best Stocks to Buy Now for Big Gains (November 2025 Edition)

Key Takeaways

Stocks Near Record Highs, But Caution in the Air: Major stock indices have surged to record levels in 2025, with the S&P 500 up ~16% year-to-date and the Nasdaq Composite up ~22% ^[1]. However, valuations are elevated (~23× forward earnings) ^[2], and top Wall Street CEOs have warned that a 10–15% market correction could occur within the next year or two ^[3] ^[4]. Investors should be selective and focus on quality as froth builds.
AI Boom Driving Tech Leaders: The AI revolution has powered explosive gains in tech “Magnificent Seven” stocks. Nvidia became the first $5 trillion company as its AI chips dominate the industry ^[5], and Apple and Microsoft have each topped $4 trillion. Cloud and AI investments are reigniting growth at companies like Amazon, with AWS cloud sales accelerating 20% in Q3 ^[6]. These leaders remain long-term winners, but investors must balance high-growth potential against rich valuations ^[7].
Undervalued Gems Across Sectors: Not all stocks have joined the 2025 rally – many quality stocks still trade at reasonable prices or have lagged the megacaps. We highlight picks in healthcare and consumer sectors that combine value and growth characteristics. For example, Universal Health Services (UHS) posted ~50% earnings growth this year and still trades under 10× forward earnings ^[8] ^[9]. Such stocks offer defensive downside protection with continued upside potential.
Global Opportunities & Diversification: Investors should think globally. European equities have outperformed U.S. markets in 2025 (Euro Stoxx 600 +25% USD terms) yet still trade at a valuation discount ^[10]. In emerging markets, leading companies like MercadoLibre are growing revenue ~39% year-over-year ^[11], tapping huge untapped markets in e-commerce and fintech. A globally diversified portfolio of top stocks can capture multiple growth engines while spreading risk.
Near-Term Outlook vs. Long-Term Vision: In the next 3–6 months, markets may be choppy – sentiment is euphoric, central bank policy is in flux, and geopolitical uncertainties (e.g. a protracted U.S. government shutdown) linger ^[12] ^[13]. A healthy pullback is possible (and even “welcome,” according to Morgan Stanley’s CEO ^[14]). Longer-term (1+ year), the outlook remains positive for fundamentally strong companies. Our recommended stocks have robust earnings drivers, solid balance sheets, and secular tailwinds that should enable them to thrive over the coming years, regardless of near-term volatility.

Market Overview: Rally Rolls On, With Underlying Risks

2025 has been a banner year for stocks globally. In the U.S., the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have repeatedly notched all-time highs ^[15], fueled by strong corporate earnings (especially in tech) and easing inflation amid a recent Federal Reserve rate cut ^[16]. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up ~12% year-to-date, the S&P 500 +16%, and the Nasdaq Composite +22% through the end of October ^[17]. European markets have also surged – the Euro Stoxx 600 is up ~25% (in USD terms) this year ^[18] – and Asian indices hit record highs before a slight pullback on profit-taking ^[19].

However, euphoria is tempered by growing warnings from market veterans that stock valuations may be running too hot. Top Wall Street CEOs are sounding the alarm on “frothy” prices: Morgan Stanley’s CEO Ted Pick cautioned on Nov 4 that equity markets could see a “welcome” 10–15% drawdown even without a major economic shock ^[20] ^[21]. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon noted “technology multiples are full” – suggesting big tech stocks are priced for perfection ^[22]. JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon recently warned of a heightened risk of a “significant correction” within 6–24 months, citing uncertainty from geopolitical tensions and fiscal issues ^[23]. Famed investor Michael Burry even invoked the dot-com bust, hinting “sometimes, we see bubbles” in reference to the runaway AI trade ^[24].

At the same time, many analysts remain optimistic that any dip will be temporary. The market’s breadth has been narrow – roughly 200 S&P 500 stocks were actually down on the year by late October ^[25] – so a rotation into laggards could occur rather than an outright crash. “Ultimately I think this is a pause in the broader rally, rather than the tide definitively turning against the bulls,” said one strategist after a brief tech selloff in early November ^[26]. Indeed, despite bubble concerns, investors continue to pour money into the AI theme, and corporate deal-making is reinforcing it (for example, Amazon’s massive $38 billion cloud partnership with OpenAI turbocharged AI enthusiasm) ^[27].

Key macro factors are a mixed bag. Interest rates have stabilized (the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is hovering around 4.1% ^[28]), and inflation has moderated, giving the Fed room to pause or cut rates – a positive for stocks. Yet, policy uncertainty remains: divisions in the Fed cloud the odds of a December rate cut ^[29] ^[30], and a U.S. federal government shutdown dragging into its second month adds economic risk ^[31]. Still, markets have largely “brushed aside” concerns about inflation, rates, and the shutdown so far ^[32], focusing instead on strong earnings and innovation.

Bottom line: The market is at a crossroads – powerful momentum driven by tech and ample liquidity, versus looming valuation and macro risks. In this environment, it’s crucial to invest in high-conviction stocks with proven earnings strength, reasonable valuation, and secular growth drivers. Below, we highlight seven of the best stocks to buy now, spanning multiple sectors and regions, that fit those criteria. These picks offer a balance of short-term resilience and long-term upside to navigate whatever the market brings next.

1. Nvidia (NVDA): AI Chip Champion, Still Powering Higher

Nvidia has been the poster child of the AI boom, and for good reason. The Silicon Valley chipmaker’s GPUs are the backbone of modern artificial intelligence workloads, from training large language models to powering data centers. Nvidia’s financial performance and stock growth have been nothing short of astonishing. Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, NVDA shares have climbed 12-fold ^[33], as investors recognized Nvidia’s central role in AI – a rally that has cemented its status as a megacap titan.

^[34]Nvidia’s meteoric ascent – shares up roughly 1,100% in under three years – has left other tech giants far behind. The chart below shows Nvidia’s share price (red line) vastly outperforming its fellow “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks over the past five years. This performance reflects how dominant Nvidia has become in the AI era, effectively “going from chip maker to industry creator,” as one equity analyst put it ^[35].

Nvidia made headlines in late October by becoming the first company in history to reach a $5 trillion market valuation ^[36], after another blowout quarter and a string of major partnership announcements. CEO Jensen Huang revealed an astounding $500 billion in AI chip order backlogs and plans to build new supercomputers for the U.S. government ^[37] ^[38]. With demand for its advanced GPUs surging, analysts say Nvidia “remains one of the best ways to play the AI theme.” ^[39] In other words, despite the stock’s huge run-up, Wall Street largely expects Nvidia’s growth to continue as AI adoption is still in early innings.

Current Performance & Valuation: NVDA trades around $207 per share (post-split) as of early November, after a ~3% jump on the day it hit $5 trillion in market cap ^[40]. The stock has soared over 240% year-to-date. Importantly, Nvidia’s valuation, while rich, isn’t as extreme as some smaller AI peers. It changes hands at about 33× forward earnings ^[41] – pricey, but supported by rapid earnings growth – whereas certain hyped AI software names sport triple-digit P/Es with far less proven profitability. Nvidia is converting its dominance into real profits: its data-center revenue has been doubling, and each quarterly earnings report in 2025 has smashed expectations.

Near-Term Outlook (3–6 months): In the short run, investors should be prepared for volatility. After such a vertical climb, Nvidia’s stock could see sharp swings on any hint of softer demand or broader market pullbacks. Notably, market skeptics warn that “frothy” AI valuations might be due for a reset ^[42]. If the tech sector corrects 10%+, NVDA would likely participate given its large gains. That said, any dips could be healthy. Goldman Sachs’ CEO noted that while tech multiples are stretched, a correction would “create drawdowns or change perspective… none of us are smart enough to see them until they occur” ^[43] ^[44] – essentially, short-term pullbacks are normal, even welcome, during a powerful innovation-driven cycle.

For Nvidia specifically, upcoming catalysts include its next earnings report (due Nov 19) and the holiday tech spending season. Many analysts expect another strong quarter, though the bar is high. Keep an eye on data center order trends, any updates on supply constraints, and commentary on AI demand from cloud giants (many of whom are Nvidia’s customers). Also, U.S.-China trade tensions around advanced chips bear watching; export restrictions on Nvidia’s top GPUs to China have thus far not derailed its growth, but remain a headline risk.

Long-Term Thesis (1+ year): The long-term case for Nvidia remains very compelling. The company sits at the intersection of multiple secular trends – AI, cloud computing, gaming, and autonomous vehicles – and has built a wide moat with its proprietary GPU software ecosystem (CUDA). As evidence of its entrenched position, Nvidia’s recent deals span both industry and government: e.g. a $38 billion partnership with Amazon’s AWS (OpenAI’s cloud provider) and contracts to supply chips for national AI infrastructure ^[45] ^[46]. With rivals like AMD and new startups still far behind in performance, Nvidia is likely to retain a dominant market share in high-end AI chips for years.

Investor enthusiasm should be tempered by realism: Nvidia’s growth rate will eventually normalize, and it faces the challenge of living up to high expectations. But even if annual growth moderates from triple-digits to, say, 30%–40%, that could be enough to justify further stock appreciation given its critical role in a burgeoning industry. “The market continues to underestimate the scale of the opportunity,” noted one analyst, arguing Nvidia’s valuation doesn’t yet reflect the full AI future ^[47]. Barring an unforeseen technological disruption, Nvidia is poised to be a keystone of the AI economy, making it a core long-term holding. New investors might start with a smaller position (to hedge against near-term swings) and add on dips. For those with a multi-year horizon, NVDA remains a high-conviction “buy” on any weakness, as its leadership in an AI-driven world is firmly established.

2. Alphabet (GOOGL): Search and Cloud Giant Firing on All Cylinders

While the flashy AI hardware companies and consumer apps often grab headlines, Alphabet (Google’s parent) is quietly demonstrating that even a mature tech titan can reinvent itself and accelerate growth. In 2025, Alphabet proved the naysayers wrong by delivering standout financial results across all its segments, dispelling fears that AI chatbots would cannibalize its core search business.

Alphabet’s Q3 2025 earnings were a landmark: for the first time ever, Google’s quarterly revenue exceeded $100 billion, coming in at $102.3 billion (+16% year-on-year) ^[48]. This blew past Wall Street estimates and showed robust expansion in Google’s traditional moneymakers and newer ventures. Notably, search advertising revenue grew ~14.5% YoY to $56.6 billion ^[49], even as tools like ChatGPT rose in popularity. In fact, every major segment – Search, YouTube, Cloud, etc. – posted double-digit growth ^[50] ^[51], highlighting the company’s impressive adaptability. Google Cloud, for instance, saw revenue jump to $15.16 billion (vs $11.35B a year ago) as it carves out a strong No.3 position in cloud services ^[52].

Current Performance & Valuation: GOOGL stock has been a winner this year, up about 45% year-to-date through early November ^[53]. After the blockbuster Q3 report in late October, shares popped ~5% in one day ^[54] and currently trade around $280–$285 per share (equivalent to $1.8+ trillion market cap). Despite these gains, Alphabet’s valuation remains reasonable relative to peers: it trades at roughly 25× forward earnings, below other mega-cap tech names like Microsoft (~30×) or Amazon (which has a higher multiple due to lower current earnings). Google’s moderate P/E, combined with its renewed double-digit growth, gives it an attractive PEG ratio (price/earnings-to-growth) compared to many high-flying tech stocks. The company also boasts a fortress balance sheet (over $120B in cash) and continues hefty share buybacks, which provide downside support to the stock.

Competitive Moats and AI Strategy: A key reason to favor Alphabet now is that it has embraced AI to enhance – not erode – its core business. Earlier in 2023, bears worried that generative AI (e.g. chatbots answering questions directly) could make Google Search less relevant. Instead, Google has rapidly integrated AI into its products (“Search Generative Experience”, new AI features in Gmail/Workspace, etc.), and it remains the gateway to the web for billions. CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted that AI is driving real business results across the company ^[55]. Importantly, Google’s vast trove of data and its decades of search algorithm R&D give it an inherent advantage in AI – it can deploy large AI models in a way that complements search ads (still ~55% of revenue) rather than cannibalizing them. Moreover, Alphabet’s investments in AI infrastructure are huge: it now plans $91–$93 billion in capex this year (up from a $75B initial plan) to expand data centers and servers for AI ^[56] ^[57]. This spending, while hitting short-term free cash flow, is positioning Google to remain a leader in cloud AI services (TensorFlow, TPUs, etc.) and to support its next-gen products (like the upcoming Gemini AI model to compete with GPT-4).

Near-Term Outlook (3–6 months): Alphabet heads into the holiday quarter with considerable momentum. Its management guided for continued strong ad spending – digital ad budgets have grown as businesses feel more confident in the economic backdrop. A potential near-term catalyst is the integration of AI into advertising tools, which could boost ad efficiency for clients (and thus Google’s revenue per search). On the Cloud side, Google is not yet as large as AWS or Azure, but it’s growing fast (Q3 Cloud revenue +33% YoY) and reaching profitability. In the next few months, watch for updates on Google’s AI chatbot Bard and its reception; a well-received update (or improved user numbers) could signal Google defending its turf in consumer AI. Additionally, antitrust noise (the ongoing DOJ antitrust trial over Google’s search dominance) bears mention – though any resolution is far off, headlines could cause short-term stock swings. So far, investors have largely shrugged off regulatory concerns, but it’s an area to monitor.

All told, Alphabet appears well-insulated against minor macro fluctuations. Even if economic growth sputters, businesses must advertise and leverage search to reach customers – Google’s ad empire is like a tollbooth on global commerce. The main near-term risk would be a broad tech selloff or rotation out of mega-caps, but given Alphabet’s reasonable valuation and buyback support, it may hold up better than high-multiple peers in a downturn.

Long-Term Thesis (1+ year): Over a multi-year horizon, Alphabet is a diversified growth machine with multiple engines: Search/Ads (cash cow), Cloud, YouTube, Android/Play Store, and “Other Bets” (like Waymo self-driving cars, which could unlock future value). Its core advertising business is mature but still growing in the low-teens, which, at Google’s scale, is remarkable. The rise of AI actually strengthens Google’s hand long-term, in our view, because it raises the technological bar to compete. Training large AI models and indexing the world’s information is enormously resource-intensive – and few companies on earth have the resources Google does to do this effectively. This suggests Google’s competitive moat in search and AI-driven services will remain wide.

Meanwhile, newer ventures could become big contributors. YouTube continues to expand (with Shorts, YouTube Music, etc.), and is arguably undervalued within Alphabet – it’s the world’s second-largest social media platform by usage and has lots of monetization runway. Google Cloud is now the No. 3 cloud provider and turned profitable in 2025; even if it stays behind Amazon and Microsoft, the market is so large that Google Cloud can grow into a $100B+ revenue business in a few years. And Alphabet’s more speculative bets, like Waymo, could become game-changers in transportation (Waymo is ramping up robotaxi services in multiple cities).

For long-term investors, Alphabet offers a rare combo of growth and stability. It’s a AAA-rated company with decades-long durability, yet it’s still innovating aggressively and expanding into new markets. With the stock around $283, analysts’ average price targets are in the $330–$350 range over the next 12 months, implying decent upside. We expect Alphabet to continue compounding earnings at a healthy clip (~15% annually) and reward shareholders accordingly. In a market crowded with flashy AI names, Google remains a must-own foundational stock for exposure to the digital economy. It’s an ideal “buy-and-hold forever” candidate: The Motley Fool even recently named Google as one of “3 Stocks to Buy Now and Hold Forever.” ^[58] For investors with a long horizon looking for a relatively lower-risk tech play, Alphabet is highly recommended.

3. Amazon (AMZN): E-Commerce Titan with Renewed Growth (Cloud, AI & More)

Amazon went through a bit of a lull in the past couple of years – heavy investments and a post-pandemic e-commerce slowdown caused its earnings to dip and its stock to lag other tech giants. But 2025 is increasingly looking like Amazon’s comeback story. The company has sharpened its focus on efficiency and new growth verticals, and the efforts are bearing fruit: Amazon’s latest results show its business is “firing on all cylinders” again ^[59].

The turning point came with Amazon’s Q3 2025 earnings, reported in late October. Amazon delivered a resounding beat, driven by a re-acceleration in its cloud computing arm (AWS). AWS (Amazon Web Services) posted 20% revenue growth YoY – its fastest growth in nearly three years ^[60] – as companies “continue to spend relentlessly on AI” infrastructure in the cloud ^[61]. This is a major uptick from the sub-15% growth rates AWS was putting up a year ago. The strong cloud demand, fueled by AI workloads, helped push Amazon’s overall quarterly sales above expectations and led the company to issue bullish guidance for Q4 (forecasting $206–213B in holiday quarter revenue) ^[62] ^[63].

The stock market responded with enthusiasm: Amazon shares surged 14% in one day after the Q3 report, adding roughly $330 billion in market cap in a single session ^[64] ^[65]. That rally was a dramatic reminder that Amazon, despite being a $1+ trillion behemoth, still has the capacity for high growth when conditions align. Prior to this, Amazon had been the worst-performing of the FAANG/Magnificent Seven stocks in 2025 – essentially flat year-to-date before the earnings spike ^[66]. Now, with the post-earnings jump, AMZN is up around 15% YTD and gaining positive momentum into year-end.

Key Drivers & Initiatives: There are a few major themes powering Amazon’s resurgence:

Cloud & AI Leadership: AWS is the world’s largest cloud provider and accounts for ~60% of Amazon’s total operating income ^[67]. After a period of slower growth, AWS is benefiting from the new wave of AI adoption. Companies need cloud horsepower to train AI models and deploy AI services, and AWS is often the default choice. CEO Andy Jassy highlighted, “AWS is growing at a pace we haven’t seen since 2022. We continue to see strong demand in AI and core infrastructure, and we’ve been focused on accelerating capacity.” ^[68] Amazon is heavily investing to stay ahead: it spent $89.9B on capex in the first 3 quarters of 2025, largely on AI and cloud infrastructure, and expects record capex ~$125B for the full year ^[69] ^[70]. These investments create a formidable barrier to entry for competitors and ensure AWS can capture the ongoing AI cloud boom. Notably, Amazon’s recent $38 billion deal with OpenAI (to be OpenAI’s primary cloud partner over 7 years) is both a validation of AWS’s prowess and a huge pipeline for future cloud revenue ^[71].
Refocused Retail & Profitability: On the retail side (e-commerce), Amazon has implemented cost optimizations after its over-expansion in 2020–21. It has moderated hiring, improved warehouse efficiency, and even introduced fees for certain Prime services to bolster margins. The result: even with slower top-line growth in e-commerce, profits have improved. Additionally, Amazon’s advertising business (ads on its platform) has quietly become a juggernaut, driving high-margin revenue. CEO Jassy struck an “exuberant” tone on the analyst call, saying Amazon has momentum and “multiple places where we can continue to grow,” specifically naming advertising and retail sales as ongoing growth areas ^[72].
Holiday Season and Beyond: The timing is great – we are entering the holiday quarter, historically Amazon’s biggest sales period. Early indications (from October’s Prime Big Deal Days and overall consumer spending trends) suggest a solid holiday season. Amazon’s Q4 guidance implies ~9–13% YoY growth, which would be its best holiday growth in a few years ^[73]. If Amazon executes well, it could end 2025 on a high note, reinforcing investor confidence.

Near-Term Outlook (3–6 months): In the immediate term, Amazon’s stock has tailwinds. The strong Q3 has reset perceptions, and the narrative has shifted from “Amazon is struggling with costs” to “Amazon is back to growth.” The next 1–2 quarters should see continued robust cloud growth – AWS’s order book and client pipeline for AI work are extremely strong (Azure and Google Cloud are also seeing this trend, indicating secular growth in cloud spending) ^[74]. If AWS remains at ~20% growth and retail/ads chug along high-single digits, Amazon’s overall revenue and profit will keep surprising to the upside.

One short-term risk factor to watch is consumer spending health. Amazon did note some weakness in consumer confidence globally due to trade uncertainties ^[75]. If macroeconomic conditions deteriorate or if inflation squeezes holiday shoppers, Amazon’s e-commerce growth could underwhelm. However, the company’s diversification (cloud and ads now make up a huge portion of profits) insulates it more than in the past from pure retail swings.

From a stock perspective, after the recent jump, AMZN is around $145 per share. Many analysts upgraded price targets post-earnings, typically to the $170–$180 range, citing the cloud reacceleration and improving margins. Valuation-wise, Amazon trades around 50× 2024 earnings – still not cheap, but note that earnings are depressed by heavy investment; its forward P/E is expected to drop quickly as profits ramp up. If the market stays buoyant, Amazon’s relatively underperformance earlier in the year means it could play “catch up” to peers – a scenario where it continues to outperform in coming months as investors rotate into names with new growth catalysts (which Amazon now has).

Long-Term Thesis (1+ year): Amazon’s long-term trajectory remains very attractive. It is a one-of-a-kind conglomerate that dominates massive markets: e-commerce, cloud computing, and also has strong footholds in streaming (Prime Video), groceries (Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh), smart homes (Alexa), and more. Looking a year or more out:

AWS & AI: Cloud adoption still has plenty of runway globally, and AWS is likely to maintain leadership given its scale and continually expanding services. AI will only increase cloud usage – training advanced AI models requires immense computing power (often using AWS’s custom AI chips or GPU instances). Amazon is also developing its own AI models (like the CodeWhisperer for coding, or healthcare AI tools) which could become new product lines. Over a 1–3 year horizon, expect AWS to potentially re-accelerate further or sustain high-teens growth, which, given its profit margin, will drive much of Amazon’s overall operating income.
Retail & New Verticals: In e-commerce, Amazon will keep innovating (drone deliveries, one-day Prime shipping expansion, etc.) to stay ahead of competitors like Walmart. While growth is slower in a maturing U.S. market, international markets (India, Latin America) and new categories (B2B supplies via Amazon Business) offer growth opportunities. Advertising on Amazon’s platform is a gem – already a ~$40B/year business – that could grow at ~20% annually as more vendors pay to promote products on Amazon’s sites. Additionally, Amazon’s push into logistics (fulfillment services for third parties) means it earns revenue even when sales happen off Amazon (fulfilling Shopify or other merchants’ orders). Over time, this could make Amazon akin to an “internet infrastructure” stock, not just a retailer.
Valuation & Shareholder Value: Historically, Amazon has traded on hefty valuation multiples due to its growth. But as it transitions to a more profitable, slightly slower-growing company, one can argue it will start to be valued more on earnings. The good news is those earnings are poised to swell. Many on Wall Street see Amazon’s EPS doubling from 2024 to 2026 as efficiency gains and revenue growth combine. If Amazon executes, its PEG (P/E to growth) ratio is quite reasonable, and the stock has upside. Long-term shareholders also benefit from Amazon’s reinvestment philosophy – rather than paying dividends, it reinvests into new ventures (like healthcare initiatives, satellite internet with Project Kuiper, etc.) that can become the next big growth driver.

In summary, Amazon looks like a strong buy for long-term investors. After a period of digestion, it’s back to solid growth in its core businesses and is at the forefront of the AI/cloud wave. Ethan Feller of Zacks put it well: “The report confirms Amazon’s operations are firing on all cylinders… despite the stock’s nearly flat growth this year, the company’s fundamentals never meaningfully weakened.” ^[76] Now that the stock has a fresh catalyst, it could have room to run. We recommend buying Amazon, ideally on any dips, for exposure to one of the most powerful business ecosystems on the planet.

4. Wingstop (WING): Tasty Growth and Franchise Strength in Restaurants

Shifting gears to a smaller-cap consumer stock, Wingstop is a compelling growth story in the restaurant industry that investors shouldn’t overlook. Wingstop Inc. – known for its craveable chicken wings and sauces – has been one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in recent years, leveraging an asset-light franchise model and a strong digital presence. As of November 2025, Wingstop’s stock has pulled back from its highs, potentially giving new investors an attractive entry point into a long-term expansion story.

What Makes Wingstop Special? Wingstop has carved out a profitable niche with its simple menu (wings, fries, and sides) and focus on off-premise dining. Nearly all its stores are franchised, meaning the company earns high-margin royalties without heavy capital expenditure. This model has enabled rapid unit growth – Wingstop has been opening hundreds of new locations globally, including entering new international markets. Even as it expands, demand remains robust: Wingstop’s system-wide sales and same-store sales have shown impressive resilience, benefiting from the growing popularity of chicken wings and the chain’s effective marketing (often leveraging social media and partnerships during big sporting events).

Recent Performance: Earlier in 2025, Wingstop’s stock soared to all-time highs (it traded above $250 per share in the summer). However, after its Q3 earnings (released in late October), the stock dipped significantly, now around $215 per share ^[77]. The pullback was due in part to investor concerns about wing price inflation and slightly softer same-store sales growth. Yet, fundamentally, Wingstop continues to grow healthily. Analysts note that any commodity cost pressures (e.g. higher chicken prices) can often be passed through via modest menu price increases, given Wingstop’s loyal customer base. Moreover, wing prices have historically been volatile; current pressures are likely temporary and could ease, creating a margin tailwind in coming quarters.

From a stock perspective, analysts remain overwhelmingly bullish on Wingstop’s prospects. On November 4, Barclays reiterated an “Overweight/Buy” rating with a $330 price target, which implies roughly +65% upside from current levels ^[78]. In fact, 9 out of 10 top Wall Street analysts covering Wingstop recently rated it a Buy, reflecting high confidence in the company’s 12+ month outlook ^[79]. The bullishness stems from Wingstop’s long runway for unit growth (management sees potential for 7,000+ global restaurants, versus ~2,000 today) and its robust economics (new franchise stores pay back quickly, fueling franchisee demand for more units).

Near-Term Outlook (3–6 months): In the next few quarters, Wingstop could see a reacceleration in momentum for several reasons. First, the chain typically enjoys strong sales during big sports seasons (football playoffs, Super Bowl, March Madness, etc.), where wings are a popular choice for watch parties. The company’s marketing around these events has historically driven spikes in orders. Second, Wingstop has been rolling out new flavor offerings and promotional deals that keep customers engaged; any successful LTO (limited time offer) can boost comp sales.

Additionally, Wingstop’s digital strategy continues to pay off – over 60% of its orders come through digital channels, which tend to have higher ticket sizes and loyalty retention. The company is doubling down on its app and CRM to personalize promotions. This digital strength not only fuels sales but also creates operational leverage (digital orders are easier to fulfill and require less labor at the cashier). In an industry facing labor cost inflation, Wingstop’s efficient format (many stores are small footprint or even ghost kitchens) is a plus.

Investors should watch Wingstop’s next earnings (likely in early 2026) to see if margin pressures from wing costs are abating. If commodity costs stabilize, Wingstop’s margins could expand nicely, since it had been absorbing some inflation. The company’s updated development pipeline will also be key – indications of faster franchise openings or new international market entries could excite the market.

In the very short term, the stock might be a bit volatile as it finds a bottom after the recent dip. The 52-week range is roughly $204 (low) to $270+ (high) ^[80], and it’s near the low end now. Technical investors might see support in the low $200s. But given the strong long-term fundamentals, many analysts view this dip as “buying the pullback” opportunity.

Long-Term Thesis (1+ year): The long-term story for Wingstop is one of sustained, high-return growth. The company has a proven formula that can be replicated in many markets. In the U.S., it still has whitespace in numerous mid-sized cities and suburban areas where it’s under-penetrated. Internationally, Wingstop is just scratching the surface – it has begun expanding in regions like Asia and Europe. If even a fraction of those markets embrace the concept as enthusiastically as Americans have, the unit growth could drive double-digit revenue increases for many years.

Financially, Wingstop’s model yields enviable returns on capital. It enjoys mid-20% operating margins and grows with minimal capex (since franchisees fund new stores). That means it throws off a lot of cash as it scales. The company has been shareholder-friendly with that cash, initiating dividends and share buybacks in recent years. As earnings grow, investors can expect both the dividend to rise and opportunistic buybacks to continue, enhancing shareholder returns.

One risk to note is competition: the wing segment has other players (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings, which is more dine-in sports bar style, or Pizza chains pushing wings as sides). However, Wingstop’s singular focus on wings and its superior flavor variety give it a brand identity that has been hard to directly challenge. It essentially owns the “wings to-go” niche. As long as it stays innovative with flavors and maintains quality, customers are likely to remain loyal.

Another long-term consideration is whether health trends or chicken alternative products could impact wing demand. So far, wings have proven to be a resilient indulgence even as consumers seek healthier options; Wingstop has also introduced veggie sticks and may adapt menu offerings over time. But wings are a staple comfort food, and occasional indulgence is unlikely to go out of style.

In conclusion, Wingstop offers growth investors an attractive mix of a well-established concept and significant expansion potential ahead. It’s a smaller cap name (around $6 billion market cap) with possibly more upside volatility, but also higher growth rates than most large-cap consumer stocks. Analysts’ consensus sees double-digit percentage earnings growth for the foreseeable future, and the company’s own long-term targets imply an ambitious trajectory (e.g., aiming for 20%+ annual system-wide sales growth). If you’re looking for a consumer discretionary stock with multiyear growth drivers, Wingstop is a flavorful choice. At the current ~$215 share price, it’s a buy for those with patience to ride out any near-term spice and savor the long-term gains.

5. Universal Health Services (UHS): Healthcare Value Play with Growth and Resilience

For a more defensive pick that still offers solid growth, Universal Health Services (UHS) stands out as a top choice. UHS is one of America’s largest hospital and healthcare service providers, operating a network of acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and outpatient centers across the country ^[81]. In an era of expensive tech stocks, UHS represents a classic “GARP” stock – Growth At a Reasonable Price – with a foot in the stable healthcare sector and metrics that would make value investors smile.

Why UHS Is Attractive Now: UHS has delivered an impressive operational performance recently, yet the market has not fully re-rated the stock to reflect that strength. In late October, UHS announced blockbuster Q3 2025 results, significantly beating expectations and raising its guidance for the full year ^[82]. This continues a trend of earnings surprises – UHS boasts an average earnings surprise of +9.4% over recent quarters ^[83]. The drivers include strong patient volumes, improved payor mix, and cost controls.

Crucially, UHS is seeing exceptional earnings growth: adjusted EPS is projected to soar ~50% in 2025, followed by another +24% in 2026 ^[84]. Even beyond that, analysts expect continued (if more moderate) growth as UHS benefits from behavioral health demand and potential expansion opportunities. Despite these growth rates, UHS’s stock is cheaply valued: it trades around 9.8× forward 12-month earnings, which is a ~52% discount to the average analyst price target for the stock ^[85]. It’s also roughly 15% below the average P/E of peer hospital operators ^[86]. In other words, the market is pricing UHS like a no-growth utility, when in fact it’s delivering high growth – a mispricing that savvy investors can exploit.

Current Stock Snapshot: UHS shares currently sit around $220 (as of early Nov). The stock has quietly had a good 2025, up about +21% year-to-date ^[87], but most of that came in the recent rally after Q3 results. Over the past 3 years, UHS has climbed ~90%, outperforming its industry’s ~80% gain ^[88]. Yet on a 5-year basis, UHS is still not far above its pre-pandemic levels, suggesting there could be more room to run as earnings have grown. Notably, the stock is approaching a technical breakout – it’s on the verge of testing its September 2024 highs after this earnings-fueled surge ^[89]. A move above those highs (around $225) could attract additional momentum buyers.

Supporting the bull case, UHS has also been proactive in returning capital to shareholders. The company announced a new $1.5 billion increase to its stock repurchase program in late October ^[90], reflecting confidence in its undervaluation. This buyback authorization is significant (over 10% of UHS’s market cap) and indicates management sees the stock as a great investment. Buybacks at these low multiples will also boost EPS further by shrinking the share count.

Business Resilience & Growth Areas: Healthcare is often considered recession-resistant, and UHS exemplifies that stability. People need hospital and psychiatric care in good times and bad. UHS’s mix of acute care hospitals (which handle surgeries, emergency care, etc.) and behavioral health facilities (focused on mental health and substance abuse treatment) covers core needs. The behavioral health segment is particularly interesting – demand for mental health services has been rising in the U.S., and UHS is a leader in this space with over 330 behavioral health facilities ^[91]. This segment tends to have higher margins and less competition than general hospitals, and UHS has been expanding it.

Moreover, UHS benefits when more patients are insured (public or private). With U.S. employment remaining solid and Medicaid expansions in many states, the insured rate is high, which reduces unpaid care and boosts hospital revenues. Even if an economic downturn occurs, government programs typically step up, so UHS’s revenue stream is not highly cyclical.

On the growth front, UHS isn’t opening new hospitals at a rapid clip (given the scale and regulatory processes, that’s slow). Instead, growth comes from acquisitions and service expansion. UHS has a history of making bolt-on acquisitions of facilities or companies that complement its network. Its strong balance sheet and cash flow give it the ability to do this. Additionally, UHS continuously invests in new service lines at its hospitals (for instance, adding outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, telehealth services, etc., under its umbrella). These initiatives drive patient volume growth and market share gains.

Near-Term Outlook (3–6 months): In the coming months, UHS will likely continue to benefit from the trends seen in Q3: high patient volumes and improved profitability. One thing to monitor is operating costs – hospitals have faced nursing shortages and wage inflation. UHS managed this well recently (hiring incentives and improved retention), but it remains a watchpoint. So far, UHS’s management has shown skill in controlling labor costs and supply expenses, and if inflation continues to ease, margins could expand further.

Another factor is payer mix and reimbursement rates. Medicare and Medicaid typically adjust reimbursement rates annually; for 2025, rates are generally increasing low-single digits, which should be a modest tailwind. Commercial insurance negotiations can also affect hospital revenue – UHS having scale allows it to negotiate favorable terms with insurers. No red flags are apparent here, but investors should stay aware of the healthcare policy environment (e.g., any major changes to ACA or insurance coverage that could impact volumes or bad debt).

Given UHS’s strong momentum, analysts in Zacks’ ranking system have upgraded it to a Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buy (as of Nov 4) ^[92]. It also earned an “A” grade for both Growth and Value in their style scores ^[93], underscoring the dual appeal. If the overall market remains volatile, UHS could even see defensive money flows – investors often rotate into healthcare during uncertain times, which could further bid up the stock.

Long-Term Thesis (1+ year): In the long run, UHS is positioned to deliver steady returns reminiscent of a high-quality utility or REIT, but with better growth. It generates ample cash, has a moderate dividend (yield ~0.5%, though the focus is more on buybacks now), and should see earnings trend upward over time as the population ages (driving more healthcare use) and as mental health care becomes more mainstream.

One exciting long-term possibility: if UHS continues to trade at a low earnings multiple, it could become an acquisition target itself. Large private equity firms or even rival health systems might find UHS attractive given its cash generation and undervaluation. While speculation of a takeover is not a core reason to buy, it provides a “backstop” of sorts on the valuation – it’s unlikely to trade at, say, 8× earnings for long without drawing interest.

Even without any M&A, simply normalizing the valuation upward could yield nice stock gains. If UHS were valued at just 15× earnings (still below the S&P 500 average), the stock would be far higher than today – and that’s not counting earnings growth. It’s worth noting that historically, hospital stocks often traded in the low-teens multiples, so UHS at <10× is highly anomalous. As the company proves its growth is sustainable, we expect some multiple expansion.

In conclusion, Universal Health Services is a compelling “stealth growth” story in healthcare. It combines the reliable demand of healthcare with surprising earnings acceleration, all available at a bargain valuation. This is the kind of stock that can anchor the value portion of your portfolio, providing stability and income (via buybacks/dividends) while also delivering upside as the market comes to appreciate its performance. We recommend UHS as a Strong Buy for investors looking for a blend of value, growth, and defensive characteristics in today’s market.

6. MercadoLibre (MELI): Latin America’s E-Commerce & Fintech Powerhouse

For exposure to high growth in emerging markets, MercadoLibre is a top pick. Often dubbed the “Amazon + PayPal of Latin America,” MercadoLibre (MELI) dominates e-commerce in the region and also operates a booming digital payments and fintech platform. Despite a four-digit stock price (recently about $2,300 per share), MercadoLibre remains a compelling bargain for long-term investors given its strong growth trajectory and expanding ecosystem ^[94] ^[95].

Company Overview: MercadoLibre is headquartered in Argentina and operates across major Latin American countries (notably Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and more). Its businesses span online marketplaces (MercadoLibre marketplace), digital payments (MercadoPago), logistics (MercadoEnvios), and fintech services like lending and asset management. This integrated model has created a network effect: merchants use MercadoLibre’s marketplace to sell goods, leverage MercadoEnvios for shipping, and use MercadoPago for processing payments – not just on MercadoLibre, but increasingly off-platform at physical stores and other websites.

Stellar Growth Continues: In its most recent quarter (Q3 2025), MercadoLibre delivered another outstanding result. Revenue jumped 39% year-over-year (in USD) to $7.41 billion, beating analyst expectations ^[96]. This growth is even more impressive considering some currency headwinds; in local currency terms, growth was above 50% in key markets. The company is solidly profitable as well – it reported earnings of $8.32 per share for Q3 ^[97]. Although that EPS missed some aggressive estimates, the slight miss was mainly due to heavy reinvestment and a temporary dip in profit margins (more on that shortly), not a sign of weak demand.

MercadoLibre’s two main segments are both firing: Commerce revenue grew ~30% (driven by increased merchandise volume and advertising income from sellers), and Fintech revenue grew ~40%+ as payment volume and credit revenues surged. The user base keeps expanding – MercadoLibre had 71 million active buyers in the recent quarter ^[98], and its fintech user count (people using MercadoPago wallet or credit services) is in the tens of millions and climbing.

A couple of short-term concerns had weighed on MELI shares earlier: the announced CEO transition (founder Marcos Galperin is handing the reins to a new CEO, Ariel Szarfsztejn, in January 2026) ^[99], and the aforementioned profit margin compression. In the second quarter of 2025, MercadoLibre’s net profit margin fell to 7.7%, down from 10.5% a year prior ^[100]. This drop was due to strategic choices – e.g., investments in free shipping subsidies in Brazil and other growth initiatives, plus currency fluctuations ^[101] ^[102]. Importantly, these moves are aimed at boosting long-term market share and customer adoption (e.g., lowering free shipping thresholds to attract more buyers) ^[103] ^[104]. The company is essentially sacrificing some short-term margin to solidify its network’s dominance, a trade-off management has made before with great success.

Many analysts (and we concur) believe these margin pressures are temporary and strategic. As one Motley Fool analyst put it, “MercadoLibre’s profits are challenged because management is thinking about long-term adoption opportunities… the stock’s valuation doesn’t reflect its growth potential.” ^[105] ^[106] Indeed, MercadoLibre stock currently trades at less than 5× sales ^[107], a rather modest multiple for a company growing revenue ~40% with a proven path to profitability. For perspective, during earlier high-growth phases, MELI often traded at 8–10× sales. The contraction likely reflects both the CEO change uncertainty and the broader emerging market discount, but it suggests significant upside if confidence in execution remains high.

Near-Term Outlook (3–6 months): MercadoLibre’s near term will be influenced by macro conditions in Latin America and its own seasonal strength. Q4 is usually a strong quarter due to holiday shopping (much like in the U.S.), and MercadoLibre is expected to see record Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and payments volume during events like Brazil’s Black Friday and Christmas season. Inflation in key markets like Brazil has moderated and consumer spending is relatively robust, which bodes well for continued high GMV growth.

Currency stability is another factor: a strong U.S. dollar can translate to lower USD-reported growth for MELI (since sales in BRL, ARS, etc., convert to fewer dollars). Recently, Latin currencies have been relatively stable or even strengthening against the dollar, which could help MELI’s reported results. Regardless, investors often look through currency noise to underlying constant-currency growth, which remains excellent.

Operationally, keep an eye on operating margins in the Q4 and Q1 reports. If the free-shipping investments start yielding higher order volumes (as intended), MELI may see margins tick back up from the recent trough as revenue scales. The company also has an advertising business (ads on its platform, similar to Amazon’s ad business) that is growing and is very high margin. This could be a needle-mover for profitability if they continue to ramp it up.

The CEO transition is a known event coming in January. Given Szarfsztejn is an internal veteran and Galperin remains as board chairman, we don’t anticipate any strategic shift. Nonetheless, the new CEO’s commentary in early 2026 will be watched for any changes in tone or emphasis.

Long-Term Thesis (1+ year): Looking further out, MercadoLibre’s runway for growth is enormous. E-commerce penetration in Latin America still lags markets like the U.S., so there is room for MELI to grow its commerce volumes at double-digit rates for years as more shopping moves online. Moreover, MercadoLibre’s fintech arm could eventually rival its commerce business in size. In some countries, MercadoPago is used even by people who don’t shop on MercadoLibre, as a general payment method and financial app. The company extends credit to merchants and consumers, operates a thriving mobile wallet, and even has launched a crypto trading feature within its app. Essentially, MELI is becoming the digital platform for a young, underbanked population in LatAm to manage their financial lives.

One statistic that highlights the potential: In Brazil, MercadoLibre has around 40 million active buyers ^[108], yet Brazil’s urban population is over 160 million. Even within its top market, MELI can 4× its user base in theory, not to mention further growth in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, etc. As the Motley Fool analysis noted, lowering the free shipping threshold was aimed at boosting adoption – getting more of those potential customers to start buying online ^[109] ^[110]. If they succeed, the lifetime value of those new customers will far outweigh the short-term cost.

MercadoLibre’s competitive position is strong. Amazon has invested in Brazil and Mexico, but hasn’t dislodged MELI’s leadership. Local competitors are much smaller. In fintech, there are rivals like Brazil’s Nubank and others, but MELI’s advantage is tying financial services to its commerce platform, creating a one-stop ecosystem (e.g., a merchant can get a loan from MercadoCredito to buy inventory to sell on MercadoLibre and collect payments via MercadoPago – a full flywheel that’s hard to match).

From an investor perspective, MELI has historically rewarded patience. It’s a volatile stock – macro headlines or currency swings can cause big short-term moves – but over decades it’s been a 7,000%+ return monster for those who held on ^[111] ^[112]. At ~$2,300, the stock is below its mid-2021 peak (~$2,800) and roughly flat over the past 12 months, despite the business growing substantially in that time. This disconnect suggests opportunity.

Valuation-wise, MELI’s P/E is high (around 80× 2025 earnings), but as noted, price-to-sales and PEG ratio are attractive once growth is considered. A common approach is to value it sum-of-parts: the commerce business at some multiple and the fintech at another. Both parts are growing so fast that within a couple of years, today’s multiples will look a lot lower.

Investor Takeaway: MercadoLibre offers something that is increasingly rare: exposure to early-stage growth markets with a proven business model. It’s the kind of stock you can envision being much larger in 5–10 years as Latin America’s economy digitizes. There will be ups and downs (emerging markets always have political and economic cycles), but MELI has navigated them expertly for over two decades. As long as you size your position appropriately relative to the volatility you can handle, MercadoLibre is a high-conviction buy for long-term growth investors. As one analyst concluded, “the stock’s valuation remains cheap nonetheless, and MercadoLibre should reward investors nicely from here.” ^[113] We agree – MELI is an excellent buy-and-hold candidate for those seeking to participate in the rise of Latin American tech prosperity.

7. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B): The Ultimate Defensive Compounder with Cash to Deploy

Rounding out our list is a very different kind of stock: Berkshire Hathaway. This is the conglomerate led by Warren Buffett, and it doesn’t fit neatly into any one sector – Berkshire is effectively a diversified portfolio of businesses and equities. Why include it now? Because at a time of elevated market valuations and uncertainty, Berkshire Hathaway offers a unique combination of downside protection and opportunistic upside. It’s like having a “fortress” in your portfolio that still participates in long-term market growth.

Massive Cash War Chest: One of the most compelling aspects of Berkshire today is its record cash pile. As of the latest report (Q3 2025), Berkshire held $381.7 billion in cash and short-term Treasuries on its balance sheet ^[114] ^[115]. This unprecedented hoard – earning interest of around 5% in T-bills – gives Berkshire unparalleled flexibility. Buffett has been accumulating cash, net selling more stocks than he bought for 12 consecutive quarters ^[116], essentially signaling that he saw few attractively priced opportunities in the frothy market of the past couple years. While that cautious stance meant Berkshire’s own stock performance lagged the S&P slightly in the big 2025 rally, it sets the stage for potentially huge future moves. If and when the market corrects or crises occur, Berkshire can swoop in with hundreds of billions to acquire great businesses at discounts – just as Buffett did in past downturns (e.g., 2008 when Berkshire made lucrative investments in Goldman Sachs and Bank of America) ^[117].

As Reuters noted, “Berkshire’s readiness to deploy capital could give it a significant advantage in acquiring assets at distressed prices, leaving less well-capitalized competitors at a disadvantage.” ^[118] In essence, Berkshire is a contrarian capital allocator: when others are greedy, Buffett is content holding cash; when others are fearful, Berkshire pounces. Buying Berkshire stock gives you a position that will likely outperform in a scenario where the broad market stumbles and then presents bargains.

Quality Businesses Inside: Berkshire’s value isn’t just its cash. The company owns dozens of high-quality subsidiaries outright – from GEICO insurance to BNSF Railroad, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (utilities), See’s Candies, Duracell, and many more. These operating businesses throw off substantial earnings (over $30B annually combined) and are generally moaty, stable industries like insurance, infrastructure, and consumer goods. In addition, Berkshire’s equity investment portfolio (managed by Buffett and his team) includes big stakes in blue-chip stocks such as Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Chevron, American Express, and others ^[119]. Notably, Apple has grown to be about 45% of Berkshire’s stock portfolio – effectively making Berkshire a significant play on Apple’s continued success, which has served it very well.

Buffett has famously said he prefers owning businesses for the long term, and Berkshire exemplifies that. Many of its holdings have been in the portfolio for decades, compounding value. This patient approach means Berkshire’s book value and intrinsic value tend to rise steadily over time, even if the stock price sometimes lags fast-moving bull markets.

Current Performance: Berkshire’s class B shares (BRK.B) trade around $360 as of early November. The stock hit all-time highs recently, though its year-to-date gain (~+15%) is roughly in line with the S&P 500, underperforming the Nasdaq which Berkshire’s more value-centric holdings typically do in a tech-led rally. However, this year’s market optimism has arguably made Berkshire’s relative value more attractive – its price-to-book ratio is about 1.4×, not far above historical averages, implying it’s reasonably valued. Berkshire itself has been buying back its own stock intermittently when Buffett deems the price undervalued relative to intrinsic value (though the pace slowed in 2025 as shares climbed).

One way to view Berkshire is as a “shadow ETF” that’s heavy on financials, energy, and consumer stocks, plus wholly-owned businesses, but with an active capital allocator at the helm. Unlike an ETF, Berkshire can actually take advantage of downturns by shifting that cash to buys. In the meantime, shareholders benefit from the stable earnings of its operating companies and any appreciation of its equity investments.

Near-Term Outlook (3–6 months): In the immediate future, Berkshire’s stock might not be the one that doubles your money – it’s not going to skyrocket absent a major catalyst. But it also likely won’t plunge as much as high-flyers if the market corrects. In fact, during market turmoil, Berkshire shares often fall less and sometimes even rise if investors flock to quality. For example, during some past sell-offs, the presence of huge cash and the Buffett premium made BRK a relative safe haven.

There are a few upcoming items to watch: Berkshire’s Q4 earnings and any hints from Buffett’s annual shareholder letter (usually released in February). Given the U.S. economy is holding up and interest rates are providing nice yield on that cash, Berkshire’s earnings from interest alone have jumped (billions in interest income now). If any major investments or acquisitions were made in Q4, that would be noteworthy; Buffett is famously quiet until deals are done, so something could emerge unexpectedly.

Additionally, Buffett’s age (95) means succession is always a background consideration. The plan is for Greg Abel (who runs the non-insurance side) to take over as CEO eventually. That transition, when it happens, might cause brief uncertainty among investors, but Abel is highly respected and Berkshire’s culture and decentralization should persist. In the near term, as long as Buffett and Charlie Munger are around, they continue to steer the ship conservatively.

Long-Term Thesis (1+ year): Owning Berkshire is fundamentally a bet on American (and global) economic resilience and on Buffett’s value investing ethos outliving him. Over the long run, Berkshire has a track record of outperforming in down markets and keeping pace in up markets, resulting in an admirable compounding (20% annual returns over decades, though slower in recent years due to size).

What could make Berkshire stock really shine in the next few years? Potentially a market downturn or crash – which might initially ding Berkshire’s equity holdings, but would then enable it to deploy that $380B war chest at scale. Imagine if the S&P fell 20%+; Berkshire could acquire entire companies or large stakes in companies at a discount, setting itself up for the next decade of gains. As the Chronicle Journal piece noted, “Historically, Buffett’s periods of significant cash accumulation have often preceded periods of market volatility or attractive buying opportunities… Buffett is positioning to act decisively during a future downturn.” ^[120] This suggests that Berkshire could be on the cusp of some major moves if the opportunity arises. Essentially, Berkshire is a hedge against market excesses – if the bubble bursts, Berkshire is one of the few entities that can benefit by being the buyer of last resort.

Even without a crash, Berkshire’s current portfolio is solid. Apple, its top holding, is doing well; its energy and railroad businesses benefit from infrastructure spending and economic growth; its insurance units (Geico, reinsurance) are seeing improved underwriting after some tough years (higher premiums across the industry are boosting profitability). These core engines should deliver earnings growth in the mid-single digits at least, which plus buybacks could translate to high-single-digit stock appreciation annually. Not electrifying, but steady.

Finally, Berkshire’s sheer size and quality could make it a “bond substitute” for some investors if interest rates eventually decline again. It doesn’t pay a dividend, but many view it as safer than most equities. If we enter a period where growth stocks falter and value is back in favor, Berkshire could see a valuation uptick (for instance, it traded at closer to 1.6× book in past value cycles, vs 1.4× now).

Conclusion: Berkshire Hathaway may not have the glamour of an AI startup or the explosive growth of a tech disruptor, but it offers something very valuable in the current environment: peace of mind and optionality. It’s run by the world’s most renowned investor, loaded with cash, invested in a spread of reliable businesses, and positioned to capitalize on whatever the market throws our way. For investors who want a “sleep-well-at-night” stock that can still outperform in choppy waters, Berkshire is a strong buy. It’s the embodiment of Buffett’s philosophy of being “fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” Holding Berkshire now means you’ve effectively got dry powder and Buffett’s acumen on your side for the next market chapter – and that’s a solid place to be.

Final Thoughts

As of November 2025, the stock market is near historic highs and the investing backdrop is a mix of euphoria and caution. In times like these, it’s wise to be selective. The seven stocks highlighted above – Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, Wingstop, UHS, MercadoLibre, and Berkshire Hathaway – offer a blend of offense and defense for a portfolio:

Hyper-growth and innovation (Nvidia, MercadoLibre) to capture transformative trends like AI and e-commerce fintech in emerging markets.
Steady compounders and cash machines (Alphabet, Amazon, UHS) that are executing well and trading at reasonable valuations.
Niche leaders (Wingstop) tapping into consumer trends with lots of room to expand.
Defensive strength with upside optionality (Berkshire) to anchor your holdings through thick and thin.

Each of these stocks has a strong case backed by recent performance, expert insights, and solid forecasts for the coming months and years. While short-term market fluctuations are inevitable – and investors should be mentally prepared for volatility – the underlying fundamentals of these companies give confidence that they can weather storms and continue growing value over time.

As always, consider your own risk tolerance and investment horizon. Diversification is important; the above picks span different sectors (tech, consumer, healthcare, finance) and geographies (U.S., Latin America, global exposure via Berkshire), which can help mitigate risk. Keep an eye on the macro signals (interest rates, economic data, geopolitical news) that could impact market sentiment in the near term. But avoid trying to time the market. Instead, focus on the business stories – are these companies delivering on their promises? Are their competitive advantages intact? Do they have clear avenues for future growth? In all seven cases, we believe the answer is a resounding yes.

In summary, the best stocks to buy now are those that combine strong current performance with bright futures, supported by secular trends and prudent management. The stocks recommended in this report meet that criteria. Whether you’re looking for long-term growth champions or a safe compounder with a twist, this list has you covered. By doing your due diligence and investing in quality companies, you tilt the odds in your favor to achieve fruitful returns in 2025 and beyond.

Happy investing!

Sources:

Reuters – Wall Street warnings on valuations ^[121] ^[122]; Nvidia $5T milestone ^[123] ^[124]; European market pullback ^[125] ^[126]; Amazon cloud surge ^[127] ^[128]; Buffett commentary ^[129] ^[130].
Investopedia – Stock futures and market metrics ^[131] ^[132]; Alphabet’s $100B+ quarter and stock jump ^[133] ^[134].
TipRanks/Nasdaq – Analyst picks (Wingstop, MBX, On Holding) ^[135].
Zacks via Nasdaq – UHS growth and valuation stats ^[136] ^[137]; UHS buyback and momentum ^[138] ^[139].
Motley Fool via Nasdaq – MercadoLibre long-term upside and CEO transition analysis ^[140] ^[141].
Chronicle Journal (MarketMinute) – Market indices YTD and Berkshire’s cash position ^[142] ^[143].
AXA IM – European stocks outperformance and valuation discount ^[144] ^[145].
Yahoo Finance (via snippets) – Zacks value and growth stock lists ^[146] ^[147].
Bloomberg – Market wrap on rally and valuation concerns ^[148] (via ChronicleJournal summary).
Company press releases/filings – Alphabet and Amazon Q3 2025 highlights ^[149] ^[150].