In December 2024, top 10 stocks for 2025 were named, with only three underperforming the S&P 500’s 16.4% rise. Meta Platforms, Amazon, and PayPal lagged due to various factors, but all three could make a comeback in 2026, especially if market perceptions change. PayPal, in particular, is viewed as a turnaround opportunity with its low valuation and global payments exposure.

Meta Platforms underperformed due to increased data center capital expenditures, while Amazon struggled with a high premium heading into 2025. PayPal, despite lacking growth, trades at less than 10 times forward earnings and could be undervalued. All three stocks are poised to beat the market in 2026 if they continue on their current trajectories.

Investors should consider buying stock in Meta Platforms, as it may offer solid returns on investments in data center spending. The Motley Fool’s Stock Advisor team has identified the 10 best stocks to buy right now, excluding Meta Platforms, that could potentially produce significant returns in the coming years. With Stock Advisor’s average return of 930%, compared to the S&P 500’s 192%, these recommendations are worth considering for long-term growth.

Keithen Drury has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, CrowdStrike, DLocal, MercadoLibre, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, PayPal, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool also has positions in and recommends ASML, Alphabet, Amazon, CrowdStrike, MercadoLibre, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, PayPal, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends DLocal and various options related to PayPal and DLocal.

Read more at Nasdaq: Only 3 of My Top 10 Stocks for 2025 Lost to the Market. Here Are the Ones I Think Are Still Buys for 2026.