Best Growth Stocks to Buy for February 2026
5 Top Growth Stocks to Buy Today
| Company (Ticker) | 12 Week Price Change | Forward PE | Price | Proj EPS Growth (1 Year) | Projected Sales Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcoa (AA) | 45.29% | 11.83 | $56.94 | 30.40% | 8.34% |
| AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AU) | 18.49% | 11.74 | $99.59 | 52.91% | 22.49% |
| Micron Technology (MU) | 54.92% | 11.53 | $381.31 | 296.88% | 96.11% |
| Ciena (CIEN) | 20.99% | 47.84 | $253.62 | 100.72% | 23.02% |
| Coeur Mining (CDE) | 32.76% | 11.01 | $19.58 | 107.14% | 30.18% |
*Updated on February 5, 2026.
Alcoa (AA)
$56.94 USD -1.22 (-2.10%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
Premium Research for AA
- Zacks Rank
- Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
A Value A Growth A Momentum A VGM
- Market Cap: $15.89 B (Large Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth: 30.50%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth: NA
- Last EPS Surprise: 32.63%
- Next EPS Report date:April 15, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
Alcoa is a leading producer of bauxite, alumina, and aluminum, providing investors with cyclical leverage to industrial demand and pricing. In its latest reported results, profitability and cash generation jumped from the prior year as aluminum pricing strengthened, operations set output records, and management used the upturn to reduce debt and bolster liquidity. Portfolio moves, including selling the Ma’aden JV stake, forming a JV to support San Ciprián, and closing the Kwinana refinery, aim at improving costs and cash resilience.
Potential Risks
Alcoa is sensitive to aluminum and alumina spreads, energy costs, and outages at refineries or smelters. Tariffs and other trade-policy shifts can distort realized pricing and demand.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) reflects positive estimate revisions, and Style Scores of A for Value and Growth, and B for Momentum suggest broad factor support. The Price, Consensus & EPS Surprise chart shows the stock breaking higher as 2026–2027 consensus lines firmed, and the latest surprises leaned positive.
AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AU)
$99.59 USD -1.28 (-1.27%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
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- Zacks Rank
Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
C Value A Growth B Momentum A VGM
- Market Cap: $49.62 B (Large Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth:154.30%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:5.60%
- Last EPS Surprise: -1.49%
- Next EPS Report date: Feb. 18, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
AngloGold Ashanti is a diversified gold producer with earnings leverage to bullion and operating execution. In its latest reported quarter, stronger realized pricing and cost discipline lifted free cash flow sharply year over year and moved the balance sheet to adjusted net cash from net debt, boosting flexibility for returns and reinvestment. Management also highlighted continued improvement at the Sukari mine that adds long-life volume and optionality.
Potential Risks
A pullback in gold price would compress margins fast. Multi-jurisdiction exposure adds political, permitting, labor, and energy risks, and mine-plan execution issues can trigger guidance resets.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 reflects favorable estimate revisions. Style Scores of A for Growth and Momentum, and C for Value, suggests the setup is driven by improving fundamentals and trend rather than cheapness. The chart shows a price breakout, 2026–2027 consensus lines edging higher, and mixed surprises, so follow-through hinges on steady delivery.
Micron Technology (MU)
$381.31 USD +1.91 (0.50%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
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- Zacks Rank
- Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
D Value A Growth B Momentum B VGM
- Market Cap:$472.08 B (Mega Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth:296.86%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:61.19%
- Last EPS Surprise:22.25%
- Next EPS Report date:March 19, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
Micron Technology sells DRAM, NAND, and high-bandwidth memory, giving it leverage in AI infrastructure where memory content and mix are rising. In the most recent reported quarter, Micron delivered record revenue and significant margin expansion versus both the prior quarter and the year-ago period, helped by tighter supply, firmer pricing, and better mix. Management guided to another record Q2, reinforcing that demand is translating into earnings power.
Potential Risks
Memory remains cyclical: a pause in hyperscale builds, faster supply additions, or weaker PCs/phones can hit pricing quickly. Trade policies, heavy capex, and execution risk at advanced nodes can magnify downside if the cycle rolls over.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 reflects upward estimate revisions. An A Growth score versus D Value and C Momentum score suggests returns may hinge on earnings traction more than valuation or trend. The chart shows a sharp price breakout alongside upward-sloping 2026–2027 consensus lines and a recent beat-tilted surprise pattern, consistent with rising forward expectations.
Ciena (CIEN)
$253.62 USD +0.12 (0.05%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
Premium Research for CIEN
- Zacks Rank
- Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
D Value A Growth C Momentum B VGM
- Market Cap: $38.95 B (Large Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth: 100.76%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:56.10%
- Last EPS Surprise: 18.18%
- Next EPS Report date:March 10, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
Ciena builds optical networking gear and software that lets carriers and hyperscalers scale bandwidth, a durable growth theme as AI traffic drives data-center interconnect upgrades. The company’s most recent results showed double-digit revenue growth, and management’s forward outlook implies another step-up in sales, signaling improving demand visibility. A roughly $5 billion backlog adds support for multi-quarter conversion, and Ciena is investing to expand capacity as cloud-led orders accelerate.
Potential Risks
Customer spending can be lumpy, and a carrier capex relapse or hyperscaler pause would pressure growth. Ciena has also acknowledged tight optical-component supply, which can constrain shipments and create gross-margin variability.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 signals positive revisions. With D Value, A Growth, and F Momentum score, CIEN looks like a fundamentals-led rerating rather than a bargain. The chart shows a powerful advance as 2026–2027 consensus lines stepped higher and recent surprises leaned positive overall.
Coeur Mining (CDE)
$19.58 USD -1.17 (-5.64%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
Premium Research for CDE
- Zacks Rank
- Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
D Value A Growth A Momentum B VGM
- Market Cap: $13.65 B (Large Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth: 355.56%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:15.00%
- Last EPS Surprise: -8.00%
- Next EPS Report date:Feb. 18, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
Coeur Mining is a gold-and-silver producer with growth upside as Rochester’s expansion boosts capacity and lifts operating leverage. Latest reporting delivered record revenue, stronger margins, and a sharply higher cash balance, suggesting prior investment is now translating into healthier cash generation. Coeur has also agreed to acquire New Gold in an all-stock deal, adding two Canadian mines and creating a larger North America–focused precious-metals platform.
Potential Risks
Integrating the merger is the key risk. Any operational setbacks, grade swings, permitting delays, geopolitical shocks, or renewed cost pressure could stall results, and miner stocks often overreact when precious-metals prices retrench.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 reflects upward estimate revisions. With D Value, but A Growth and A Momentum score, performance may stay revision- and trend-led. The chart shows a strong uptrend, 2026–2027 consensus lines moving higher, and a lately more beat-leaning surprise pattern.
Methodology
The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that uses trends in earnings estimate revisions and earnings-per-share (EPS) surprises to classify stocks into five groups: #1 (Strong Buy), #2 (Buy), #3 (Hold), #4 (Sell) and #5 (Strong Sell). The Zacks Rank is calculated through four primary factors related to earnings estimates: analysts' consensus on earnings estimate revisions, the magnitude of revision change, the upside potential and estimate surprise (or the degree in which earnings per share deviated from the previous quarter).
Zacks builds the data from 3,000 analysts at over 150 different brokerage firms. The average yearly gain for Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks is +23.62% per year from January, 1988, through June 2, 2025.
Selections for Best Growth Stocks are based on the current top ranking stocks based on Zacks Indicator Score, Style Scores and fundamentals. For this list, only companies that have average daily trading volumes of 100,000 shares or more were considered, as well as companies from the top 50% of all industries. All information is current as of market open Feb. 4, 2026.
General Questions About Growth Stocks
What is a growth stock?
A growth stock represents a company expected to grow sales, earnings, or cash flow faster than the broader market. These firms often operate in expanding industries and reinvest heavily in research, marketing, and infrastructure to sustain momentum.
What are the benefits of buying growth stocks?
Growth stocks offer the potential for significant price appreciation, exposure to innovative business models, and long-term compounding. When successful, they can outperform more mature companies by a wide margin.
What are the risks of buying growth stocks?
Higher valuations, sensitivity to interest rates, and reliance on future earnings projections increase downside risk. If growth slows or expectations fall, share prices can decline sharply.
Growth vs. value stocks: What’s better right now?
Growth stocks tend to excel during periods of economic expansion and technological change, while value stocks often perform better when investors prioritize stability and income. Market leadership can rotate, making diversification across styles important.
Are growth stocks a good investment during economic uncertainty?
During uncertain periods, growth stocks may experience heightened volatility. Companies with strong balance sheets, recurring revenue, and durable demand tend to hold up better than speculative names.
How do growth stocks differ from dividend stocks?
Dividend stocks focus on returning cash to shareholders, while growth stocks reinvest profits to fuel expansion. Investors often choose growth for appreciation and dividends for income.
Are growth stocks suitable for beginners?
They can be, especially through diversified funds or established large-cap names. Beginners should avoid concentrating too heavily in speculative or unprofitable companies.
How do growth stocks perform during recessions?
Performance varies. Some growth companies with essential products continue to expand, while others tied to discretionary spending may struggle.
See recent Zacks stories about top Growth Stocks.
What to Consider When Looking for Growth Stocks
How do I identify a good growth stock?
Look for consistent revenue growth, expanding addressable markets, competitive advantages, and strong management execution.
What metrics should I look at in growth stocks?
Common metrics include revenue growth rates, earnings growth, free cash flow trends, return on invested capital, and valuation ratios relative to growth expectations.
What ETFs contain the best growth stocks?
Growth-focused ETFs often track large-cap or sector-specific indexes, offering exposure to leading growth companies while reducing single-stock risk.
Should I diversify my growth stock portfolio?
Yes. Diversifying across sectors, company sizes, and geographies can help manage volatility and reduce reliance on any single trend.
Are growth stocks a good investment during economic uncertainty?
Quality growth stocks with pricing power and resilient demand can still perform well, but position sizing and diversification are critical.
What sectors typically produce strong growth stocks?
Certain sectors consistently produce growth leaders due to innovation, scale advantages, or long-term demand trends. Examples include:
- Technology and AI: Companies benefiting from cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software platforms, such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon.
- Consumer Discretionary: Brands and platforms capturing shifts in consumer behavior and digital commerce, including Tesla, Amazon, and Booking Holdings.
- Healthcare and Biotechnology: Firms developing breakthrough drugs, medical devices, or diagnostics, such as Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Intuitive Surgical.
- Communication Services: Digital advertising, streaming, and social platforms with scalable user bases, including Meta Platforms and Netflix.
- Financial Technology: Companies modernizing payments, trading, and financial infrastructure, such as Visa, Mastercard, and Block.
- Clean Energy and Electrification: Businesses tied to renewable power, battery technology, and grid modernization, including NextEra Energy, Enphase Energy, and Tesla.
These sectors frequently generate high-growth opportunities, though leadership within them can change over time.
Do growth stocks work for long-term or short-term strategies?
They are generally better suited for long-term investing, allowing time for innovation and expansion to translate into earnings growth.
What are common mistakes to avoid when investing in growth stocks?
Chasing hype, ignoring valuation, overconcentration, and selling too quickly during volatility are frequent pitfalls.
How to Purchase Growth Stocks
Do I need a broker to buy growth stocks?
Yes. Most investors use online brokerage platforms that offer access to individual stocks, ETFs, and research tools.
How much should I invest in my first growth stock purchase?
Start with an amount that fits your overall financial plan and risk tolerance. Many investors begin with smaller positions and add over time.
Strategies for Buying Growth Stocks
How often should I rebalance a growth-focused portfolio?
Rebalancing annually or semiannually helps maintain target allocations and manage risk.
When should I sell a growth stock?
Consider selling if the company’s fundamentals deteriorate, growth prospects fade, or the position becomes too large relative to your portfolio.
How do I track performance and assess whether a growth stock is still strong?
Monitor earnings reports, revenue trends, competitive positioning, and management guidance.
What tax implications come with selling growth stocks?
Selling at a profit may trigger capital gains taxes, with rates depending on holding period and income level.
Growth Stock Alternatives
Are index funds a safer alternative to picking growth stocks?
Index funds provide broad exposure and lower risk than individual stock selection, making them appealing for many investors.
What are conservative investment options if growth stocks are too risky?
Options include value stocks, dividend-paying equities, bonds, and balanced funds that emphasize capital preservation.
