Companies for Investments: Top Firms, Best Stocks, and How to Choose in 2026

Finding the right companies for investments can mean two very different things depending on what you’re looking for. You might be searching for firms that will manage your money—think Fidelity Investments, the Vanguard Group, or Charles Schwab. Or you could be hunting for individual stocks worth adding to your portfolio, like Campbell Soup or SAP.

This guide covers both angles. We’ll start with ten undervalued stocks that look attractive based on early 2026 valuations, then pivot to the top investment companies you can use to build and manage your portfolio. Finally, we’ll walk through how to choose the right platform for your investing style and financial goals.

The data points, prices, and fair value estimates referenced throughout come from late January 2026 market conditions. While this content is geared toward U.S.-based investors, the firms and strategies discussed apply broadly to anyone looking at major U.S. and international securities.

Overview: What “Companies for Investments” Means in 2026

When everyday investors search for “companies for investments,” they typically fall into one of two camps:

• Investment management firms: These are brokerages, robo-advisors, and wealth management companies that serve their customers by holding, managing, and helping deploy their customers' money into diversified portfolios of stocks, bonds, and funds.

• Companies to invest in directly: These are publicly traded businesses—like consumer goods giants, software providers, or healthcare firms—where you can buy shares and become a partial owner.

Understanding this distinction is critical to building a sound investment strategy. The best approach often combines both: selecting a reliable platform to execute trades and manage accounts, then choosing individual investments or funds that align with your risk tolerance and timeline.

This article moves quickly through “which companies to invest in now” before covering “which investment companies to use” and “how to choose” between them.

Here’s what you need to know about the current financial landscape:

• Most major brokers now offer $0 commissions on U.S. stock and ETF trades

• Robo-advisors charge around 0.25% annually for automated portfolio management

• Full-service wealth management typically costs about 1% of assets under management

• Individual investors now have access to sophisticated tools once reserved for institutions

• ETF assets have exceeded $7 trillion in the U.S., driven by low cost options and tax efficiency

10 Best Companies to Invest in Right Now (February 2026)

This section focuses on individual stocks that appear attractively valued based on competitive moats, cash-flow predictability, and discount to estimated fair value. These snapshots use data as of late January 2026 and represent starting points for your own research—not personalized investment advice.

Each company below trades at a meaningful discount to analyst fair value estimates, offering potential upside for patient, long-term investors willing to do their due diligence.

Campbell Soup Company (CPB)

• Trades at roughly 55% below a fair value estimate of approximately $60 per share as of January 29, 2026, making it one of the most undervalued packaged-food names in the market

• The portfolio has shifted significantly: legacy soup now represents about 25% of sales, while snacks and convenience foods account for roughly 40%, with organic growth running around 1% annually

• Management has announced a cost-savings program targeting approximately $375 million in cumulative savings through fiscal 2028, with proceeds earmarked for innovation and marketing investments

• Recent acquisitions including La Regina and Sovos Brands increase exposure to higher-margin premium sauces and international growth opportunities

Tyler Technologies (TYL)

• Trades at roughly 40%+ discount to an intrinsic value estimate of around $650 per share in early 2026, creating a margin of safety for shareholders with a long time horizon

• Serves as a leading provider of software solutions for local governments—courts, schools, and municipalities—who are its primary customers, with substantial runway for digitization and approximately 10% top-line growth potential

• Recurring revenue from cloud subscriptions, e-filing, and citizen portals continues to expand, supported by strategic acquisitions like NIC Inc. (completed in 2021)

• High switching costs and mission-critical functionality create durable competitive advantages, though contract cycles and public-budget constraints represent key risks to monitor

SAP SE (SAP)

• Trades at approximately 35%–40% below a fair value estimate of roughly $317 per share as of late January 2026, despite its position as the leading provider in the global ERP market

• Cloud transition accelerating through RISE with SAP (private cloud) and GROW with SAP (public cloud) offerings targeting SAP's customers, including large enterprises and midmarket clients

• Management’s “land and expand” strategy aims to accelerate cloud revenue growth and margin expansion through about 2027

• Currency exposure (euro-based results), execution risk in cloud migration, and competition from Oracle and Workday warrant ongoing attention

Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH)

• Trades roughly 30%–35% below a fair value estimate of approximately $130 per share according to early 2026 analyses

• Zimmer Biomet is a leading provider of orthopedic implants (hips, knees, trauma) with demand tailwinds from aging populations across North America, Europe, and Asia

• Strategy centers on strengthening relationships with customers such as surgeons and healthcare providers, leveraging high switching costs, and expanding into digital and robotic-assisted surgery tools

• Cyclicality risks tied to elective procedures and potential reimbursement policy changes should factor into risk tolerance assessments

Thomson Reuters (TRI)

• Trades at roughly 30%–35% discount to a fair value estimate of approximately $170 per share in early 2026

• Serves as a leading provider of information services and software to customers including legal, tax, accounting, and compliance professionals worldwide

• Ongoing investments in AI-enabled research tools, workflow platforms, and bolt-on acquisitions target organic growth of 7.5%–8% annually by 2026

• Exposure to law firm and corporate-spending cycles exists, but sticky subscription-based products provide revenue stability

Yum China Holdings (YUMC)

• Trades at approximately one-third discount to a $76 per-share fair value estimate, offering long-term upside for patient investors

• Operates as the leading provider and largest restaurant company in China with more than 18,000 locations and roughly $12 billion in systemwide sales as of 2025

• Strategy focuses on gaining market share and serving customers, including restaurant patrons and diners, despite challenging macro conditions through store expansion, localized menus, and digital ordering platforms

• Capital allocation policy targets returning close to 100% of free cash flow to shareholders over a multi-year horizon via dividends and buybacks

The Clorox Company (CLX)

• Trades approximately 30%+ below an intrinsic value estimate of roughly $163 per share, reflecting investor concerns about costs and competitive pressures

• Maintains a diversified portfolio of household and lifestyle brands as a leading provider with strong shelf presence across major U.S. retailers

• Invests roughly $1 billion per year in research & development and marketing to defend brand equity and pricing power for its customers, including consumers and households

• Ongoing productivity programs designed to maintain mid-40% gross margins despite inflation, supply-chain volatility, and private-label competition

Broadridge Financial Solutions (BR)

• Trades at roughly 30%+ discount to a fair value estimate near $290 per share in early 2026, supported by its recurring-fee business model

• Broadridge is a leading provider of investor communications, proxy services, and post-trade technology for its customers, including brokers and asset managers, globally

• Management targets 7%–9% recurring revenue growth and margin expansion, supported by more than 25 acquisitions over the past decade

• Regulatory changes, technological disruption, and consolidation among financial clients represent key monitoring points

Experian plc (EXPN)

• Trades around 30%+ below a fair value estimate of roughly $55 per share (U.S.-listed equivalent) as of January 29, 2026

• Stands as a leading provider and one of the “Big Three” global credit bureaus with strong positions in North America, the UK, and fast-growing emerging markets

• Push into consumer-facing fintech tools like Experian Boost and marketplace offerings like CreditMatch deepens engagement with customers, including individuals and businesses

• Growth opportunities in income and employment verification and identity services exist alongside regulatory and data-privacy risks

Sony Group Corporation (SONY)

• Trades roughly 30% below an estimated fair value of approximately $32.50 per share, offering value in a leading provider of diversified entertainment and technology

• Business mix includes image sensors, PlayStation gaming, music, movies, and financial services—with reduced dependence on low-margin hardware compared to prior years

• Growth drivers include high-end image sensors for smartphones and automotive applications, plus content monetization across films, music catalogs, and games for customers such as entertainment audiences and users

• Risks include rising game-development costs, console and streaming competition, and currency exposure for U.S.-based investors

Top 10 Investment Companies to Use in 2026

Now we shift focus to “investment companies” in the traditional sense—brokerages, robo-advisors, and wealth managers that help you build and manage your portfolio. These firms provide the infrastructure for buying stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and other securities.

The companies below are ordered for readability rather than strict ranking. The best choice depends on your investor profile, account size, and desired level of expert guidance.

Fidelity Investments

• As a leading provider of investment services, Fidelity offers $0 commissions on U.S. online stock and ETF trades plus an extensive lineup of low cost index funds and zero-expense-ratio options

• No account minimum for standard brokerage accounts, making it accessible for retail investors and customers such as account holders or new investors just getting started

• Provides strong retirement planning capabilities (401(k)s, IRAs), deep research tools, and robust financial planning features

• Ideal for beginners and experienced investors seeking low costs with access to human financial advisors when needed

Charles Schwab

• Charles Schwab is a leading provider of investment services, featuring $0 commissions on online U.S. stock and ETF trades with competitive pricing on options and mutual funds

• No minimum for standard brokerage accounts, with a wide array of Schwab-branded index funds and ETFs for portfolio diversification, serving millions of customers including investors and account holders

• Offers intuitive web and mobile platforms, high-quality customer support, and access to financial consultants at physical branches

• Best suited for long term investing with a mix of self-directed tools and some human guidance without high advisory fees

Vanguard

• As a leading provider of low cost index funds, Vanguard operates under an investor-owned structure where funds are owned by their shareholders, aligning company incentives with client outcomes.

• Vanguard's customers, including shareholders and investors, benefit from $0 commissions on U.S. stock and ETF trades, with mutual fund minimums typically in the $1,000–$3,000 range.

• Offers ultra-low expense ratios on core index funds (some as low as 0.03%) with particular strength in retirement accounts.

• Best for buy-and-hold investors focused on low cost index funds rather than frequent trading or speculative activity.

Robinhood Markets

• As a leading provider of mobile-first trading platforms, Robinhood offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and select cryptocurrencies

• Requires no account minimum, with features like fractional shares and instant deposits appealing to active, younger investors and customers seeking accessibility

• Offers 24/7 in-app customer support and streamlined user experience, though mutual funds and fixed-income choices are limited

• Most suitable for small-balance active traders and “crypto-curious” users rather than comprehensive retirement planning

Betterment

• Functions as a leading provider of robo-advisory services, offering automated portfolios with annual advisory fees around 0.25% for digital and 0.40% for premium tiers

• Requires no account minimum for core accounts, using low cost ETFs for globally diversified portfolios with automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting for its customers, including account holders and investors

• Provides optional access to human financial planners for one-time sessions or ongoing advice at higher fee levels

• Ideal for hands-off investors seeking goal-based investing and automation instead of manual trading decisions

Wealthfront

• As a leading provider of digital financial planning tools, Wealthfront requires a modest minimum (around $500) and charges a flat 0.25% annual advisory fee for automated portfolios

• Excels in digital financial planning tools, tax-loss harvesting, and direct indexing options for higher balances, serving customers such as users and investors seeking automated solutions

• Focuses primarily on automation and a powerful app experience without traditional in-house human advisors managing portfolios

• Best for tech-comfortable investors who value sophisticated digital planning and tailored strategies over in-person advice

Empower (formerly Personal Capital)

• As a leading provider of financial dashboard tools, Empower offers free financial dashboard tools plus paid advisory services for clients with higher assets

• Empower's customers include clients and investors, with managed portfolios generally starting around a $100,000 minimum, targeting mass-affluent and high net worth individuals

• Combines human advisors with retirement-planning models and holistic wealth management (tax, estate, and cash-flow analysis)

• Strong choice for investors nearing or in retirement who want integrated advice across accounts and institutions

BlackRock

• Functions as the world’s largest asset management firm and a leading provider of iShares ETFs, available on many brokerage platforms

• Typical minimums of $0–$1,000 to buy into iShares ETFs via standard brokers, making them accessible for individual investors and a wide range of customers, including advisors

• Leads in passive ETFs, factor strategies, and ESG products used by both advisors and self-directed investors globally

• BlackRock funds serve as essential building blocks for diversified portfolios, even though most customers access them through other platforms

UBS

• Operates as a leading provider of global wealth management services, serving high net worth individuals and ultra-high-net-worth clients, particularly those with $1 million+ in investable assets

• Focuses on bespoke portfolio construction, tax and estate planning, and cross-border financial solutions for its customers, including high net worth individuals

• Provides global research, alternative investments access, and personalized service through dedicated relationship managers

• Most suitable for complex, large portfolios requiring sophisticated advisory rather than everyday retail investors opening starter accounts

Morgan Stanley (including E*TRADE)

• Morgan Stanley is a leading provider of full-service advisory programs, combining these with E*TRADE’s self-directed platform (acquired in 2020)

• E*TRADE offers $0 commissions on U.S. stock and ETF trades with tools for active traders, options, and futures, serving a wide range of customers including individual investors and active traders

• Morgan Stanley’s private wealth and managed portfolios serve higher-balance clients and customers seeking comprehensive financial management

• Appeals to households wanting one institution for both DIY trading and professional management under one roof

How to Choose the Right Company for Your Investments

Selecting the right platform requires answering two questions: which firm will manage or hold your assets, and which underlying investments (stocks, ETFs, funds) belong in your portfolio?

This decision breaks down into three key areas: your investing style, cost sensitivity, and practical considerations that affect day-to-day operations.

Your Investing Style

Self-managed investing means using discount brokers like Fidelity, Schwab, or Robinhood to pick stocks, ETFs, and funds personally. You make all decisions, execute all trades, and bear full responsibility for research.

Robo-advisor style delegates portfolio construction and rebalancing to algorithms at low annual fees. Firms like Betterment and Wealthfront handle the heavy lifting while you focus on contributions and goals.

Full-service advisor involves working with human professionals at firms like Morgan Stanley, UBS, or a registered investment advisor. This typically costs around 1% of assets annually but provides personalized investment advice and ongoing support.

Match your style to your time availability, interest in markets, and comfort level with making independent decisions. There’s no wrong answer—only what fits your life.

Costs and Fees

Most major brokers now offer $0 commissions on U.S. stock and ETF trades, but investors still pay:

• Fund expense ratios: Even “free” trades involve underlying fund costs (0.03% to 1%+ annually depending on the fund)

• Robo-advisor fees: Typically 0.25%–0.40% per year, usually including rebalancing and tax optimization

• Full-service fees: Around 1% of assets under management, sometimes with tiered pricing for larger balances

• Hidden costs: Bid-ask spreads, cash drag from uninvested money, and transaction fees on certain securities

Consider both visible fees (advisory charges) and hidden costs when comparing firms. A 0.5% annual difference in fees can compound to significant sums over a 20-year horizon.

Other Important Factors

When selecting an investment company, verify these practical considerations:

• Account minimums: Some platforms require $0, while others need $100,000+ for advisory programs

• Account types: Confirm availability of IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, taxable brokerage, trusts, and small-business retirement plans

• Investment options: Check access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, crypto, ESG funds, and international securities

• User experience: Evaluate app and web design, mobile functionality, and ease of executing trades

• Customer support: Consider responsiveness, availability hours, and access to human assistance

• Research and education: Look for tools that match your expertise level and help you make informed decisions

The firm handling your money in such jurisdiction matters. Take time to compare before committing to any single platform.

Risks to Consider When Selecting Companies for Investments

All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Different asset types carry distinct risk profiles, and understanding these helps set realistic expectations for your financial future.

Sector and Asset-Class Risks

Commodity exposure: Investing in energy, metals, or agriculture-related companies can be highly volatile due to weather events, geopolitical tensions, and global economic cycles. Revenue and profits in these sectors can swing dramatically quarter to quarter.

Sector concentration: Concentrated sector funds or single-industry ETFs may underperform or fluctuate more than broad-market index funds. Diversification across sectors typically reduces this risk.

Real estate sensitivity: Real estate investment trusts (REITs) respond to interest rates, credit conditions, and local economic trends. Rising rates can pressure both property values and REIT prices.

Fixed-income risks: Bonds and bond funds carry interest-rate risk (prices fall when rates rise) and credit risk (issuer default). While generally less volatile than stocks, fixed income is not risk-free.

Manager underperformance: Active funds lag their benchmark indexes 80-90% of the time over a decade, according to S&P SPIVA reports. This makes low cost passive options attractive for many investors.

Liquidity mismatches: Closed-end funds and certain alternative investments may trade at discounts to their underlying value during market stress, limiting your ability to exit at fair prices.

FAQs About Companies for Investments

This section addresses common questions about choosing investment firms, understanding differences between providers, and getting started with your first account.

Common Questions

What are the best companies for new investors?

Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, and Betterment stand out as beginner-friendly due to low costs, simple onboarding, and educational resources. All three offer $0 account minimums for core accounts and intuitive interfaces for everyday investors.

Are robo-advisors safe?

Leading robo-advisors are regulated by the SEC and FINRA, typically offer SIPC protection for brokerage accounts (covering up to $500,000 in securities), and use bank-level encryption. However, market risk remains—your portfolio can still lose value regardless of where it’s held.

What’s the difference between a broker, investment company, and stock?

A broker is the platform where you execute trades (Schwab, Fidelity). An investment company or firm provides services, funds, and asset management. A stock represents direct ownership in a business—a claim on that company’s future earnings and assets.

Should I buy individual stocks or funds?

Funds (ETFs and mutual funds) provide instant diversification across dozens or hundreds of holdings, reducing concentrated risk. Individual stocks require more research and carry single-company risk but offer potentially higher returns if you select well. Most advisors recommend a mix based on expertise and time availability.

How does time horizon affect my choices?

Investors with long horizons (10+ years) can typically accept more volatility and weight portfolios toward growth-oriented stocks and funds. Those nearing retirement may benefit from increased allocation to bonds, income-producing assets, and lower-volatility securities.

What due diligence should I complete before investing?

Review prospectuses for any fund you’re considering, examine fee schedules carefully, and consult independent research from sources beyond the firm selling the product. Consider consulting a registered investment advisor for personalized guidance on complex situations.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right companies for investments requires clarity on two fronts: which platform will hold and manage your assets, and which underlying securities belong in your portfolio.

• For individual stocks, look for businesses trading below fair value with durable competitive advantages and manageable risk profiles

• For investment platforms, match your choice to your investing style, cost sensitivity, and need for human guidance

• For portfolio construction, prioritize diversification, low costs, and alignment with your financial goals and time horizon

The best investment company is the one that fits your life—whether that’s a commission-free broker for hands-on trading, a robo-advisor for automated strategies, or a full-service firm for comprehensive wealth management.

Start by defining your goals, comparing costs across platforms, and committing to consistent contributions over time. The firms and stocks mentioned here represent starting points for research, not guarantees of future performance.

Your next step? Open a brokerage account if you don’t have one, review your current holdings against the opportunities discussed, and consider whether your current platform still serves your needs as your portfolio grows.