Look, I get it. Every finance bro and their crypto wallet is screaming about the next big thing. But here’s something refreshing: Piper Sandler just dropped their annual “we actually know what we’re doing” list, and spoiler alert – it crushed the market in 2025.
Their “Macro Select” basket (fancy name for “stocks we think don’t suck”) returned 22% last year while the S&P 500 managed a respectable but not-quite-as-impressive 16%. That’s like showing up to a potluck with homemade lasagna while everyone else brought store-bought cookies.
So what’s their secret sauce? They’re not chasing the latest TikTok stock tip or betting the farm on whatever Elon tweeted last night. Instead, they’re looking for companies with:
- Strong earnings surprises (companies that actually make money – wild concept)
- Positive earnings revisions (getting better, not worse)
- Attractive earnings yield (bang for your buck)
- High return on equity (they know how to use your money)
Michael Kantrowitz, their chief strategist, thinks 2026 will see markets “broadening” – which is Wall Street speak for “maybe other stocks besides the Magnificent Seven will finally get some love.”
The Fresh Picks for 2026:
Here are the 9 new additions to their top-tier list (because apparently even smart money needs a refresh):
AT&T (T) – Yes, that AT&T. The telecom giant everyone forgot about returned 10% last year. Sometimes boring wins.
Graham Holdings (GHC) – The company that used to own the Washington Post. Media’s tough, but they’re diversified now.
Brinker International (EAT) – They own Chili’s. Apparently, people still love their baby back ribs (12% return).
Par Pacific Holdings (PARR) – Energy play that returned 13%. Not sexy, but your portfolio doesn’t care about sexy.
Deluxe Corporation (DLX) – They do business services. Thrilling? No. Profitable? Apparently.
Mueller Water Products (MWA) – Water infrastructure. Because even in 2026, people need clean water (14% return).
Kilroy Realty (KRC) – Real estate that’s not your cousin’s house-flipping scheme.
UGI Corporation (UGI) – Utilities that returned 33%. Yes, you read that right. Boring utilities.
Clearway Energy (CWEN) – Clean energy with a 23% return. Finally, something trendy that actually performed.
The beauty of this list? It’s not trying to be the next GameStop or promising to revolutionize how we buy coffee. These are companies doing actual business, making actual money, and apparently doing it well enough to beat the market.
Will they repeat their performance in 2026? Nobody knows – that’s why they call it investing, not guaranteeing. But if you’re tired of chasing the latest meme stock and want something with a track record, this list might be worth a look.
Just remember: past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but it’s a hell of a lot better than no performance at all.