The 11 Best Long-Term Stocks To Buy For January 2026

In a world of fly-by-night strategies and grabs at quick gains that often fall short, long-term investing quietly rewards those patient enough to pursue it.

The best long-term stocks, though, are more than stable names on a chart. 

They’re the companies shaping our daily lives, creating steady profits, and rewarding investors who give them time to compound. 

For anyone tired of timing the market, these stocks offer a way to build wealth through consistency, not guesswork.

Let’s look at 11 of the best long-term stocks to buy and hold in 2025 & beyond. 

Each one has the strength, staying power, and growth potential to deliver value far beyond the next quarter.

TL;DR: Best Long-Term Stocks That You Should Track

• The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) – Global beverage giant with stable demand
• General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) – Established automaker pivoting toward EV and autonomous vehicles
• Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) – Tech leader with strong ecosystem and recurring revenue
• Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) – Diversified healthcare firm with long dividend history
• Chevron Corp (NYSE: CVX) – Integrated energy company with strong cash flows
• Realty Income Corp (NYSE: O) – Real estate investment trust noted for monthly dividends
• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (NYSE: TSM) – Leading global chip foundry with growth tailwinds
• Shopify Inc (NASDAQ: SHOP) – E-commerce platform enabling merchants worldwide
• VAALCO Energy Inc (NYSE: EGY) – Smaller energy firm with potential upside in offshore drilling
• IQIYI Inc – ADR (NASDAQ: IQ) – Chinese streaming company pursuing growth in content and users
• Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ: PLUG) – Hydrogen fuel-cell company positioned for clean-energy transition

Best Long-Term Stocks to Buy Right Now

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO)

Overview

Few brands are as recognizable worldwide as Coca-Cola. The company sells more than 2 billion drinks every day and operates in over 200 countries. 

Its strength comes from a wide portfolio that now spans far beyond soda, including water, tea, coffee, juice, and sports beverages. 

The business runs on an asset-light model, focusing on producing concentrates and syrups while independent bottlers handle manufacturing and distribution. 

Having such a large pool of recognizable brands helps the company maintain strong margins and global consistency.

Growth Catalysts

Long-term growth rests on adapting to changing consumer tastes and expanding in emerging markets. 

Demand for low-sugar, functional, and ready-to-drink products continues to rise, and the company has been quick to adjust its lineup. Its vast distribution network allows new products to reach shelves faster than most competitors. 

Expansion in developing economies remains a major driver, supported by rising incomes and brand loyalty. 

Sustainability is another focus, with ongoing efforts to improve packaging recyclability and water efficiency, which strengthens its reputation with consumers and regulators alike.

Conclusion

Coca-Cola is a classic long-term choice for investors who value consistency. Growth is steady rather than spectacular, but the company’s global scale, adaptable product mix, and strong cash generation make it a reliable compounder. 

If you want a business that thrives on everyday demand and dependable execution, this drink manufacturer fits the bill.

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM)

Overview

General Motors has been a pillar of the U.S. auto industry for over a century, producing vehicles under brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. 

The company has a vast manufacturing and distribution footprint in North America and beyond, which gives it deep experience, scale, and reach in the automotive business. 

It’s not just about building cars anymore. GM is transforming toward electrification, software-defined vehicles, and connected mobility services, while holding onto its legacy strength in manufacturing.

Growth Catalysts

Long-term prospects depend on GM’s ability to execute the transition from internal-combustion vehicles to electric vehicles and next-generation mobility. 

Some of these initiatives revolve around areas like battery and EV investment, launching new long-range EV models, and emphasizing its “Ultium” platform. 

It is also building its automotive technology stack and connected services, which could add recurring revenue over time. 

That scale, production infrastructure, and brand recognition give it an advantage that many newer EV players lack.

Conclusion

If you’re willing to bet on a legacy automaker adapting to a rapidly changing industry, GM presents an interesting long-term play. 

It carries more risk than classic blue-chip names, but also more potential upside if its EV and software strategy gains traction. 

The key is patience and conviction in the industry shift.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL)

Overview

Apple is one of the most influential tech companies globally, known for products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, as well as its growing ecosystem of services, including Apple Music, the App Store, and iCloud. 

Ever a tech company, its strength lies in its integrated hardware-software offering and a loyal user base that frequently upgrades or subscribes. 

In 2025, Apple’s commitment to innovation remains high, with announced capital-spending commitments exceeding US$500 billion over the next four years aimed at U.S. investment, silicon engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Growth Catalysts

The long-term case hinges on the expansion of its services business and deeper integration of hardware, software, and services to drive recurring revenue. 

As more users become locked into its ecosystem, switching costs remain high. 

Investments in AI, custom silicon, and new product categories (wearables, AR/VR, possibly automotive) give it a runway beyond phones. Its manufacturing and supply-chain scale also support global reach.

Conclusion

This is a strong contender for a long-term “core” position, since Apple combines brand strength, ecosystem lock-in, innovation, and financial muscle. 

But given its size and maturity, the upside here is more moderate rather than explosive. Apple looks really appealing right now for reliability and technology exposure.

Long-Term Dividend Stocks

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)

Overview

Johnson & Johnson has built a diversified healthcare business over decades, combining pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and MedTech. 

Unlike companies that rely on one product, it earns revenue across many fields, treatments, diagnostics, and surgical technology. 

It also boasts one of the longest dividend-increase streaks in the U.S. market, a signal of its long-term orientation and reliable cash flow.

Growth Catalysts

Looking ahead, JNJ is pushing for growth through several enduring trends. Demand for advanced medicines, minimally invasive surgical tools, and global health access will likely remain strong for years. 

The company holds #1 or #2 global positions in many of its product categories, giving it pricing power and scale. It also emphasizes R&D and innovation in high-need areas such as immunology, oncology, and cardiovascular care. 

The combination of stable cash flow and innovation gives it the potential not just to sustain but to evolve.

Conclusion

If you want a stock you can hold for many years and come back to, this is the type. It may not soar like a high-flying tech name, but its resilience, consistent performance, and healthcare exposure make it a compelling option. 

Chevron Corp (NYSE: CVX)

Overview

Chevron is a major integrated energy company engaged in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, and marketing. 

Unlike smaller players, it has scale and a diversified asset base around the world. Its business is exposed to commodity cycles, yes, but the size and discipline give it a long-term footing in global energy.

Growth Catalysts

CVX’s long-term thesis rests on global energy demand, operational efficiency, and disciplined capital returns. 

Beyond that, the company aims to grow free cash flow and earnings at double-digit annual rates through the end of the decade, assuming steady commodity pricing. 

Further help should come by expanding into adjacent areas such as data-center power and gas-to-liquids technologies, which may reduce reliance purely on oil price beats. 

Its upstream footprint, access to key basins and cost-control culture should help in a challenging environment.

Conclusion

This is a long-term play for those comfortable with the energy sector. Volatility will be higher than with a classic dividend stock, but the upside from cash-flow growth and disciplined returns is meaningful. 

If you believe energy remains central to the economy for decades, Chevron offers a credible way in.

Realty Income Corp (NYSE: O)

Overview

Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) known widely for its monthly dividend payments and steady performance. 

It leases commercial properties under long-term agreements, often to well-known tenants across retail, service, and industrial sectors. 

Its business model focuses on cash flow visibility and investor income.

Growth Catalysts

Growth here comes from scale, diversification, and the ability to adapt. The company has declared hundreds of consecutive monthly dividends and increased its payout faithfully over time. 

Furthermore, it is expanding geographically and branching into new property verticals beyond its traditional asset types. 

The lease structures it uses often include inflation-linked rent increases, offering some protection in rising-cost environments. 

Strong occupancy rates and conservative debt also support the long-term case.

Conclusion

For long-term plays capturing income plus modest growth, this REIT is a strong candidate. 

It may not produce explosive upside, but it delivers steadiness and monthly cash, which many retirees or income-focused portfolios value. 

Interest-rate risk and property-market cycles remain, but with a long horizon, this stock can play a meaningful role.

Long-Term Growth Stocks

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (NYSE: TSM)

Overview

TSMC is the world’s largest independent semiconductor foundry, making chips for many of the top global tech companies. 

It sits at a critical junction of technology, manufacturing scale, and recurring demand. In a world where computing, connectivity, and data processing are rising, the company is a big piece of the infrastructure.

Growth Catalysts

The structural tailwinds here are powerful. As artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, cloud computing, and 5G/6G progress accelerate, the demand for advanced chips will only grow. 

TSMC’s leadership in manufacturing nodes, the “how” of chip production, gives it a durable competitive edge. 

Over time, its large investments in production capacity, supply-chain presence, and customer partnerships should pay off.

Conclusion

If you believe the tech-heavy trends of the next decade will hold up, this name offers meaningful exposure. 

It is more volatile than a utility or household brand, but that is the trade-off for higher growth potential. 

Shopify Inc (NASDAQ: SHOP)

Overview

Shopify is a commerce platform that enables merchants of all sizes to sell online, in physical stores, and via multiple channels. 

Rather than being a retailer itself, it provides the tools and infrastructure that fuel commerce, making it a kind of “commerce-OS” play for the digital age.

Growth Catalysts

There’s an ongoing shift of commerce from physical to digital, and Shopify is embedded in that transformation. 

Global e-commerce sales are expected to grow significantly over the next few years, so the market size is large. 

Shopify’s model scales with each merchant added and each value-added service sold, from payments to shipping and analytics. 

Additionally, its expansion into international markets and its developer ecosystem give it a longer runway.

Conclusion

This is a growth-first stock, not the safest core holding, but one with meaningful long-term potential. Investors should accept volatility, dips, and execution risk. 

If you believe digital commerce keeps expanding and tools for merchants become more vital, then this company could be a major long-term asset.

Long-Term Penny Stocks

VAALCO Energy Inc (NYSE: EGY)

Overview

VAALCO Energy is a smaller independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Houston. 

The firm concentrates on offshore operations, including West Africa, which gives it exposure to global energy demand rather than relying solely on U.S. onshore plays. 

Because the company is smaller and more focused, its share price tends to reflect energy market swings more sharply, but it also has potential for upside if exploration and production go well.

Importantly, it maintains a relatively modest debt load for its size and has an asset base that supports its operations in a world where capital discipline matters.

Growth Catalysts

VAALCO’s upside comes primarily from three structural themes. First, offshore exploration success in cost-efficient fields could drive reserve additions and production growth. 

Drilling campaigns in Africa and related well workovers have been progressing, demonstrating the company’s ability to improve output. 

Second, global energy demand remains resilient over the long term; even in a transition environment, oil and gas remain core fuels for decades. Even smaller firms can benefit from that if they manage costs well. 

Third, the company’s relatively low overhead and focused asset base allow it to benefit disproportionately when commodity prices recover or remain at favorable levels.

Conclusion

For anyone comfortable with elevated risk and a smaller company profile, VAALCO offers a speculative but plausible play. 

It will not provide the steady income and stability of a large integrated energy company, but the upside exists if its assets perform and market conditions improve. 

Approach it as a modest allocation within a diversified portfolio rather than a foundational holding.

IQIYI Inc (NASDAQ: IQ)

Overview

iQIYI is one of China’s leading online video streaming platforms, offering both subscription services and advertising revenue through a wide range of original content, including series, films, and interactive programming. 

The company operates in a large domestic market with rising internet penetration, growing mobile consumption, and increasing demand for digital content across age groups and regions. 

While success is far from guaranteed, iQIYI occupies a meaningful position in the evolution of Chinese entertainment and distribution.

Growth Catalysts

The long-term case for iQIYI rests on several key secular trends. 

Digital entertainment and streaming consumption in China and neighboring regions are still in growth phases, so there is room to expand subscribers. 

Similarly, monetization across subscription and advertising may increase as the platform scales and improves cost control and content efficiency; a recent quarter saw a profitability beat despite a slight revenue shortfall. 

Finally, iQIYI’s opportunities for international expansion, deepening content investment (especially originals), and leveraging AI-enabled recommendations could strengthen user engagement and retention, which are critical in streaming.

Conclusion

iQIYI is a high-risk, high-potential play. It is not suited for investors looking for stable, low-volatility holdings. 

Regulatory uncertainties, competition, and cost pressures are real headwinds. 

But if you believe in the long-term growth of digital entertainment in China and adjacent markets, iQIYI offers exposure to that theme at a potentially compelling entry point. 

Use caution, size appropriately, and treat it as a speculative component of a broader portfolio.

Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ: PLUG)

Overview

Plug Power is a specialized clean energy company focused on hydrogen fuel-cell systems, electrolyzer technology, and hydrogen production infrastructure. 

It positions itself as a platform enabling a hydrogen economy in logistics, heavy transport, stationary power, and energy storage. 

While Plug Power remains a developmental story rather than a traditional dividend or stability stock, its long-term ambition puts it in line with the transition themes many investors are tracking.

Growth Catalysts

The growth potential for Plug Power derives from the rising interest in hydrogen as a clean fuel and storage medium. 

For instance, electrolyzer demand is increasing substantially as industrial users and energy networks seek alternative solutions to traditional fuels. 

The company has benefited from favorable policy incentives and partnerships that aim to scale hydrogen production and fuel-cell deployment. 

Additionally, Plug’s efforts to build manufacturing capacity, integrated hydrogen ecosystems, and distribution infrastructure provide potential for leapfrog growth if hydrogen adoption expands.

Conclusion

Plug Power is a bold long-term play, suitable for investors who believe the hydrogen economy will mature over the next decade and beyond. 

That said, the path to profitability remains uncertain, and the business carries significant execution risk. 

It should be viewed as a smaller, speculative portion of a long-term portfolio rather than a core holding. Patience and conviction are essential if you choose to include it.

Should You Buy Long-Term Stocks?

Investing in long-term stocks can be a powerful strategy for building wealth over time.

Long-term investments focus on growth companies with strong fundamentals and the potential for sustained success in emerging markets.

These stocks often represent industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and cutting-edge technology.

While the current high-interest-rate environment may present challenges for the stock market in the short term, it could also create opportunities for investors to identify stocks with promising growth potential.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that investing in stocks is not without risk. Even seasoned Wall Street analysts and financial experts can sometimes miss their predictions.

Successful long-term investing requires patience, dedication, and a well-thought-out strategy.

It’s essential to hold onto your investments through market fluctuations and not be swayed by short-term volatility.

Keep in mind that while long-term growth stock investing has historically provided better returns compared to other asset classes, there are no guarantees of success.

Diversification is a key component of a successful long-term investment strategy. Consider including a mix of individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mutual funds in your portfolio to spread risk.

This approach can help mitigate potential losses from any single investment and improve your chances of achieving your financial goals over time.

How to Pick Long-Term Stocks Yourself

Focus on Business Quality

The first step is understanding what makes a business durable. Look for companies with strong brands, loyal customers, and products people use every day. 

Durable businesses tend to survive downturns and keep generating cash even when markets are shaky. 

A recognizable name or consistent demand often signals real staying power.

Look for Steady Growth Trends

Good long-term stocks usually show a pattern of slow but steady growth. It doesn’t have to be rapid; consistency is what counts. 

Review how revenue and earnings have moved over several years. 

Avoid companies that rely on short-term hype or one-time gains; instead, seek firms that expand through genuine business momentum.

Check Financial Strength

A strong balance sheet helps companies weather economic storms. Lower debt levels and solid cash flow allow management to keep investing in growth, even during recessions. 

It also gives flexibility to pay dividends or buy back shares when conditions are right. Financial resilience separates temporary winners from enduring ones.

Evaluate Management and Strategy

Leadership matters. The best long-term stocks are often led by executives who think like owners and communicate clearly. 

A transparent strategy and long-term focus are key. Companies that reinvest profits wisely, instead of chasing fads, tend to outperform over time.

Think in Decades, Not Quarters

Patience is what makes compounding work. Market prices swing, but strong companies generally recover and grow. 

Focus on the next five to ten years rather than the next earnings report. 

By thinking in decades, you let time and business quality do the heavy lifting for your portfolio.

Risks to Remember

Market Volatility

Even the strongest long-term stocks can fluctuate sharply in price. Economic data, interest-rate changes, or global news can trigger sudden swings that test patience. 

These short-term moves rarely reflect a company’s true value, but they can shake confidence if you’re not mentally prepared to hold through turbulence.

Company-Specific Challenges

No business is immune to internal setbacks. Leadership changes, failed product launches, or regulatory fines can affect performance even in blue-chip firms. 

Researching a company’s management, strategy, and competitive position helps reduce the chance of holding a stock that loses its edge over time.

Sector and Economic Cycles

Different industries move through their own cycles. Technology may thrive during innovation booms, while energy or manufacturing can struggle in recessions. 

Understanding how sectors react to broader economic trends enables diversification across industries while avoiding overexposure to one area.

Inflation and Interest Rates

Rising inflation or higher interest rates can pressure corporate profits and reduce stock valuations. 

Growth stocks, in particular, can suffer when borrowing costs rise. Keeping a mix of dividend payers, defensive names, and growth stocks can help balance the impact of changing economic environments.

Emotional Decision-Making

The biggest risk for long-term investors often isn’t the market; it’s emotion. Selling in panic or chasing hot trends can undo years of progress. 

Sticking to a defined strategy, maintaining realistic expectations, and reviewing holdings periodically helps ensure decisions are guided by logic, not fear or excitement.

Where to Buy Long-Term Stocks

When selecting long-term stocks, it’s important to focus on those listed on major exchanges like NASDAQ and the NYSE.

These markets provide greater transparency and access to reliable financial reports, making them ideal for finding growth stocks with the potential for long-term success.

Robinhood and Webull are popular online brokerage platforms that offer access to these exchanges.

Robinhood is known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward tools, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to start their investment journey.

Webull, on the other hand, caters to more experienced investors with advanced trading tools and features.

Both platforms offer commission-free trading, allowing you to invest without incurring additional fees.

Final Thoughts

Long-term investing is quietly making a comeback in 2026 & beyond. 

As markets chase short-term trends, steady companies with real products and loyal customers continue to build lasting value. 

The stocks above reflect strength, resilience, and patience, qualities that never go out of style. 

Keep your portfolio balanced, hold through market noise, and let time do the heavy lifting. In investing, patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s your greatest advantage.

Long-Term Stocks FAQ

What Are the Best Stocks for Long-Term Investment?

When looking for the best stocks for long-term investment, it’s crucial to consider companies with a history of strong performance and growth potential.

Apple is often highlighted as a top choice due to its consistent innovation and impressive growth since its IPO.

Similarly, Coca-Cola, with its century-long presence and global reach, remains a solid option for investors seeking stability and steady returns.

Both companies exemplify growth stocks and value stocks that many investors consider reliable over long periods.

Are Dividend Stocks Better for Long-Term Investing?

Dividend stocks can be a strong option for the long term because they offer income plus potential capital appreciation. They especially suit folks focused on steady returns and lower volatility.

What Are the Safest Stocks for Long-Term Investing?

The safest stocks for long-term investment are typically those from companies with a solid financial foundation and a track record of resilience in various market conditions.

Industries such as consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities are often seen as more stable due to their consistent demand.

Companies with strong competitive advantages, such as large market capitalization and robust cash flows, are often perceived as safer bets.

However, it’s important to remember that no stock is entirely risk-free, and investors should assess their risk tolerance when making investment decisions.

What Is the Ideal Holding Period for a Long-Term Stock?

Typically, you want to hold a position for at least three to ten years. Some holdings may stay much longer. The key is that you believe in the business’s ability to grow, not just ride a short-term trend.

What Stocks Will Go Up in the Future?

Predicting which stocks will go up in the future involves analyzing trends, company fundamentals, and market conditions.

Long-term stocks are generally chosen for their growth potential, driven by factors like innovation, market expansion, and competitive positioning.

Is Apple a Safe Stock?

Apple is widely regarded as a relatively safe stock due to its dominant position in the technology sector and its ability to consistently deliver innovative products.

As one of the largest companies in the world, Apple has a diverse revenue stream and a strong brand presence, contributing to its reputation as a reliable investment.

However, it’s essential to recognize that no stock is completely without risk, and even large companies can face challenges that impact their stock performance.

Is It Better to Hold a Stock Long Term?

Deciding whether to hold a stock long-term depends on your investment goals and strategy. Long-term investing can offer benefits like compounding returns and reduced tax implications.

It allows investors to ride out short-term market volatility and benefit from the potential growth of high-quality companies.