Barron's 2025 picks absolutely smoked the S&P 500. Here is what they are buying for 2026.

Barron's has released its investment picks for 2026, highlighting a significant shift from growth-oriented to value-based strategies. Their previous stock picks for 2025 significantly outperformed the S&P 500, achieving a total return of 27.9%. This year’s theme, 'Laggards Leading,' suggests investments in beaten-down stocks, particularly those with high dividend yields. Notable selections to watch include Amazon (AMZN), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), and Comcast (CMCSA), with the latter showing a decline of 26.5% year-to-date. Additionally, energy stocks like Exxon Mobil (XOM) remain significant despite recent downward pressure on oil prices. The strategy indicates a pivot to income-focused investments, as Barron's expects capital to rotate from high-growth stocks to undervalued sectors, particularly in real estate and media.