This week we are looking at five US-listed stocks which we feel are well positioned for further gains going into 2026. Our screen covers companies of all sizes in terms of their market cap, although in future articles on this site I plan to look more closely at the small and mid cap segments.
We are including two stocks on the list for all our readers to view. I am also including their 12 month performance and current PE ratio for reference. We will be publishing our top US stock pick for 2026 on Friday for our Armchair Trader Plus subscribers.
Corebridge Financial [NYSE:CRBG] -2.3%, PE 18.1x
Corebridge looks well-positioned for 2026. After several quarters of disciplined execution, the insurer has rebuilt a diversified, resilient business: its mix of annuities, retirement plans, and life insurance yields stable, fee-based cash flows, and analyst sentiment has improved, with one 2025 price target implying roughly 30% upside. The firm continues to return capital aggressively (including buybacks), while holding strong liquidity and a solid balance sheet that give it flexibility.
As interest rates remain elevated and demographics in the United States drive retirement demand, Corebridge’s products could see renewed tailwinds. Its move toward capital-efficient strategies (e.g. reinsuring parts of its portfolio offshore) also supports potential margin improvement. If management sustains underwriting discipline and avoids reinsurance missteps, Corebridge may deliver both stability and upside in 2026, exactly the kind of steady value play many growth-focused markets underprice.
Playboy Inc [NASDAQ:PLBY] +28.6%, negative EPS
Playboy has quietly pivoted into a high-margin, asset-light licensing machine and 2026 could be the year that transformation pays off. Under its new model, licensing revenue has surged (in Q1 2025 up 175% YoY), helped by a long-term deal with Byborg that promises guaranteed royalties. With adjusted EBITDA turning positive and net losses shrinking, the company appears to be freeing itself from the heavy capex and volatility of old media operations.
Meanwhile, Playboy is doubling down on brand extensions, relaunching its magazine, exploring hospitality and gaming licenses, and targeting lifestyle categories like grooming, beauty and apparel. The balance sheet is leaner, debt is manageable, and a once-iconic global brand now trades with a tiny market cap, leaving room for multiple expansion if the reinvention sticks. At this valuation, the potential reward seems asymmetric: if Playboy can monetise its legacy brand across lifestyle verticals, 2026 could deliver real value, not nostalgia.
Want the full story? Start a free trial of The Armchair Trader Plus+ today.
Get weekly investment ideas and tips that will take your investing to the next level. Sign up here.
Free 28 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Log In or Sign Up to Armchair Trader+Already a member? Log in here:
Not a member? Sign up now or see the membership benefits
Further content of this article is not available as it is for members only. Please visit the registration page for Armchair Trader Plus+ for further details on the benefits of becoming a member.
