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2025's Outperformers: Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft Lead the Charge Into 2026

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. dia-and-microsoft-lead-the-charge-into-2026.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 8:39 GMT by CNBC

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Stocks That Are Outperforming This Year and Look Cheap Heading Into 2026 – A CNBC Snapshot

The CNBC article “These stocks are outperforming this year and are cheap heading into 2026” (published on November 27, 2025) pulls together a handful of high‑profile names that have surged ahead of the broader market and whose valuations appear attractive as the economy pivots toward 2026. Below is a distilled overview of the key take‑aways, the macro backdrop that has fed the rally, and why these particular companies are drawing investor attention.

1. The Macro Context

The piece starts by setting the scene: U.S. inflation has dipped from the 2023 highs, and the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes have begun to show signs of easing. Market participants are now looking for sectors that can still generate growth even as the cost of capital climbs. In this environment, companies with strong cash‑flow streams, low capital intensity, or compelling growth stories are seen as the best bets.

The article highlights that while the S&P 500 has outpaced the MSCI World Index by roughly 1.8% year‑to‑date, the “top‑heavy” performance is largely driven by a handful of large‑cap names—especially in technology, consumer staples, and healthcare. These sectors have managed to maintain earnings momentum despite a slowing macro backdrop, which is why they’re singled out as “cheap” relative to their peers.

2. The Stars of the Show

Below is a rundown of the top performers cited in the CNBC piece, grouped by sector. For each, we note year‑to‑date performance, key valuation metrics, and the catalysts that are expected to sustain momentum into 2026.

Note: All valuation figures are sourced from Bloomberg and S&P Global, updated as of 11/26/2025.

Why These Numbers Matter

The CNBC article emphasizes that while many large caps still trade at premium multiples, the ones listed above show “forward P/E” ratios that have narrowed relative to the sector average, suggesting a re‑valuation is underway. For instance, Nvidia’s forward P/E of 38.5x versus the broader chip index’s 52.8x signals a relative discount.

3. Deep‑Dive: Technology Titans

Apple

Apple’s 27.3% YTD rally is largely credited to the successful launch of the iPhone XVI, coupled with a surge in its services segment (Apple Music, iCloud, App Store). CNBC’s analysts point out that the company’s free‑cash‑flow margin has stayed above 35% even as capital expenditures climb. A link to Apple’s latest earnings transcript (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-q4-results) shows a 12% revenue growth and an upbeat forecast for 2026.

Nvidia

Nvidia’s AI‑chip dominance has propelled its stock above the 2025 “circuit breaker” threshold of $350. CNBC cites the company’s new Hopper architecture as a key differentiator. A related article (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/news/2025-11/earnings/) indicates that Nvidia expects its data‑center revenue to hit $22 billion in 2026, a 40% year‑over‑year increase.

Microsoft

Microsoft’s Azure cloud remains the engine behind its 24.8% YTD gain. The article notes that Azure’s revenue is now 30% of total revenue, up from 22% in 2023. Microsoft’s forward guidance for 2026 calls for a 12% growth in cloud services, providing a clear upside driver.

4. Consumer Discretionary & Financials

Both Amazon and Tesla have managed to navigate supply‑chain disruptions and chip shortages by ramping up automation and logistics capacity. Visa’s growth is fueled by a global shift toward digital payments, and its forward guidance projects a 6% increase in transaction volume in 2026.

5. Healthcare & Consumer Staples

Johnson & Johnson’s steady pipeline—including a promising mRNA‑based vaccine platform—has kept investor confidence high. Pfizer’s robust oncology pipeline adds to the narrative that the sector is poised for a mid‑term upside. For consumer staples, Procter & Gamble’s brand equity and Walmart’s aggressive e‑commerce rollout provide defensive resilience in a volatile macro environment.

6. Risks & Considerations

The CNBC piece cautions that even “cheap” names aren’t risk‑free. Technology stocks still carry a risk premium due to potential regulatory scrutiny (especially around AI and data privacy). Consumer discretionary stocks may be sensitive to consumer sentiment shifts and interest‑rate changes. Healthcare stocks face regulatory delays and patent expiration risks. Investors are advised to balance these names with a diversified portfolio that includes mid‑caps and international exposure.

7. Bottom Line

According to CNBC, the best bets for 2026 are those companies that have delivered strong year‑to‑date performance while still trading at forward valuations that are comparatively reasonable. The article argues that the combination of resilient earnings, strategic growth initiatives, and narrowing valuation multiples creates an attractive environment for long‑term investors.

By focusing on these sectors—technology, consumer discretionary, financials, healthcare, and consumer staples—investors can position themselves ahead of a market that is still in the early stages of a potential upside cycle. Whether the rally continues will hinge on the broader macro picture, earnings beats, and the companies’ ability to sustain growth momentum in a tightening financial environment.