Market Overview - Global markets are facing a mix of geopolitical risks, political uncertainty, and structural tailwinds, making stock selection critical for investors in 2026 [2] - U.S., European, and Japanese equities are expected to rise in 2026, but gains will be smaller compared to the previous year, with over half of market participants anticipating a correction [3] - Investor sentiment has been affected by recent "black swan" events, creating a "wall of worry" that markets have historically climbed [4] Methodology for Stock Selection - The list of best stocks was curated from the top 40 hedge fund holdings tracked by Insider Monkey, assessing analyst sentiment and upside potential [7] - The strategy has historically outperformed the market, returning 427.7% since May 2014, significantly beating its benchmark [8] Company Highlights Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) - Hedge Fund Holders: 273, Upside Potential: 26.30% [10] - Wells Fargo lowered its price target from $802 to $795 but remains optimistic about Q4 earnings and 2026 outlook, projecting EPS of $31-$32 [11] - The company is expected to benefit from the release of the next-generation Llama model and associated AI-driven products [12] - Meta has secured long-term power purchase agreements for electricity from U.S. nuclear plants, reflecting rising demand for AI and data centers [13] - Focuses on social media and immersive technologies through its Family of Apps and Reality Labs segments [14] Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) - Hedge Fund Holders: 102, Upside Potential: 28.00% [15] - Announced acquisition of Valencia Technologies to expand its Urology franchise into implantable tibial nerve stimulation [16] - The eCoin System addresses a large market of overactive bladder, with only 19% of affected adults receiving treatment [16] - Goldman Sachs lowered its price target from $124 to $112 while maintaining a 'Buy' rating, focusing on organic growth in 2026 [18] MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) - Hedge Fund Holders: 109, Upside Potential: 28.50% [19] - Over 90% of analysts are bullish, with a consensus price target of $2,800 [19] - Cantor Fitzgerald highlighted the potential for revenue growth driven by AI efficiencies, despite the sector trading 20% below medium-term valuations [20] - Wedbush reduced its price target from $2,800 to $2,700 while maintaining an 'Outperform' rating, citing increased spending and competition concerns [21] - Known for its leading e-commerce and fintech ecosystem in Latin America [22] Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) - Hedge Fund Holders: 143, Upside Potential: 28.70% [23] - Facing a lawsuit that could significantly impact financial exposure and regulatory standing [24] - Management asserts that safety measures are in place, including background checks and partnerships with advocacy groups [25] - Operates a global technology platform connecting consumers with mobility, delivery, and freight services [26] Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) - Hedge Fund Holders: 102, Upside Potential: 29.40% [27] - Announced acquisition of Observe to enhance its AI Data Cloud capabilities [28] - The platform aims to address the $51.7 billion IT operations management market, focusing on efficient anomaly detection [29] - Analyst sentiment is mixed, with Barclays downgrading the stock while Goldman Sachs initiated coverage with a 'Buy' rating [30] - Focuses on cloud-native data warehousing and enabling secure, scalable AI and analytics [31]

Group 1 - The stock market in 2026 is expected to be risky, with valuation multiples particularly high among large-cap tech stocks, suggesting a cautious investment approach is advisable [1] - Despite the overall caution, there are still opportunities for investment, especially in potential rebound plays through careful stock selection [1] Group 2 - Gary Alexander has extensive experience in the technology sector, having worked on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, and has been an adviser to seed-round startups, indicating a strong understanding of current industry trends [2] - His contributions to Seeking Alpha since 2017 and presence in various web publications highlight his influence and expertise in the technology investment landscape [2]

Core Insights - Uber has partnered with grocery chain Kroger to enhance delivery services, adding nearly 2,700 Kroger-owned stores to its platforms, including Uber Eats and Postmates, allowing for same-day delivery across the country [2][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration aims to provide customers with more convenience and flexibility in grocery shopping, addressing evolving consumer needs [3] - This partnership follows previous collaborations between Uber and Kroger, including a restaurant meal delivery option announced last year [3][4] - Kroger also has a similar partnership with DoorDash, which covers the same number of stores [4] Group 2: Market Context - The partnership comes at a time when consumers are increasingly concerned about grocery costs, with 56% of surveyed individuals citing food prices as a significant source of stress [5] - Food and beverage costs are projected to increase by 3% in 2025, with grocery prices rising by 2.4% over the past year [6] - Specific food categories have seen varied price changes, with meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rising by 3.9%, while dairy prices have decreased [7] Group 3: Consumer Behavior Trends - Current trends indicate that consumers are planning purchases more carefully, consolidating trips, and seeking value due to inflationary pressures [8] - Grocery spending remains resilient, with shoppers adjusting their buying habits rather than the types of products they purchase [8]

Core Viewpoint - Uber Technologies, Inc. is viewed positively by hedge funds as a long-term growth stock, with various analysts maintaining buy ratings despite some differing price targets [1][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Mizuho Securities reaffirmed a Buy rating on Uber with a price target of $130 [1]. - Cantor Fitzgerald reduced its price target from $108 to $99 while maintaining an Overweight rating, citing a positive outlook for Global Internet stocks through 2026 [1]. - Jefferies and BofA both maintained Buy ratings, with price targets of $120 and $119 respectively, highlighting expectations for durable Mobility growth and advancements in autonomous vehicle partnerships [3]. Group 2: Market Position and Future Outlook - Goldman Sachs remains constructive on Uber, suggesting that AI advancements will enhance revenue growth and long-term returns on capital expenditures [2]. - Cantor Fitzgerald noted that Uber is well-positioned to outperform in 2026 amid improving market sentiment and positive estimate revisions, with current valuations approximately 20% below medium-term ranges [2]. Group 3: Product Developments - Uber, alongside Lucid Group and Nuro, announced production intent vehicles for their global robotaxi service at CES 2026, showcasing a new in-cabin rider experience [4]. - The company has begun autonomous on-road testing, marking a significant milestone ahead of the anticipated robotaxi service launch in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year [4]. Group 4: Business Segments - Uber operates as a technology platform offering ride services and delivery services, divided into three segments: Delivery, Mobility, and Freight [5]. - The Delivery segment focuses on food ordering, the Mobility segment connects users with drivers for rides, and the Freight segment links carriers with shippers [5].

Group 1 - L1 Capital International Fund focuses on investing in high-quality companies with favorable cashflow-based valuations, emphasizing the importance of valuation analysis for AI-focused investments [1] - In 2025, the fund achieved a return of 9.8% net of fees, underperforming the benchmark MSCI World Net Total Return Index, which returned 12.4% [1] - The fund's fourth-quarter return was 2.2% net of fees, compared to 2.5% for the benchmark [1] Group 2 - Uber Technologies, Inc. is highlighted as a key investment, recognized as a leader in ridesharing and meal delivery networks [3] - As of January 14, 2026, Uber's stock closed at $84.65, with a one-month return of 6.96% and a 52-week gain of 26.31% [2] - Uber has a market capitalization of $177.47 billion with approximately 69.96 million shares outstanding [2] Group 3 - Uber is viewed as a "battleground" company with inherent uncertainties, categorized as a higher-risk, higher-return investment opportunity, and is a smaller position in the fund's portfolio [3] - The company is collaborating with various firms in the autonomous vehicle space, positioning itself well in a hybrid market of human-driven and autonomous vehicles [3] - Despite its potential, some analysts believe that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk compared to Uber [4]

Core Insights - The debate over Uber's ability to turn scale into sustainable profits has shifted, with the company now operating from a position of strength in 2025 [2] - Uber has achieved consistent profitability, strong free cash flow, and healthy growth in trips and active users, indicating the arrival of operating leverage [4][6] Profitability and Business Model - Profitability for Uber is now structural rather than situational, with consistent GAAP profitability and expanded adjusted EBITDA [4] - The Mobility segment has reached a level of maturity where incremental trips significantly contribute to profit without proportional increases in spending [5] Strategic Shifts in Uber Eats - Uber Eats is evolving into a broader local commerce platform, expanding beyond food delivery into grocery, convenience, and retail sectors [7] - This evolution allows Uber Eats to drive repeat usage and larger baskets, improving its economics through scale and better operational efficiencies [8][10] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Uber Eats' adjusted EBITDA surged by 47%, while revenue grew by 27%, showcasing improved earnings quality [10]

Core Insights - Uber Technologies, Inc. and The Kroger Co. have launched nearly 2,700 Kroger Family of Companies stores on Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates, allowing customers nationwide to shop for groceries and household essentials with on-demand delivery [1][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration aims to enhance access, choice, and value for millions of households, expanding beyond existing offerings like floral and sushi shops to include full store assortments from various Kroger banners [3] - Customers can schedule deliveries at their convenience, reflecting the evolving needs of consumers [5] Group 2: Promotional Offers - To celebrate the launch, Uber is providing discounts of up to 50% off the first order from selected Kroger banners, with additional benefits for Uber One members, including $0 Delivery Fee on eligible orders [4][8] Group 3: Company Backgrounds - The Kroger Co. serves over 11 million customers daily through a variety of retail food stores and eCommerce platforms, employing more than 400,000 associates [6] - Uber, since its inception in 2010, has facilitated over 68 billion trips and continues to innovate in the movement of people and goods [7]

Summary of Key Points from the US Internet Research Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the U.S. Internet sector, particularly the dynamics surrounding major players like Google, Amazon, Meta, and others as they navigate through 2026 and beyond [1][4][6]. Core Themes and Insights Theme 1: AI Transition from Model Performance to Product Usage and Revenue Generation - The narrative is shifting from evaluating AI model performance to assessing product usage and financial returns, with a focus on user engagement metrics [6][23]. - Companies are expected to demonstrate how AI tools can attract users and generate revenue, moving beyond mere model comparisons [23][24]. Theme 2: AI in the Physical World - 2026 is anticipated to mark significant advancements in robotics and autonomous vehicles (AVs), with companies like Waymo and Tesla leading the charge [7][51]. - Robotics is expected to enhance efficiency in logistics and fulfillment, particularly for Amazon, which is leveraging automation to improve margins [55][56]. Theme 3: Market Dynamics - Growing Pies and Shrinking Slices - The competitive landscape is evolving, with larger players like Amazon and Google encroaching on markets traditionally held by smaller firms, leading to a potential erosion of market share for incumbents [10][11][39]. - The total addressable market (TAM) is expanding, but the share of market leaders may decrease as competition intensifies [10][11]. Theme 4: Big Tech's Expanding Influence - Major tech companies are leveraging their data and distribution advantages to enter new markets, such as grocery and AVs, with mixed results [11][12]. - The ability to outspend competitors on capital expenditures (CapEx) and product development is a significant advantage for these firms [11][12]. Investment Implications - Top picks for 2026 include Amazon (AMZN), Meta (META), DoorDash (DASH), and Zillow (ZG), with a positive outlook on Uber (UBER), Pinterest (PINS), and Cart (CART) [4][14][19]. - Amazon is expected to improve its position in AI and eCommerce, with anticipated revenue growth in AWS and retail margins benefiting from efficiency initiatives [15][19]. - Meta is viewed as having high upside potential, although it faces risks related to its AI model performance and revenue growth [15][19]. Financial Metrics and Projections - Key financial metrics for major companies include adjusted EPS and P/E ratios, with projections indicating growth for Amazon and Meta in the coming years [3][4]. - Zillow's price target has been adjusted to $95, reflecting a potential upside of approximately 40% from current levels, despite recent legal and competitive challenges [5][19]. Other Important Insights - The focus on recurring engagement metrics is critical, with companies needing to demonstrate tangible user engagement and monetization from AI integrations [8][32]. - The competitive landscape for digital advertising is expected to remain robust, with significant opportunities for growth in eCommerce and AI-driven advertising solutions [13][39]. - The anticipated growth in CapEx across hyperscalers is projected to exceed $500 billion by 2027, although capital intensity may peak in 2026 [44][49]. This comprehensive overview captures the essential themes, investment implications, and financial metrics discussed in the call, providing a clear picture of the U.S. Internet sector's trajectory heading into 2026.

Core Insights - Uber has transitioned to a consistently profitable model, generating significant free cash flow and operating with greater discipline compared to its previous growth-at-all-costs approach [1][2] Group 1: Profitability and Growth - Uber must demonstrate the ability to expand profitability while maintaining growth in trips, users, and gross bookings, particularly in its core mobility and business segments [4][5] - The company has achieved structural profitability, but the challenge lies in expanding margins without sacrificing growth [6] Group 2: Advertising Business - Uber's advertising segment is a promising growth area that needs to scale responsibly without compromising the core user experience [7][9] - Investors should monitor the balance between ad revenue growth and user engagement metrics such as retention, order frequency, and merchant satisfaction to ensure that advertising enhances the platform rather than detracts from it [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Uber Technologies (UBER) shows potential for further upside, with a mean price target of $112.14 indicating a 31.3% upside from its current price of $85.41 [1] Price Targets - The average price target consists of 43 estimates ranging from a low of $78.00 to a high of $150.00, with a standard deviation of $12.36, indicating variability among analysts [2] - The lowest estimate suggests an 8.7% decline, while the highest indicates a 75.6% upside [2] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts exhibit strong agreement on UBER's ability to report better earnings than previously predicted, which supports the potential for stock upside [4][11] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 0.8%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [12] Zacks Rank - UBER holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] Conclusion on Price Targets - While the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of the extent of UBER's potential gains, it does provide a useful guide for price movement direction [14]