In the opening weeks of 2026, market activity has been robust, with companies like Nvidia detailing new projects such as its Vera Rubin AI platform. Against this backdrop, three stocks have been singled out as current favorites for investors seeking a blend of growth and value: Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS), MercadoLibre (NASDAQ: MELI), and Realty Income (NYSE: O).
Dutch Bros, a coffee chain founded three decades ago in Oregon, has relocated its headquarters to Arizona and now operates in 24 states with nearly 1,000 stores. The company's store count has doubled since its 2021 public offering, and it aims to double again to 2,029 stores by 2029. Management plans to open at least 170 stores in 2026, with a long-term vision for 7,000 locations. Same-shop sales are rising through beverage innovation, menu development, and mobile ordering, while profitability is improving with wider contribution margins and increased net income.
MercadoLibre, a Latin American e-commerce and fintech firm, is enhancing its value proposition to attract consumers. In the third quarter of 2025, revenue grew 49% year-over-year on a currency-neutral basis, with items sold up 42% and gross merchandise volume increasing 34%. The company adds millions of customers quarterly, and existing buyers are spending more frequently and in higher amounts. Its Mercado Pago app has expanded services, with total credit portfolio up 83% and payment volume rising 54% in the latest quarter. MercadoLibre has applied for a bank charter in Mexico, strengthening its financial services alongside retail operations.
Realty Income, a retail-focused real estate investment trust, owns around 15,500 global properties and counts Walmart and Home Depot among its top clients. The company has diversified into casinos and industrials, with management guiding for $5.5 billion in investment volume for 2025. It has paid monthly dividends for over 55 years, raising them for 113 consecutive quarters, and currently yields 5.3%, more than four times the S&P 500 average.
These updates come as the market shows early strength in 2026, with investors advised to focus on stocks that offer growth and safety.