Soon, it will be countdown time, noting one by one the last minutes of 2025. But today, we can start early, counting down the last 12 investment days until the new year. The stock market will be closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas Day and opens for partial sessions on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. What should you do during this countdown? Consider possible stocks, companies with great long-term prospects, that you might add to your portfolio as the year wraps up.
Whether the bull market continues its rush higher or faces tough times, these players could help you deliver a win over the long run. Here are my 12 top stocks to buy during these 12 days of investing before 2026.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Apple
Apple (AAPL 1.93%) is on track for an 11% gain for the year -- modest, considering the explosive performance of most artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The company has progressively launched AI across its products and could be in the early days of its AI growth story.
On top of this, Apple has a solid moat, or competitive advantage, thanks to its strong brand -- fans are willing to wait for the latest iPhone update, for example, rather than switching to a rival product. These points, along with a solid services business, could keep revenue climbing.
2. Costco
Costco (COST +1.12%) offers investors an opportunity right now as it's trading for 43x forward earnings estimates, down from more than 58x earlier this year. Today's level still isn't dirt cheap, but it's very reasonable for a company with such a strong business model and track record of growth.
NASDAQ: COST
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The warehouse giant makes most of its profit through membership fees -- and renewal rates are generally high, at more than 90% in the U.S. and Canada. Costco also may thrive in any economic environment due to its low prices on essentials such as food and gas.
Image source: Getty Images.
3. Carnival
Carnival (CCL 7.89%) (CUK 7.72%) demonstrated that it could make it through tough times and go on to win. The world's biggest cruise operator built up a wall of debt during early pandemic days when cruising halted -- since, though, it's been progressively paying down debt, it's returned to profit, and revenue and bookings have reached record levels.
The company's recovery efforts -- such as operating only fuel-efficient ships -- should support earnings growth moving forward, too. Today, Carnival is a great buy at only 11x forward earnings estimates.
4. Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG 2.76%) is the global leader in robotic surgery thanks to its Da Vinci platform. Surgeons around the world have trained on the system, and the systems themselves cost hospitals more than $1 million -- these two elements, which don't favor switching to a rival, offer Intuitive Surgical a strong moat.
NASDAQ: ISRG
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I also like the fact that the company doesn't only make money through the renting or leasing out of its systems. It actually makes most of its revenue by selling instruments and accessories needed for the surgeries, and importantly, this represents recurrent revenue.
5. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX 2.89%) is the world's leading player in cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment, and this specialty has brought in blockbuster revenue and led to strong earnings growth. The company's intellectual property should keep it in this top spot through the coming decade.
NASDAQ: VRTX
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At the same time, Vertex is growing its position in treatment areas beyond CF, launching a blood disorders treatment and a pain management drug in recent times. The company has plenty of room for growth here, making now a great time to get in on the stock.
6. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola (KO 0.03%) offers investors an impressive moat, thanks to its brand strength and wide distribution network. This has generated earnings growth over time. The company sells its eponymous drink and other well-known products and has been wise about developing new products to suit local tastes around the world.
You also will like Coca-Cola for its commitment to dividend payments, raising its dividend for more than 50 consecutive years -- that puts it on the Dividend King list and makes it a fantastic choice for passive income.
7. Pool Corp.
Pool Corp. (POOL 2.63%) is the world's biggest supplier of pool equipment. Though it may see softness in demand for pool building during tough economic times, it offers pool services that should power it through any economy. After all, pool owners must continue to maintain their pools regardless of economic shifts.
NASDAQ: POOL
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The stock, one that famous investor Warren Buffett reinforced his position in this year, looks like a deal trading for 22x forward earnings estimates -- down from more than 32x earlier in the year.
8. Amazon
Amazon (AMZN 1.47%) is a leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, and this has helped the company increase earnings over time. This market giant also is benefiting from the high-growth area of AI. Amazon is using AI to gain efficiency in its e-commerce business and offers AI products and services to cloud customers. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has already reported a $132 billion annual revenue run rate thanks to demand for its AI systems.
All of this bodes well for growth moving forward, making now a good moment to get in on the stock.
Image source: Getty Images.
9. Target
Target's (TGT 2.67%) earnings and stock performance have been in the doldrums as the company has struggled with challenges, such as the consumer buying more essentials and fewer higher-margin items.
But 2026 could represent a year of recovery for Target. The company has recognized its weak points and even is shifting to a new chief executive officer early in the year. So, today's level -- with the stock trading for 13x forward earnings estimates -- may represent a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity.
10. CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP 2.04%) won approval for a blood disorder treatment, Casgevy, with partner Vertex that I mentioned above, and 2026 may be a key moment for that product. Vertex says it expects "significant growth" from Casgevy in the coming year.
This, along with potential updates from CRISPR Therapeutics' clinical trials, could represent catalysts for the stock. The approval of Casgevy, based on the gene editing used throughout the pipeline, demonstrates the strength of CRISPR Therapeutics' technology and may be just the beginning of growth for the company.
11. Broadcom
Broadcom (AVGO 1.64%) is a networking giant and has emerged as a potential AI chip winner, too. The company makes custom chips, designed for specific uses, while AI chip giant Nvidia makes more of a general-purpose system. I don't see Broadcom upsetting Nvidia's leadership, but I do see enough demand in the market to generate plenty of growth for both players.
NASDAQ: AVGO
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Broadcom has spoken of high demand and continues to sign on more AI business, and this is against a general backdrop of AI growth. So Broadcom could make a great AI bet for the new year.
12. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
I like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM 4.96%) because, as a producer of chips for Nvidia and a variety of companies, this company can score multiple wins during the AI boom. It benefits as each of these chip designers gains new orders -- it isn't linked to the success of only one. That makes TSMC a no-brainer buy for investors looking for a long-term AI success story.
TSMC also is investing heavily in U.S. manufacturing, and the company should benefit greatly during this stage of the AI boom -- as cloud companies spend potentially trillions on infrastructure. All this makes TSMC a top AI stock to buy during the final 12 days of investing in 2025.
