Financier №1 (41) 2026

Upsides and quotes are presented as of February 24, 2026

 

Mikhail Denislamov,

Deputy Director, Analytical Department, Freedom Finance Global

Citigroup (С) is a global financial corporation and one of the leaders in transactional banking and investment services segment. Under the leadership of Jane Fraser - the first woman CEO of a major US lender - Citi is completing a large‑scale restructuring. Its efficiency ratio has reached 63 %, and the target ROTCE (return on tangible common equity, i.e., net income divided by tangible common equity) for 2026 is set at 10–11 %. The stock is currently trading at a discount compared to peers, despite the issuer allocated $13 billion to its share buyback programme in 2025. Potential drivers for a revaluation of the asset include achieving the ROTCE target, an increase in net interest income (NII), a recovery in capital markets.

Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) is a market leader in robotic surgery, with its da Vinci systems used for minimally invasive gynaecological procedures worldwide. The number of procedures performed on its equipment increased by more than 17% YoY in 2025. Demand for the flagship da Vinci 5 system exceeded average forecasts. The medical equipment upgrade cycle has only just begun. This will ensure the company a sustainable revenue stream for at least the next two years. Additional growth drivers for Intuitive Surgical in 2026 will include sales of the budget-friendly da Vinci XiR model and the launch of the My Intuitive digital ecosystem.

General Motors (GM) is an automotive giant that, under the leadership of Mary Barra, has demonstrated exemplary business agility. The company has become one of the main beneficiaries of the change in US economic policy, shifting its focus from unprofitable electric vehicles to high-margin gasoline-powered pickups and SUVs. In January, GM forecasted adjusted earnings per share growth to $11–$13, significantly exceeding consensus. The launch of a $6 billion buyback program and a 20% dividend increase, with margins in North America at 8–10%, will be key drivers for the automaker's share price growth in 2026.

Target (TGT) is one of the largest retailers in the United States, whose success is inextricably linked to the purchasing power of American women. According to Marketing Scoop and Numerator, women make up approximately 62–63% of the chain's customer base, accounting for the lion's share of sales in home goods, as well as cosmetics and clothing. The current moment is an attractive opportunity to buy the company's shares amid a large-scale business transformation program. The retailer is investing $5 billion in technology and store upgrades, focusing on improving the customer experience, developing delivery services, and expanding the Target Circle loyalty program. This will drive TGT stock growth this year.

 

Yerlan Abdikarimov,

Director of the Financial Analysis Department, Freedom Broker

Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG). Over the past year, Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) has transformed itself into a strategic energy supplier for AI technologies. The company's Clean, Guaranteed Energy model allows it to meet growing demand for uninterruptible power supply while simultaneously adhering to environmental regulations and long-term license renewals for its leading nuclear power plants expand its investment horizon. All of this positions Constellation Energy as a significant player in the energy supply of the digital economy. A structural power deficit and a commitment to energy security create the foundation for sustainable profitability and growth.

Comfort Systems USA (FIX) is a provider of engineering and electrical solutions for data centres and high-tech manufacturing. The company is characterized by low capital intensity, sustained margin growth, and high cash flow. Management priorities include reducing leverage and high flexibility in capital allocation. An expanding order book for the AI sector and chipmakers characterizes the business. Recurring revenue generation creates the foundation for continued outperformance, making FIX's high stock valuation a reflection of the quality of the business and its potential for growth without speculative overheating.

Newmont Corporation (NEM) is focused on improving its portfolio quality and optimizing its financial performance. Planned production declines are offset by margin growth, cost reductions, a large-scale buyback program, and debt reduction, as well as diversification into copper production. The issuer's financial performance is dependent on gold prices, which are in a sustained upward trend. NEM shares trade at a discount to their major peers on key multiples. This makes the company attractive as a defensive instrument with long-term upside potential.

TSMC (TSM) has focused on producing AI chips, which is improving its financial model. The company's future development will be more stable and capital-intensive, relying on long-term orders from leading big tech companies. Despite the market's somewhat overvalued business, its transformation is supported by fundamental factors. These include increased return on capital, large-scale investments in expanding production capacity, and TSMC's strategic role in the global AI chain. The purchase of the company's shares is a bet on the emergence of a fundamentally new technological platform within a few years.