Which Meme Stocks Could Deliver Returns in 2026? Experts Eye These Three Candidates

The meme stock phenomenon continues to capture investor attention, driven largely by coordinated social media engagement—a metaphorical “hand reaching out” from retail traders seeking market-beating opportunities. While volatility defines this asset class, recent analyst commentary suggests certain names may have moved beyond pure speculation into territory supported by operational improvements and growth metrics.

The Meme Stock Landscape: Beyond the Hype

GameStop’s 2021 surge established the template for meme stock mania, yet the category has evolved considerably. Unlike early examples such as Beyond Meat, which experienced a dramatic $0.50-to-$7 week before collapsing, some current plays demonstrate tangible business momentum. Experts are increasingly distinguishing between stocks that have substantial fundamentals versus those riding pure sentiment waves.

Rivian Automotive (RIVN): Autonomous Technology as Long-Term Catalyst

The electric vehicle maker has navigated substantial price swings but maintains upside momentum. Tigress Financial Partners’ leadership views Rivian’s artificial intelligence and software capabilities as meaningful value drivers. The rationale centers on autonomous and hands-off driving features that could unlock recurring revenue through future software upgrades and enhanced safety systems.

The autonomous vehicle sector remains nascent, with competitors like Waymo already deploying active highway capabilities. Rivian’s current feature set positions it within this emerging landscape, and management’s commitment to advancing self-driving technology suggests material upside potential. Investment strategists have raised price targets to $25, reflecting confidence in this trajectory.

Krispy Kreme (DNUT): Expansion and Margin Recovery

Despite a challenging 2025 with losses exceeding 50%, DNUT has attracted analyst support based on fundamentals rather than momentum. Bank of America’s research team maintains a constructive stance, emphasizing the company’s double-digit top-line growth profile and return on invested capital superiority versus peers.

The expansion thesis centers on geographic reach: management targets growth from roughly 3,750 locations to 8,000 across North America, while international operations show encouraging signs. Recent quarterly results demonstrate this turnaround potential, with organic sales expanding and international revenue climbing 7.3% year-over-year alongside narrowing net losses.

Carvana (CVNA): When Meme Stocks Build Real Earnings

CVNA represents a counternarrative—a heavily-discussed retail name that has generated genuine profitable growth. The stock has appreciated more than 60% this year, reflecting acceleration in both revenue (up 55% year-over-year) and net profitability (nearly doubled).

Analysts credit management’s physical real estate investments and proprietary software systems as durable competitive advantages. The company’s recent milestone—crossing $20 billion in annualized revenue while selling approximately 156,000 units (44% higher year-over-year)—underscores operational momentum beyond social media interest. Research firms have set ambitious targets reflecting this confidence.

The Takeaway

These three securities illustrate how meme stock investing is maturing: names with operational traction and analyst backing may reward patient capital in 2026, even as the sector’s speculative foundation ensures continued volatility.