Value Growth Stocks to Watch in 2026: Bridging the Gap Between Value and Momentum Investing

The investment landscape in 2026 is marked by a unique convergence of value and growth dynamics. As markets grapple with macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting consumer behaviors, companies that combine robust fundamentals with scalable growth catalysts are emerging as compelling opportunities. This analysis examines four such stocks-MercadoLibre, SoFi, UnitedHealth Group, and Campbell's Soup-each of which exemplifies the interplay between undervalued assets and forward-looking momentum. Drawing on insights from Morningstar, The Motley Fool, and Kiplinger, we explore how these firms are positioned to bridge the gap between traditional value investing and high-growth innovation.

MercadoLibre: A Latin American E-Commerce Powerhouse

MercadoLibre (MELI) remains a standout in the e-commerce and fintech space, particularly in Latin America. Despite margin compression from intensified competition with Amazon, Temu, and Shopee, the company reported 39% year-over-year revenue growth in Q3 2025. Its diversified ecosystem-anchored by MercadoPago (a leading digital wallet) and MercadoEnvios (logistics)-creates a flywheel effect, driving cross-selling and customer retention. While its stock has declined 23% from its June 2025 peak, the underlying business model retains significant scalability. Analysts at The Motley Fool highlight MercadoLibre as an "ultimate growth stock" for 2026, citing its ability to leverage Brazil's digital transformation and expand into underpenetrated markets.

SoFi: Rebuilding a Digital Banking Platform

SoFi Technologies (SOFI) has demonstrated resilience in its digital-first banking model. The company's revenue surged 38% year-over-year in Q3 2025, driven by its one-stop-shop approach to student loans, mortgages, and personal finance. While its stock has faced volatility, SoFi's strategic pivot to prioritize profitability over hypergrowth has attracted institutional attention. The Motley Fool underscores its potential as a "2026 growth catalyst", noting that its expanding product suite and partnerships with fintech innovators could unlock new revenue streams.

UnitedHealth Group: Navigating Regulatory Headwinds

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has endured a turbulent 2025, with its stock plummeting 35% amid investigations into billing practices and Medicare Advantage costs. However, management's proactive measures-such as premium hikes and market exits-have begun to stabilize the business. Morningstar analysts raised their 2026 growth forecast to 9%, citing improved free cash flow and a revised fair value estimate of $427 per share. While regulatory risks persist, the company's dominant position in healthcare and its ability to adapt to policy shifts position it as a hybrid value-growth play.

Campbell's Soup: A Contrarian Bet in Consumer Goods

Campbell's Soup (CPB) presents a more nuanced case. The company's Q1 2026 results showed a 3% revenue decline and 13% drop in adjusted EPS, reflecting margin pressures from input costs. Yet, its valuation appears attractive relative to peers. Morningstar's fair value estimate of $19.00 contrasts sharply with a Kiplinger assessment of $61.49, highlighting the stock's valuation ambiguity. Campbell's strategic pivot to snacks (now 50% of sales) and its acquisition of a 49% stake in Rao's pasta sauces signal long-term innovation potential. For investors willing to tolerate near-term volatility, the stock's 53.5% discount to its DCF fair value estimate suggests untapped upside.

Strategic Implications for 2026

The convergence of value and growth in these stocks reflects broader market trends. MercadoLibre and SoFi exemplify high-growth sectors (e-commerce and fintech) with improving fundamentals, while UnitedHealth Group and Campbell's demonstrate how traditional industries can adapt to evolving challenges. For investors, the key lies in balancing short-term risks with long-term catalysts. As Morningstar notes, "companies with wide economic moats and disciplined cost structures are best positioned to thrive in a low-growth environment."

Conclusion

The 2026 investment horizon demands a nuanced approach to value-growth convergence. MercadoLibre's ecosystem-driven scalability, SoFi's digital innovation, UnitedHealth Group's regulatory adaptability, and Campbell's strategic reinvention collectively represent a diversified portfolio of opportunities. While each stock carries unique risks-be it regulatory scrutiny for UNH or margin pressures for CPB-their alignment with macroeconomic tailwinds and structural growth trends makes them compelling candidates for strategic entry. As the year unfolds, monitoring their execution against these catalysts will be critical for capitalizing on their full potential.