My Mid-Year 2026 Watchlist - Key Performance Highlights
Latest 2026 watchlist update is out. Discover my current price targets for NVIDIA, Amazon, Apple and other holdings. Read the full post for detailed analysis.
I am introducing regular stock coverage on this blog. I maintain a public watchlist of companies I follow closely. Every quarter - and sometimes more often when significant developments occur - I will publish an update. These updates will cover performance, changes to watchlist, and the reasoning behind any additions or removals.
These updates will provide a brief summary that covers recent performance and any material developments since the last review. Comprehensive deep-dive analyses will continue to be published as separate, standalone posts.
NVIDIA (NVDA)
As of today, NVIDIA is trading at around $195. This remains below my target price of $235. Over the last six months the stock actually reached my target price. I placed a few short call orders, but none of
NVIDIA faces several risks at present. Competition is increasing as large technology companies develop their own AI chips. High capital spending by customers could slow if economic conditions worsen or, more importantly, if returns on AI investments disappoint.
On the positive side, NVIDIA remains very strong in AI accelerators. The company maintains high margins while expanding into robotics and new markets.
My target price for the next year has moved slightly higher to $245. I still view this stock as volatile. One missed quarter can push the price down, especially when a lot of expectations are already priced in.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
One of the biggest surprises in the last six months is that Microsoft has fallen to around $370. This is well below my target price of $550.
The main reason is heavy spending on AI infrastructure that may take time to deliver returns. It is also worth noting that the company continues to face ongoing regulatory scrutiny in several markets.
However, Microsoft benefits from a wide economic moat across its core products. Azure continues to grow, and recurring revenue from Office 365 and enterprise software provides stability even in uncertain markets.
I will move the sentiment on this stock to Strong Buy and leave the price target unchanged.
Netflix (NFLX)
Netflix is trading well below my target price of $140 and is currently averaging around $73.
A lot has happened in the last six months. Increased competition and higher content costs are the main reasons for the drop. The company also tried but never completed the acquisition of two strong content libraries. This situation has both positive and negative sides.
Netflix still has strong positives. It maintains a wide moat through its brand, global scale, and original content library. The advertising tier is growing, and new product features continue to improve user experience and engagement.
I am not changing the price target or sentiment for this stock.
Apple (AAPL)
This stock also crossed my target price of $300 in the last month or two. Right now it is trading around $280.
A change of CEO, with a stronger focus on hardware, is something the company needs, especially while facing higher component costs.
Apple’s strong brand and loyal customer base remain essential. Its ecosystem of hardware and software continues to generate substantial cash flow.
I will increase the target price to $315 and change the sentiment from Hold to Buy. The reasons for this decision are that Apple is in a strong financial position and the CEO change should bring fresh ideas to the product portfolio.
Mastercard (MA)
Mastercard closed around $510 on 30 June 2026. This remains below my target price of $600. The stock has pulled back since the December update, but it looks like the whole financial sector has been in slight stagnation lately.
Risks for Mastercard include regulatory pressure on fees and potential shifts in consumer spending patterns. Competition from newer payment technologies also requires ongoing investment.
Mastercard benefits from a powerful global network and strong brand. It earns high margins on growing payment volumes with relatively low capital needs. The shift toward digital and contactless payments continues to support long-term growth in its core business.
I will not make any changes to the target price or sentiment for this stock.
Amazon (AMZN)
Whenever I look at this company’s financial reports, I am surprised it is trading at current levels. My target was around $310, and the stock is trading around $240 as of today.
Risks at Amazon can be summed up as thin margins in retail and intense competition in almost every area where the company operates.
On the other hand, Amazon has clear strengths. AWS remains a leader in cloud computing with continued growth in AI-related services. Advertising and vertical integration in its own chips support higher margins.
After reviewing all of this, I have decided to increase the target price to $335. The sentiment will remain at Buy.
Pinterest (PINS)
Pinterest is trading around $21, which is below my target price of $35.
The company must continue proving it can increase revenue per user consistently. Macro conditions affecting digital advertising could also create volatility.
Pinterest has positives in its engaged user base and improving monetization. Average revenue per user has risen, and the platform continues to add new features and shopping tools. Its position as a visual discovery and inspiration platform remains distinctive.
However, I am not convinced that the company’s leadership has a clear path to recovery for this stock. I considered moving the sentiment to Hold or even Underperform. After the last financial report, I will keep it at Hold for now. For my style of investing, this stock sits in a difficult middle ground.
Mercedes-Benz Group (MBG.DE)
Mercedes-Benz is trading below €45 lately. This is well below my target price of €60.
Risks for Mercedes-Benz include weak demand for electric vehicles in Europe and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers. High costs and the transition to new powertrains continue to pressure margins. Sentiment in the broader European auto industry remains cautious.
Mercedes-Benz retains strong positives. It has a premium brand with pricing power in the luxury segment. The company is cutting costs and increasing the use of AI across its operations. It also offers an attractive dividend yield while working through the industry transition.
I will decrease my target price to €58 and leave the sentiment at Hold.
Monster Beverage (MNST)
Monster Beverage closed higher than $95. This is very close to my target price of $100.
Risks for Monster include dependence on a concentrated product lineup and potential changes in consumer preferences toward healthier options.
Monster benefits from strong brand recognition and an efficient distribution partnership with Coca-Cola. The energy drink category continues to grow globally. The company maintains high margins and has a track record of steady expansion into new markets and flavors.
I think a lot of future growth is already priced into today’s price. Therefore, I will not move the price target and will reduce the sentiment to Hold.
Summary
The last six months have been quite difficult. Many stocks on this watchlist have declined, and the broader market has created more challenges than opportunities.
Looking ahead, we are likely to face even more interesting times. Markets remain uncertain, and staying patient will be important.
My approach remains long-term value investing. I focus on companies with strong business fundamentals and aim to hold them for many years rather than reacting to short-term price movements. These regular watchlist updates help me track progress and review my thinking as new information becomes available.
Please remember that this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Stock prices can be volatile, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Always do your own research and consider speaking with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
Entire watchlist you can find on the link below.
Daan