KeyBanc Capital Markets has singled out six consumer and retail firms it expects to be among the stronger performers through 2026, citing each companys strategic advantages and market positioning. The roster includes large-format e-commerce and retail players as well as niche and discount operators that KeyBanc believes can capitalize on evolving consumer behavior and structural opportunities.
Amazon tops KeyBancs list. The firm points to continued expansion of Amazon Web Services (AWS) capacity as a key growth engine, alongside the e-commerce businesss ability to defend and even expand market share. KeyBanc also highlights the companys strategic push into grocery as a material avenue for additional expansion. Several analysts have adjusted price targets on Amazon, including upward revisions from KeyBanc and Stifel, while Evercore ISI has commented on what it views as a more focused grocery strategy.
Caseys General Stores ranks second on KeyBancs list. The convenience store operator is noted for a vigorous food innovation pipeline, steady unit growth and the integration of its CEFCO acquisition, all factors KeyBanc views as supportive of continued expansion through 2026. In recent company news, Caseys reported second-quarter results that topped consensus expectations; that beat prompted price target increases from firms including KeyBanc and Jefferies, and BofA Securities initiated coverage with a Buy rating.
Ollies Bargain Outlet is cited third. KeyBanc emphasizes a favorable real estate backdrop that can support new store openings, the prospect of margin improvement, and constructive conditions in the closeout product pipeline. The retailer posted a 3.3% comparable sales increase in its third quarter, and analyst reactions have been mixed: UBS and Piper Sandler trimmed their price targets while Craig-Hallum raised theirs.
Somnigroup International is listed fourth. KeyBanc points to potential synergies from Somnigroups acquisition of Mattress Firm as a driver of value, along with an industry landscape that KeyBanc sees as getting more supportive. Those factors underpin the firms view that Somnigroup could improve performance through 2026.
Walmart occupies the fifth slot. KeyBanc highlights the retailers continued market share gains and a growing e-commerce footprint. Improvements in profitability metrics also reinforce Walmarts standing on the list. Recent corporate moves include executive leadership changes ahead of a CEO transition and wage increases for thousands of pharmacy technicians. Tigress Financial Partners raised its price target on Walmart, calling out investments in technology and artificial intelligence.
Williams-Sonoma completes KeyBancs six-name roster. The home goods retailer is recognized for product innovation, the roll-out of AI technologies and the potential upside from an industry recovery. Williams-Sonoma posted its strongest sales growth in three years for the third quarter and declared a quarterly cash dividend. At the same time, some analysts, including UBS and TD Cowen, have lowered price targets amid concerns about tariff-related impacts.
Collectively, KeyBancs selections span multiple retail sub-sectors and reflect an emphasis on companies it sees as able to leverage strategic initiatives, operational scale and favorable market conditions. Each company cited by KeyBanc also has received recent analyst updates that underscore differing expectations across the sell-side, with both upward and downward adjustments to price targets depending on firm-specific results and broader cost or macro considerations.
Methodology note: The firms mentioned were identified by KeyBanc Capital Markets for their potential to outpace peers through 2026 based on the attributes highlighted above. The article reports on the companies and analyst reactions as described by KeyBanc and the analysts referenced.