Stock Markets February 19, 2026

BofA Picks Industry Leaders Across Key Sectors, Citing Growth and Competitive Strengths

Bank of America highlights top stock selections from aerospace to specialty chemicals, emphasizing cash generation, market positioning, and execution

By Ajmal Hussain BA AMZN NVDA SON
BofA Picks Industry Leaders Across Key Sectors, Citing Growth and Competitive Strengths
BA AMZN NVDA SON

Bank of America has identified its top equity selections across multiple industries, spotlighting companies that the bank sees as well positioned for growth and resilience. The roster spans aerospace, internet commerce, semiconductors, packaging, precious metals, specialty chemicals, and diversified industrials. Each pick is supported by company-specific developments ranging from large commercial orders and strategic investments to operational targets and recent financial results.

Key Points

  • BofA singled out top stock picks across diverse industries, stressing market positioning and cash generation.
  • Selected companies have recent corporate developments or strategic moves supporting BofAs view, including orders, investments, product launches, and financial targets.
  • Sectors impacted include aerospace, cloud and e-commerce, semiconductors, packaging, precious metals, specialty chemicals, and diversified industrials.

Overview

Bank of America has compiled a cross-sector list of leading stocks that it views as attractive within their respective industries. The selections emphasize market share, execution, cash generation, and strategic positioning. Below, each company is summarized with the facts and corporate developments highlighted by the bank.


Aerospace - Boeing

Boeing is presented as the worlds largest aerospace firm and the leading manufacturer when combining commercial and military aircraft production. The companys operations span Commercial Airplanes, Defense, Space & Security, Global Services, and Boeing Capital Corporation. BofA points to the commercial aerospace recovery and Boeings place in the duopoly for large commercial jets as positives, while also acknowledging headwinds including loss of narrowbody market share and recent reputation risks. Overall, the bank retains a constructive stance on Boeings trajectory.

Recent corporate developments cited include a finalized order with Vietnam Airlines for 50 737 MAX jets and plans to open a fourth production line for the 737 MAX in Everett, Washington. Additionally, Boeing achieved initial qualification from both the FAA and EASA for its 777-9 flight training simulators.


Internet/e-Commerce - Amazon

Amazon is described as one of the largest online retailers globally, operating country-specific retail sites and owning online properties such as Zappos, Twitch, and Whole Foods Markets. The company also runs Amazon Web Services (AWS), a major cloud computing platform. BofA views Amazon as well positioned to benefit from secular trends in e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, and connected devices.

Notable moves highlighted by the bank include Amazons acquisition of a 5.3% stake in electric aviation company BETA Technologies, the companys expansion plans for pharmacy same-day delivery, and a new health data analysis tool for lab results launched by its One Medical unit.


Semiconductors - NVIDIA

NVIDIA is profiled as a designer and seller of graphics and video processing chips for gaming PCs, workstations, game consoles, and accelerated computing servers. BofA notes NVIDIAs evolution from a traditional PC graphics supplier into a broader provider for high-end gaming, enterprise graphics, cloud computing, and automotive markets. The bank points to consistent execution, a strong balance sheet, and a commitment to capital returns as advantages.

Recent corporate actions include an expanded partnership with Meta focused on AI infrastructure and disclosure of a new investment stake in Synopsys valued at over $2 billion. NVIDIA has also sold off its holdings in Recursion Pharmaceuticals and Applied Digital.


Packaging - Sonoco Products

Sonoco Products is identified by BofA as a global leader in industrial and consumer packaging, with an estimated revenue run rate of $7.6 billion by 2025. The companys Tubes and Cores/Paper segment supplies paperboard tubes, cores, and papers for converted products and displays. Its Consumer Packaging business includes composite paperboard cans, such as those used for Pringles, as well as pails, plastic bottles, and closure solutions. BofA highlights Sonocos broad product mix and worldwide manufacturing footprint as reasons for its top sector placement.

Sonoco recently set out a three-year financial plan that targets about $1.5 billion in adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2028. The company also began deliveries under a renewable energy agreement with the Big Sampson Wind Project.


Gold & Precious Metals - Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is presented as a senior gold miner with operations across Canada, Finland, Australia, and Mexico. BofA rates the company as a Buy based on a high-quality asset base and the ability to generate strong free cash flow. The bank highlights that the cash profile supports both shareholder returns and funding for growth projects.

The company reported fourth-quarter 2025 results that beat analyst expectations, posting revenue of $3.56 billion and earnings per share of $2.70.


Specialty Chemicals - RPM International

RPM International manufactures paints, coatings, roofing systems, sealants, and adhesives for industrial and consumer markets. The firms projected fiscal 2025 sales are about $7.3 billion, with roughly 30% of sales outside North America. RPMs brand portfolio includes Rust-Oleum, DAP, Day-Glo, Dryvit, illbruck, Carboline, Stonhard, and Tremco. Its subsidiaries sell products in 164 countries and operate 120 manufacturing facilities worldwide. BofA underscores RPMs industry-leading organic growth driven by cross-selling and turnkey solutions, as well as effective merger integration.

Recent company developments include an upgrade to Overweight from JPMorgan, offset by lower price targets from BMO Capital and RBC Capital. RPM also announced $100 million in annualized cost reductions.


Multiindustry - AMETEK

AMETEK, with about $5 billion in sales, operates through two principal segments: the Electromechanical Group (EMG), which produces a variety of motor products, and the Electronic Instruments Group (EIG), which focuses on measurement instrumentation. The companys growth strategy emphasizes bolt-on acquisitions. BofA describes AMETEK as a high-quality compounder with notable cyclical leverage given its short-cycle industrial exposure, and identifies potential upside tied to capital deployment.

Following a strong fourth quarter marked by record orders and backlog, several analyst firms including DA Davidson, Truist Securities, and RBC Capital raised their price targets for AMETEK.


Concluding note

Across the featured companies, BofA highlights a mix of strategic positioning, execution, and cash generation as the basis for its picks. The selections span several parts of the economy and reflect different drivers - from large commercial contracts and production expansion in aerospace to product diversification and operational targets in packaging and specialty chemicals.

Risks

  • Company-specific challenges noted for Boeing include narrowbody market share loss and recent reputation risks - affecting aerospace sector exposure.
  • Analyst coverage on RPM shows mixed signals with an upgrade from one firm and lower price targets from others, indicating uncertainty in market sentiment for specialty chemicals.
  • Macro and execution risks inherent to industrial and manufacturing businesses could influence outcomes for AMETEK and Sonoco, particularly where targets rely on successful capital deployment and operational execution.

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