Why Are Meta, Costco, and Eli Lilly on Brianne Gardner’s Must-Buy List?
Brianne Gardner’s top stock picks offer stability and upside in a volatile market—here’s why Meta, Costco, and Eli Lilly stand out.
Editorial Team (ET)May 17, 2026
The markets have been on a rollercoaster ride, reflecting the uncertainty gripping investors. The S&P 500 slipped into correction territory, shedding 10 percent, while the Nasdaq fared even worse, plunging 14 percent. The Canadian S&P/TSX Composite Index held up slightly better but still recorded a 6.5 percent decline. Such pullbacks, though unnerving, are an integral part of the market cycle. Historically, corrections occur one to three times a year, serving as an essential recalibration after extended rallies.
A confluence of factors has triggered the latest bout of volatility. Concerns over economic growth have resurfaced, with fears of a potential recession looming as consumer spending shows signs of weakness. Business sentiment remains cautious, weighed down by tariff uncertainties and unpredictable policy shifts. Meanwhile, capital has begun rotating away from big tech—the once-dominant Magnificent Seven—towards alternative sectors and geographic regions.
Despite the turbulence, not all is doom and gloom. Bonds have outperformed stocks, drawing investors toward safer assets. The materials sector, particularly gold stocks, has demonstrated resilience, while European and Chinese markets have posted gains of 8 to 10 percent year to date. This suggests that while uncertainty persists, opportunities remain for those willing to navigate the shifting landscape with a strategic approach.
Meta Platforms (META: NASD) – A Digital Powerhouse with AI Momentum
Meta Platforms remains a dominant force in the digital space, with over three billion daily users fueling its advertising-driven revenue. Digital ad spending continues to climb, propelling Meta’s sales growth, which is projected at 15 percent for 2025. Artificial intelligence has played a pivotal role in optimizing user engagement, enhancing content recommendations, and boosting ad impressions on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Beyond its advertising empire, Meta is making significant strides in AI, business messaging, and metaverse development. The company’s Llama AI models show early promise in monetization, albeit with substantial investment costs. Despite ongoing skepticism surrounding the metaverse, Meta’s financial health remains robust, with last year’s $91 billion operating cash flow supporting stock buybacks and dividends. The company has set a price target of $800 per share, representing a potential 37 percent upside. However, recent market volatility may temper near-term gains.
Costco (COST: NASD) – The Retail Giant That Never Fails
Costco’s business model thrives in any economic environment, driven by an unwaveringly loyal customer base. The company boasts 78 million members, with an impressive renewal rate exceeding 90 percent. This subscription-driven revenue stream provides a solid foundation for stability and growth, regardless of economic fluctuations.
Sales continue to trend upward, with a 5.9 percent increase last year and a 9.1 percent jump in the most recent quarter, fueled by consumers seeking bulk savings. Costco’s profitability is further supported by its private-label Kirkland Signature brand, e-commerce expansion, and growing advertising revenue. The company is also aggressively expanding its footprint, with 25 to 30 new store openings annually, pushing it toward the 900-store milestone, including strategic expansion into China.
Earnings per share are expected to rise 9 percent in both 2025 and 2026, reinforcing Costco’s long-term growth trajectory. The company has set a price target of $1,070 per share, signaling a potential 20 percent upside for investors.
Eli Lilly (LLY: NYSE) – A Leader in Healthcare Innovation
The healthcare sector remains a beacon of stability, particularly in times of market uncertainty. Eli Lilly stands out as a top pick within this space, driven by its pioneering treatments in diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. The company’s forward price-to-earnings ratio of 19.5 makes it an attractive investment relative to the broader S&P 500, which currently trades at a P/E of 22.
Eli Lilly’s diabetes and obesity treatments continue to drive revenue growth, though supply constraints have emerged as a challenge in meeting the surging demand for weight-loss medications. Meanwhile, the company’s newly approved Alzheimer’s drug is expected to generate $500 million in revenue in 2025. Beyond these marquee treatments, Eli Lilly’s robust pipeline includes innovative drugs for cancer, dermatology, and ulcerative colitis, positioning it for sustained long-term growth.
The company’s stock has been assigned a target price of $1,025, representing a 25 percent upside. While competition in the obesity treatment market remains fierce, Eli Lilly’s strong research and development capabilities continue to set it apart.
Final Thoughts: A Strategic Approach for Long-Term Gains
Market corrections may be unsettling, but they are an inevitable part of investing. Brianne Gardner’s top picks—Meta Platforms, Costco, and Eli Lilly—offer compelling opportunities for those looking to capitalize on volatility while maintaining exposure to high-quality companies with strong growth potential.
Meta’s AI-driven advertising ecosystem, Costco’s resilient membership model, and Eli Lilly’s innovative pharmaceutical pipeline all present promising upside in the face of market uncertainty. For long-term investors, these pullbacks provide a chance to rebalance portfolios, seize attractive entry points, and position themselves for future gains.
