Two Stocks Primed to Deliver Market-Beating Returns Through 2031

Can These Companies Keep the Winning Streak Going?

Everyone wants to beat the market. But here’s the reality: most investors fail over the long term. The ones who succeed aren’t necessarily geniuses—they just pick the right businesses at the right time. We think Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) could be those rare winners that deliver outsized gains through 2031, even with headwinds on the horizon.

Intuitive Surgical: The Robotic Surgery Innovator Hitting Its Stride

Yes, Intuitive Surgical stock faced some turbulence lately. Tariff pressures are squeezing margins, and competition in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is heating up. But don’t count this company out just yet.

The Latest da Vinci System Is a Game-Changer

The newest iteration of Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system—now in its fifth generation—just hit the market last year with impressive uptake. The standout feature? Force Feedback Technology, which gives surgeons real-time pressure sensing during procedures. This means fewer complications, better patient outcomes, and higher demand from both hospitals and patients seeking the best technology available.

We’re still in the early innings here. Intuitive Surgical recently secured three new procedure approvals for one of its da Vinci platforms, which should expand its addressable market and drive revenue growth through increased procedure volume.

Pricing Power Is the Secret Weapon

Here’s what many overlook: Intuitive Surgical has serious pricing power. Its devices have a proven track record of improving outcomes, which hospitals and healthcare providers value. With a massive installed base already in place, even modest price increases across the board could have a significant impact on profitability.

If tariffs remain a threat, Intuitive Surgical won’t just sit idle. The company can lean on that pricing power to offset higher costs—a move that wouldn’t hurt its competitive position given customers’ reliance on its superior technology.

Competition Isn’t as Scary as It Looks

Sure, Medtronic recently won FDA approval for its Hugo system in urologic procedures. But reality check: it will likely take years before that becomes a real threat. Meanwhile, the RAS market is vastly underpenetrated, meaning there’s room for multiple players to win. That’s good news for Intuitive Surgical’s long-term growth prospects.

Meta Platforms: AI Bets That Could Pay Huge Dividends

Meta Platforms stock stumbled after Q3 earnings, and the market is nervous. Investors worry the company’s massive AI spending—with plans to pour in even more—might not deliver returns worthy of the investment.

But here’s what bulls see: Meta’s AI strategy is already generating real results.

AI Is Already Boosting the Bottom Line

The company’s AI-powered recommendation algorithms are driving engagement across its ecosystem of nearly 3.3 billion daily active users. Its AI-driven ad automation is also paying off—Meta is already seeing revenue and earnings accelerate because of how efficiently it deploys ads.

The company has even bolder plans: complete automation of ad campaigns by the end of 2026. Given Meta’s massive user base and ecosystem scale, these AI initiatives should continue generating tangible returns.

What If the AI Gamble Doesn’t Work?

This is the bear case. But Meta has already shown it knows how to navigate big strategic missteps.

Remember the metaverse? Meta bet billions on it as its future. But when it became clear the ROI wasn’t materializing and costs were spiraling, the company didn’t panic. Instead, it pivoted hard back to its core advertising business, slashed costs, and emerged stronger than before.

That same operational flexibility exists today. If AI investments somehow underperform expectations, Meta has the financial strength and management discipline to recalibrate and double down on what actually works.

The Real Story

Meta’s financials remain rock-solid, and its ability to monetize its vast user base through advertising is unmatched. Even a moderately successful AI rollout would justify current valuations. Meanwhile, management’s track record of adapting to market realities provides a safety net most tech companies don’t have.

The Verdict

Both Intuitive Surgical and Meta Platforms have the building blocks to beat the market through 2031: durable competitive advantages, real financial momentum, and management teams that know how to navigate obstacles. That combination doesn’t guarantee outsized returns, but it sure improves the odds.