3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks That Could Double in 2026

Core Insights - The market has been challenging for certain companies in 2026, particularly those affected by the AI arms race that began in 2023, leading to potential value investment opportunities as some stocks are undervalued [1] Group 1: The Trade Desk - The Trade Desk has disrupted itself by launching its AI-powered ad-buying platform, Kokai, which received mixed reviews, resulting in customer attrition and reduced usage [3] - The entry of Amazon into the advertising market has further impacted The Trade Desk, as Amazon possesses superior consumer data [4] - The Trade Desk's stock has declined over 70% from its all-time high, currently trading at 18.5 times forward earnings, which is below the S&P 500 average of 22.1 times [6][9] - Despite challenges, The Trade Desk's revenue grew 18% year over year in Q3, with Wall Street projecting 16% growth for 2026, indicating potential for recovery [9] Group 2: Adobe - Adobe is perceived to be at risk of disruption from generative AI, yet it has integrated these tools into its platform, maintaining its relevance in creative design [10][13] - The company continues to grow despite market skepticism, trading at a low valuation of 14.4 times forward earnings, making it an attractive value investment [14] Group 3: PayPal - PayPal is currently the cheapest stock among the three, trading at just 10 times forward earnings, while managing to maintain mid- to high-single-digit growth [15] - The company is actively repurchasing its stock at depressed prices, which is expected to enhance its diluted earnings per share (EPS) significantly [16] - PayPal's strategy positions it well for future appreciation, making it a compelling buy for investors [17]