Group 1 - Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is recognized as one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in, with analysts from DBS and Mizuho Securities both maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $875 [1][2] - BMO Capital Markets identifies Intuit as its top large-cap pick, anticipating a recovery year for application and vertical software stocks in 2026, driven by AI use cases moving into production [2] - The firm notes that vertical software companies, including Intuit, face less intense AI debate compared to application software companies, which may lead to strong results and potential upside in estimates [2][3] Group 2 - BMO Capital Markets forecasts continued momentum in merger and acquisition activity for 2026, highlighting that over 40% of companies in its coverage faced acquisition interest or activist investor pressure in 2025 [3] - The firm suggests that "back office" software, which includes Intuit's offerings, is particularly likely to experience consolidation in the coming years [3]

Group 1 - Procore has successfully scaled from $500 million to over $1 billion in revenue, indicating strong growth potential in the vertical software market [1] - The company emphasizes the importance of customer relationships and community engagement within the construction industry, which differentiates it from horizontal software companies [1] - Procore's involvement in industry events, such as World of Concrete, fosters a sense of community and enhances its business model by aligning closely with industry needs [1] Group 2 - The company has learned to navigate industry cycles, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has influenced its operational strategies [2]