Benchmark's July 'best ideas' adds PNFP, APPF, FRPT

Benchmark Research on Wednesday released its quarterly update to its "best ideas" list for July 2026, highlighting 31 of its analysts' highest-conviction, catalyst-driven stock picks across sectors.

The list includes new additions Pinnacle Financial Partners (PNFP), AppFolio (APPF) and Freshpet (FRPT). Benchmark removed five names from the prior quarter's roster: AeroVironment (AVAV), Ciena (CIEN), Couchbase (BASE), Evolent Health (EVH) and Zeta Global (ZETA).

The 31-stock list spans 10 sectors. Financials lead with six names, including the new PNFP add alongside First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA), Goosehead Insurance (GSHD), Kinsale Capital (KNSL), Primerica (PRI) and RLI Corp. (RLI). Consumer discretionary holds five spots: Freshpet, Deckers Outdoor (DECK), On Holding (ONON), Planet Fitness (PLNT) and Texas Roadhouse (TXRH).

Technology accounts for four picks: AppFolio, CrowdStrike (CRWD), Monday.com (MNDY) and ServiceNow (NOW). The healthcare sector also has four: Evolent Health was dropped, leaving Boston Scientific (BSX), Dexcom (DXCM), Inspire Medical (INSP) and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG).

Industrials contribute three names: GE Aerospace (GE), Howmet Aerospace (HWM) and Quanta Services (PWR). Energy has two: Diamondback Energy (FANG) and EOG Resources (EOG). Communication services holds two: Meta Platforms (META) and Netflix (NFLX).

Consumer staples, materials and real estate each have one pick: Celsius Holdings (CELH), Martin Marietta Materials (MLM) and American Tower (AMT), respectively.

Benchmark's methodology screens for stocks with a Buy rating, a catalyst within the next 12 months and what the firm calls a "meaningful" upside to its price target. The list is not a portfolio – it is a reference set of single-stock ideas the analysts would recommend to a long-only investor today.

PNFP, the new financials addition, carries an Alpha Score of "Unscored" on AlphaScala's proprietary model, meaning the stock lacks sufficient data for a rating. The broader SPY stock page shows an Alpha Score of 38 out of 100, labeled "Mixed," reflecting neutral sentiment across the S&P 500 ETF's holdings.

For traders tracking the list, the removals matter as much as the adds. AeroVironment, Ciena and Couchbase all lost their catalyst conviction slot after holding it in April. Zeta Global and Evolent Health were also cut. Benchmark did not disclose specific reasons for the removals in the report.

The next quarterly refresh is expected in October 2026.