Best Mid Cap Stocks this February 2026

FirstCash Holdings Inc. (FCFS) has demonstrated robust performance, boasting a 1-year return of 49.48% and an impressive 5-year return of 202.32%. With a dividend yield of nearly 1%, the stock has attracted positive analyst attention, receiving a B+ rating and a median 12-month price target of $182.50, suggesting continued growth potential. Analysts from Canaccord Genuity and TD Cowen maintain a "Buy" rating, reinforcing the positive outlook for FCFS in the near term.

FCFS has a positive forecast as the short-term average is above the long-term average, indicating a buy signal. However, it may face resistance around $169.72.

The stock symbol for First Cash Pawn is FCFS.

Installed Building Products (IBP) is a mid-cap construction firm demonstrating impressive growth, with a 43.46% return over the past year and a remarkable 188.34% return over the last five years. Analysts have set a median 12-month price target of $265.00, reflecting strong confidence despite varied ratings, including a recent downgrade from JP Morgan to Underweight.

IBP's earnings per share (EPS) grew at a remarkable 22.4% compounded annually over the last five years, outpacing its 13% annual revenue growth, indicating improved profitability.

The consensus rating among 8 analysts for IBP stock is 'Hold,' with an average price target of $236.13, suggesting a potential decrease of 23.76% over the next year.

Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS) stands out as a compelling mid-cap stock, poised for further gains following its impressive rally in 2025. With a strong analyst consensus rating of Buy and a median 12-month price target of $247.50, AEIS is well-positioned for growth, particularly as its earnings are expected to rise significantly over the next three years. Delivering a remarkable 129.16% return over the past year and a steady dividend yield of 0.19%, it appeals to investors seeking both growth and income.

AEIS has a consensus rating of 'Buy' from 9 analysts.

AEIS's earnings are expected to grow significantly over the next three years, with revenue forecasted to increase by 10.7% annually, outpacing the US market's 10.6% growth.

The average price target for AEIS is $255.00, with estimates ranging from $210.00 to $300.00, indicating a potential decline of 5.2% from the last closing price of $269.00.

AEIS's main competitors include Axcelis Technologies, Applied Materials, Cohu, Diodes, and KLA, all operating within the computer and technology sector.

Lumen offers an attractive dividend yield of 9.72%, but the investment landscape is mixed with a significant 1-year return of 86.92 contrasted by a troubling 5-year decline of 39.52%. Analysts maintain a cautious outlook, with a median 12-month price target of $6.05, reflecting a range of $4.10 to $8.00, and recent ratings indicate a neutral sentiment. As Lumen transitions to an AI infrastructure provider amidst heavy debt, investors should weigh potential growth against ongoing challenges.

Lumen is transitioning from a telecom company to an AI infrastructure provider, but its heavy debt load limits investment opportunities, and it does not expect revenue growth until 2028.

Lumen (LUMN) has an AI Score of 6/10 (Hold) and a 4.54% probability of outperforming the S&P 500 over the next three months.

Lumen is focused on improving operational efficiency and aims to achieve $1 billion in cost savings by the end of 2027 through infrastructure simplification.

In 2025, Lumen's stock gained 46.3%, outperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, which rose 16.4% and 20.4%, respectively.