We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

5 FTSE 100 stocks forecast to soar 40% (or more) in 2026

Mark Hartley looks at a handful of the most promising FTSE 100 stocks that analysts are tipping to jump this year and chooses his favourite.

| More on:

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Established FTSE 100 stocks may sometimes seem like low-growth options. But I’ve identified five of them that are forecast to grow at least 40% on average in the next 12 months.

Let’s kick off with one of my favourite Footsie stalwarts — and the number one stock that I think is worth considering on this list.

XXX
Screenshot from TradingView.com

RELX

RELX (LSE: REL) provides information-based analytics and decision tools, having transformed from a traditional publisher into a technology powerhouse. Operating across multiple technical and scientific segments, it offers proprietary data assets and workflows to help support businesses.

It delivered 7% underlying revenue growth in 2025, with Risk and Legal divisions growing in high-single to low-double-digits. Although its 2.1% yield is low, dividends have increased by over 7% year on year, which is encouraging news for income investors.

Recent AI integrations have helped it achieve 91% penetration among Fortune 100 companies, promising high-margin, mission-critical revenue streams.

But it faces intensifying competitive pressure from AI-native consultancies and data providers that are disrupting traditional market segments. Rivals like Thomson Reuters, along with tech start-ups, are increasingly challenging its historical monopoly position in research and risk analytics. 

Currently trading at 2,925p, its average 12-month target is 4,223p — a 44.4% increase.

Entain

As a global leader in online sports betting and gaming, Entain owns popular brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral, and BetMGM. It offers sports betting, casino games and live gaming experiences globally and it benefits from growing digital adoption and regulatory expansion (particularly in North America). There it has established significant market presence through BetMGM.

Latest interim results showed pre-tax earnings up 11% year on year to £583m, with guidance forecasting a 5% higher 9.8p interim dividend.

At 677.4p, its average 12-month target is 1,028p — a 51.8% increase.

London Stock Exchange Group

Beyond managing the exchange, the London Stock Exchange Group builds financial market software and provides critical data to over 40,000 customers globally. It manages leading equity indexes and operates a comprehensive Data & Analytics solutions arm (previously Refinitiv). 

Strategic partnerships with companies like Databricks have helped it become an essential infrastructure provider for market participants worldwide.

Trading at 8,724p, its average 12-month target is 12,378p — up 41.8%.

Experian

Experian is one of the world’s largest credit score providers but also provides comprehensive data and analytics solutions across multiple segments. It maintains the industry’s largest credit database, serving financial institutions, telecoms, insurance, utilities and government sectors.

H1 2026 results revealed a 12% boost in revenue from ongoing activities with 8% organic growth, pre-tax earnings up 14% and earnings per share up 12%.

Trading at 3,016p, its average 12-month target is 4,276p — a 41.7% increase.

Hikma Pharmaceuticals

The £3.37bn pharma giant Hikma develops and distributes injectable, generic and branded drugs, manufacturing across North America, Europe, and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA).

It’s in the top three in US generic injectables, ranking second-largest by sales in MENA. And $1bn worth of investments in the US along with expanding partnerships has helped strengthen its growth prospects.

Trading at 1,568p, its average 12-month target is 2,209p — a 40.8% increase.

Final thoughts

Forecasts should never be used alone to drive investment decisions. Well these are all strong, well-established companies, they are not immune to risk. Always conduct a comprehensive analysis before picking stocks — and stay tuned for more insightful commentary!

Mark Hartley has positions in RELX. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Experian Plc, Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc, London Stock Exchange Group Plc, and RELX. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Friends and sisters exploring the outdoors together in Cornwall. They are standing with their arms around each other at the coast.
Investing Articles

£503 buys 14 shares in this FTSE 250 stock that returned 23.9% annually for the last 15 years

This FTSE 250 stock has averaged a huge return for 15 years. At today's price, £503 buys 14 shares. But…

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

£1,000 buys 25 shares in this FTSE 100 stock that’s returned 29.2% annually for the last 10 years

This FTSE 100 mining stock has returned close to 30% a year for a decade. At 3,995p, £1,000 buys 25…

Read more »

Female student sitting at the steps and using laptop
Investing Articles

Down 47%, is this growth stock finally worth buying in May?

With a £288m order book and a hidden pipeline of defence and nuclear contracts, is this growth stock now too…

Read more »

House models and one with REIT - standing for real estate investment trust - written on it.
Investing Articles

2 REITs yielding 7%+ to consider for passive income in 2026

A REIT backed by the NHS and another backed by Tesco and Sainsbury's with both yielding 7%+. Here's why I'm…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

Just 97 shares of this UK dividend stock generate £238 in passive income

A 5.7% yield, £238 in passive income from just 97 shares, and one of the most divisive dividend stocks on…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

£10,000 in an ISA generates a second income of…

The London Stock Exchange is home to some of the world's most generous dividends. But how big a second income…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

Expert recommendations: 2 top income stocks yielding 7%+!

With yields of 7.2% and 7.8% respectively, these two income stocks are catching the eyes of institutional analysts. Should investors…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

3 top income-focused stocks to buy in May 2026, according to experts

Looking for a stock to buy for income in May 2026? Experts have flagged these three UK dividend shares as…

Read more »