Reviewed by Gotrade Internal Analyst
Jakarta, Gotrade News - Ultra Clean Holdings (UCTT) and Evolv Technologies (EVLV) are popping up on the radar for investors looking for cheap US stocks to watch in 2026. While mega-cap tech giants still hog the spotlight, these two mid-sized players offer a unique way to play the AI infrastructure and modern public security trends without the heavy price tag.
Key Takeaways
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Semiconductor and AI-based security sectors are becoming the main growth engines for mid-cap stocks in 2026.
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Ultra Clean Holdings is showing strong recovery signs thanks to a massive jump in global AI chip spending.
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Evolv Technologies is stabilizing its cash flow by pivoting to a subscription-based model for public venue security.
Ultra Clean Holdings (UCTT) operates right in the "kitchen" of the semiconductor industry, providing high-purity components for advanced chip manufacturing. This company is a solid pick for those hunting for cheap US stocks to watch in 2026 because it serves as the backbone for high-performance computing and AI hardware.
According to a report from Finbold, the company successfully booked $510 million in revenue during the third quarter of 2025. This performance marks a clear comeback to profitability, with non-GAAP net income hitting $0.28 per share.
The surging demand for AI chips has already pushed UCTT’s stock price to a 52-week high recently. On top of that, the appointment of a new chief business officer and some notable insider buying last year have added a layer of confidence for investors betting on its long-term growth.
On the other hand, Evolv Technologies (EVLV) brings a different vibe through its AI-powered security screening systems. Their tech can detect weapons without making people wait in long lines at stadiums, schools, or hospitals, effectively solving the "safety vs. efficiency" headache for public venues.
Based on recent financial data, Evolv recorded a massive 57 percent year-over-year revenue growth, reaching $42.9 million. Their annual recurring revenue (ARR) also jumped 25 percent, hitting the $117.2 million mark by the end of last year.
Market trust remains solid, with a 92 percent retention rate in the education sector even after clearing an FTC regulatory review. Their expanding partnerships with major stadiums and healthcare systems across the US are giving the brand much-needed visibility to scale even further.
Financial flexibility is also looking up, thanks to a $75 million credit facility that speeds up their transition to a subscription-based model. This move is designed to move away from one-off hardware sales and build a much more predictable and stable margin.
With $56.2 million in cash and marketable securities as of late 2025, Evolv is entering 2026 with plenty of "runway" to grow. Their expanded manufacturing partnerships allow them to ramp up production efficiently to meet the rising demand for frictionless security.
While semiconductor cyclicality is always a risk to keep an eye on, both companies are well-positioned within the global tech trend. Their focus on execution and capital efficiency will be the main decider for their stock price performance moving forward.
Reference:
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Finbold, 2 millionaire-maker stocks to buy in 2026. Accessed on January 19, 2026
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