5 Best Performing Dividend Stocks So Far in 2026

2. Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW)

YTD Returns as of May 5: 101.8%

On April 29, Truist raised its price target on Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) to $149 from $125 and maintained a Hold rating on the shares. The firm said Corning’s Q1 results highlighted faster growth in its Fiber and Solar businesses. At the same time, segments with greater exposure to consumer electronics and automotive markets are expected to remain relatively flat for the near future, the analyst said in a research note.

During the company’s Q1 2026 earnings call, Chairman, President, and CEO Wendell Weeks said sales rose 18% year over year to $4.35 billion, while EPS increased 30% to $0.70. He also said operating margin improved by 220 basis points to 20.2%. Weeks noted that growing demand for the company’s products has led Corning to prepare another upgrade to its long-term strategy. The company is expected to extend that strategy through 2030 during its investor event in New York City on May 6.

He also said Corning signed two additional long-term agreements with hyperscale customers. According to Weeks, both deals are similar in size and duration to the company’s agreement with Meta Platforms.

Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) operates as a materials science company. Its business segments include Optical Communications, Display, Specialty Materials, Automotive, and Life Sciences. Its Optical Communications segment manufactures carrier network and enterprise network components for the telecommunications industry.