In this article, we will discuss: 10 Best Performing Dow Stocks So Far in 2026.
On April 15, Hamish Preston, head of US equities at S&P Dow Jones Indices, said in an interview that the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 50,000 on February 6, 2026. It was the first time in nearly 130 years that the index reached that level.
He pointed out that the milestone underlines the index’s role as a long-term indicator of U.S. equity markets. The gauge had crossed 40,000 less than two years earlier. That pace shows how quickly these milestones are now being reached. Since its creation in 1896 by Charles Dow, the index has gone through 136 constituent changes. It started with 12 stocks and expanded to 30 by 1928. As of January 2026, the average tenure of a company in the index stands at around 25 years.
S&P Dow Jones Indices also said the index supports about $115 billion in indexed assets and more than $8 trillion in equivalent trading volume in 2024. Preston added that new additions drove more than half of the move from 40,000 to 50,000. In his view, that reflects how sector exposure continues to evolve. He also said the index represents most industries, even though it still leans more toward financials and industrials.
With that said, here are the 10 Best Performing Dow Stocks So Far in 2026.
Methodology:
We began with a pool of 30 stocks from the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and identified stocks that have delivered positive returns in 2026 so far. We then picked the top 10 stocks with the highest Year-to-Date return as of April 16. We have limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of their year-to-date performance.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 8.46%
On March 31, 2026, Reuters announced that Infinimmune has signed an agreement with Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to research and develop several antibody candidates, with potential milestone payments totaling $838 million. The deal includes an undisclosed upfront payment to Infinimmune. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) retains exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the ensuing medicines.
Infinimmune announced that it will use its exclusive technology to screen vast volumes of human immune cells. It is discovering naturally existing antibodies and improving them with artificial intelligence methods. CEO of Infinimmune Wyatt McDonnell told Reuters that the technology promotes antibodies that have already been sculpted by human biology rather than creating them from scratch.
The firms will investigate various secret targets chosen by Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK). McDonnell stressed that the relationship is not limited to a specific disease area. Infinimmune is also exploring internal early-stage treatments for moderate-to-severe eczema and other immune-related disorders.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a healthcare firm that provides health solutions through prescription medications, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. It operates in three segments: pharmaceutical, animal health, and other.
9. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 8.77%
On April 1, 2026, Reuters reported that The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) and its approved bottlers want to invest 17.6 billion rand ($1.05 billion) in South Africa by 2030. It referenced comments made by Africa operating unit president Luis Felipe Avellar at an investment conference in Johannesburg. The corporation stated that the investment will increase production capacity, boost distribution, and expedite innovation across its value chain.
Separately, on March 23, 2026, Reuters reported that The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)’s largest Indian bottler, SLMG Beverages, has warned of potential price increases due to rising packaging costs associated with the Middle East war. Deputy CEO at SLMG, Rahul Kumar, stated that rising prices for plastic, caps, labels, and cardboard may necessitate selected price increases based on competition and consumer response.
SLMG accounts for around 22% of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)’s India volumes. The firm aims to invest between 10 billion rupees ($106.58 million) and 12 billion rupees in each of the four additional factories it plans to build over the next five years. In fiscal year 2025, the bottler’s sales increased by 49% to 67.73 billion rupees, while net profit rose 76% to 2.06 billion rupees, according to the company database Tofler.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) manufactures and markets non-alcoholic beverages. It operates in the following regions: Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, Global Ventures, and Bottling Investments.
8. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 10.20%
On April 17, 2026, Truist lifted its target price for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) to $285 from $280. The analysts kept their Buy rating before Q1 earnings. Truist expects its AWS business to grow faster than the expansion in e-commerce and digital advertising. The firm predicts AWS revenue will grow 25% in Q1 from 23% in Q4. It noted growing AI workload adoption through partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic.
Separately, on April 20, 2026, Reuters reported that California Attorney General Rob Bonta claimed Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) engaged in anticompetitive conduct that increased consumer prices. The lawsuit says that the firm worked with sellers, including Levi Strauss, to set prices at Home Depot, Walmart, and Chewy. This was to avoid undercutting, with the alleged coordination affecting products such as clothes, fertilizer, eye drops, and pet treats. Bonta believes the firm dodged lower-price matching and seeks an injunction and damages. The trial is set for January 19, 2027. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) denied wrongdoing and argued that such arrangements benefit customers.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is a multinational technology firm that provides online buying services. It operates in three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services.
7. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 10.70%
On April 20, 2026, The Business Journals reported that Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) is redesigning its Great Value private label for approximately 10,000 items. The transformation, which marks the first substantial redesign in more than a decade, will be phased in over two years, beginning with salty snacks. The firm added that the change will improve visual consistency and make products easier to find in shops and on digital channels.
The corporation stated that the new packaging will offer better nutrition information and benefit claims, along with improved item identification for Walmart+ delivery operations. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)’s vice president of creative, David Hartman, stated that the strategy will help customers identify products more quickly by improving clarity and uniformity.
Walmart+ membership reached 28 million in early 2026, up about 12% year on year, citing Morgan Stanley data. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) is also working to rebuild hundreds more stores. The company expects $713 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2026, with more than 10,900 outlets in 19 countries.
Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) operates in the retail and wholesale sectors. The company provides a variety of products and services at everyday affordable prices. It operates in three business segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam’s Club.
6. Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 11.13%
On April 11, 2026, The Information reported that Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) is in talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Astrix Security for $250 million to $350 million. Persons familiar with the subject stated that conversations were still underway, with no final agreement disclosed.
On April 7, 2026, Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) also issued its State of Industrial AI Report, which highlights the growing use of AI in operational environments. About 61% of firms now use AI in live industrial operations, with 20% reporting scaled installations. AI is driving applications such as predictive maintenance, automation, and energy forecasting.
Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) stated that infrastructure readiness and cybersecurity dictate scaling capability, with 98% of respondents naming cybersecurity foundational and 40% citing it as their most significant hurdle. The report stated that 97% of respondents expect AI workloads to influence network requirements, and 96% believe wireless connectivity is crucial. The corporation also revealed that 83% of firms intend to expand AI spending, with 87% expecting meaningful results within two years.
Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol-based networking devices and services for the communication and information technology industries. The company operates in three geographical segments: the Americas, EMEA, and APJC.
5. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 13.11%
On April 14, 2026, Reuters reported that Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) topped first-quarter earnings projections and raised its full-year forecast. The firm reported revenue of $24.1 billion, above forecasts of $23.6 billion. The adjusted earnings per share were $2.70 as compared to $2.66 projected. Strong demand for Darzalex and Tremfya offset a significant dip in Stelara sales.
Stelara sales fell over 60% year on year to $656 million when the patent expired. Tremfya’s quarterly sales were $1.6 billion, beating the $1.2 billion prediction. Darzalex delivered $4 billion, exceeding the $3.4 billion expectations. According to CFO Joseph Wolk, patients have shifted away from biosimilars in favor of other treatments.
The corporation announced early success with Icotyde, pointing out approximately 1,500 prescriptions within weeks of launch. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) raised its sales forecast for 2026 to a midpoint of $100.8 billion and its adjusted EPS guidance to $11.55. Medical device sales rose by 7.7% to $8.6 billion, matching expectations.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is a holding corporation that researches, develops, manufactures, and sells healthcare products. It operates through two segments: Innovative Medicine and MedTech.
4. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 15.45%
On March 31, 2026, Reuters reported that a US federal judge granted Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) a preliminary injunction prohibiting T-Mobile from running commercials. It promises users above $1,000 in annual savings if they switch providers. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan stated that the firm’s false advertising claim would most certainly win, citing irreparable damage. He decided that T-Mobile made “literally false” representations when comparing its promotional rates to Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)’s usual rates, describing the approach as an “apples-to-oranges” comparison.
Kaplan stated that adjusted savings amounted to $228.84 per year, significantly lower than the promoted figures. It also noted that genuine advertising helps the public interest. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) remarked that the ruling reinforces its position that facts are important. Reuters said that T-Mobile did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) filed the lawsuit on February 4. The firm alleged that T-Mobile exaggerated service value. T-Mobile countersued on March 2, disputing the company’s marketing accusations. Kaplan recognized significant rivalry in the cellular market but noted that companies must retain accuracy in advertising despite competitive constraints.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a holding corporation that provides communication, information, and entertainment products and services. It operates in two segments: consumer and business.
3. Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 17.10%
On April 2, 2026, Innovative Aerosystems announced that it had acquired an exclusive perpetual license from Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) encompassing power-generating systems for commercial and defense aircraft. The agreement pertains to customer contracts, intellectual property, OEM and aftermarket production and repair rights, and program assets. The corporation also acquired testing equipment, tooling, and technical data for Power Generators and Generator Control Units used on Boeing 767 aircraft, the KC-46 tanker, and the F-15 platform.
According to Chief Executive Officer Shahram Askarpour of Innovative Aerosystems, the deal extends electrical power generation capabilities while also strengthening the company’s lifecycle support approach. The systems generate, condition, and regulate onboard electrical power for avionics, flight controls, and communications. The acquisition expands client access across commercial and defense fleets. It also offers long-term sustainment and engineering services. Innovative Aerosystems claimed that its goal is to ensure service continuity for operators while leveraging integrated engineering and production capabilities.
Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) is a software industrial firm that provides industry-specific solutions for aerospace and automotive products and services. It works in the following business segments: Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation, Energy and Sustainability Solutions, and Corporate and Other.
2. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 20.69%
On April 14, 2026, Reuters reported that the international wing of Venezuelan oil giant Suelopetrol said that it had not received information of any shareholder meeting or decision permitting Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) to increase its interest in a crucial Venezuelan project to 49%. The company reached agreements with Venezuelan authorities to develop its oil cooperation with PDVSA in the Orinoco Belt and increased its stake in another project to 49%, up from 35.8%. Suelopetrol stated that it owns 1% of the Petroindependencia project and might expand to 3% if the structure changes. It also asked for complete disclosure of the share transfer and existing ownership.
The corporation stated that recent decisions have raised corporate governance concerns, stressing openness and legal clarity. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) stated that it follows all applicable laws and has directed inquiries to PDVSA’s subsidiary CVP and Venezuelan authorities. Officials did not reply to calls for comment, and experts said that uncertain repayment arrangements may exclude some partners as Venezuela pursues capital inflows.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) provides oil and gas energy solutions. It supplies crude oil and natural gas, manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives, and creates innovations that benefit business and industry. It operates in two segments: upstream and downstream.
1. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)
Year-to-date return as of April 16: 29.12%
On April 9, 2026, Reuters reported that Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) announced that CFO Andrew Bonfield will retire in October. The firm has chosen company veteran Kyle Epley as his successor. Epley will take over the post in May, having previously served as senior vice president of Global Finance Services. Bonfield joined in 2018 and managed financial strategy during a period of record 2025 revenue and mounting tariff pressures. The firm warned of $2.6 billion in tariff-related expenditures in 2026. Bonfield will serve as senior advisor until October 1 to assist with the transition.
On April 8, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)’s board retained its quarterly dividend at $1.51 per share. The dividend will be paid on May 19, 2026, to shareholders of record on April 20. The corporation stated that it has paid dividends annually from inception and quarterly since 1933. Annual payments have increased for 32 consecutive years.
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) manufactures construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. It operates in four segments: Construction Industries, Resource Industries, Power and Energy, and All Other.
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