5 Best Performing Dow Stocks So Far in 2026

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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.

While we acknowledge the potential of CAT to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CAT and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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