In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Best Performing Dow Stocks So Far in 2026. For a deeper discussion and an extended list, please see the 10 Best Performing Dow Stocks So Far in 2026.
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.
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.
READ NEXT: 20 Best Performing Stocks in 2025 and 12 Best Food Stocks to Buy in 2026.
Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.
