Texas Instruments and ExxonMobil Outperform S&P 500 in 2026

Investors shifted toward safer dividend-paying stocks in 2026, driven by concerns over high market valuations and a potential artificial intelligence bubble. This trend led Texas Instruments, ExxonMobil, and UnitedHealth Group to significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Texas Instruments emerged as the strongest performer of the group, with its stock rising approximately 62% this year. The semiconductor company reported 5.5 billion dollars in revenue for the quarter ending June 30, marking a 23% year-over-year increase. This growth was fueled by strong demand for embedded chips used in data centers and the AI sector.

ExxonMobil shares rose approximately 29% in 2026, supported by rising commodity prices and a modest valuation of 14 times future earnings. Similarly, UnitedHealth Group saw its stock increase by 28%, attributing the gains to improved financial results and the strategic use of AI to manage healthcare costs.