Top 10 Dow Stocks: Ranked By Hedge Fund Bullishness Index

In this article, we discuss the top 10 Dow stocks ranked in accordance with the hedge fund bullishness index. If you want to read our detailed discussion about the stock market performance and see more stocks in this selection, head directly to Dow 30 Stocks List: Ranked By Hedge Fund Bullishness Index.

10. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 78

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a healthcare company that focuses on human and animal health. It provides pharmaceutical products for neurological disorders, acute care, vaccinations, and diabetes. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the top Dow 30 stocks to monitor. 

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, 78 hedge funds were bullish on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK). During the previous quarter, this number was 75. Cliff Asness’ AQR Capital Management held the largest position in the company, comprising 2.9 million shares worth $331.8 million. 

9. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 81

Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is a leading retail and wholesale company that operates within three segments – Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam’s Club. Along with retail outlets and supermarkets, the company also operates an e-commerce platform. 

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, a total of 81 hedge funds were bullish on Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT). In contrast, this number was 91 during the past quarter. D E Shaw is the largest shareholder in the company, with 5.5 million shares worth $861.9 million. 

8. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) designs, develops, and markets consumer healthcare products worldwide. It also focuses on skincare, personal hygiene, and baby products. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is one of the most popular Dow 30 stocks among hedge funds. 

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, 88 hedge funds were bullish on Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), as opposed to 86 hedge funds in the previous quarter. Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater Associates held the largest position in the company, consisting of 3.2 million shares worth $526.6 million. 

7. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is an entertainment company that operates through two segments – Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution; and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Under the first segment, the company focuses on content production for feature films, cartoons, and web-series. Under the second segment, Disney operates theme parks and resorts.

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, 92 hedge funds were bullish on The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS). In comparison, 95 hedge funds held a similar position in the company during the past quarter. Nelson Peltz’s Trian Partners held a significant stake in the company, with 6.4 million shares worth $573.6 million. 

6. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 106

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) offers financial services through four segments – Consumer & Community Banking, Corporate & Investment Bank, Commercial Banking, and Asset & Wealth Management. It ranks 6th on our list of the Dow 30 stocks. 

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, a total of 106 hedge funds were bullish on JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), as opposed to 112 hedge funds in the preceding quarter. Edgar Wachenheim’s Greenhaven Associates held a significant position in the company, with 4.8 million shares worth $699.1 million. 

5. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 111

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a healthcare and health insurance company in the United States. It operates within four segments – UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) ranks 5th on our list of the Dow 30 stocks based on investor sentiment. 

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, 111 hedge funds were bullish on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH). In comparison, 116 hedge funds had invested in the company during the last quarter. Rajiv Jain’s GQG Partners held the largest position in the company, with 4.9 million shares worth $2.4 billion. 

4. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 122

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) specializes in providing client relationship management systems for businesses around the world. This includes software solutions to manage data, opportunities, quotations, and contracts. It also offers value added services, depending on the needs for a business. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is one of the premier Dow 30 stocks to watch.

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, 122 hedge funds were bullish on Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM), as opposed to 136 hedge funds in the preceding quarter. Harris Associates held the largest stake in the company, with 5.1 million shares worth $1.07 billion. 

3. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 135

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a leading technology company that specializes in the research, design, and manufacture of personal computers, mobile phones, and tablets. The company also provides value added services, such as Apple TV, payment solutions, cloud-services, and fitness bands. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) ranks 3rd on our list of the Dow 30 stocks.

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, a total of 135 hedge funds were bullish on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). In contrast, 131 hedge funds held a similar position in the company during the previous quarter. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is the largest investor in the company, with 915.6 million shares worth $177.6 billion.

2. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 171

Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a global leader in payment solutions to authorize, validate, clear, and settle transactions. The company deals in both credit and debit cards. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) also offers value-added services for merchants, such as data analytics, dispute management, and fraud mitigation. 

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, a total of 171 hedge funds were bullish on Visa Inc. (NYSE:V), as opposed to 173 funds in the prior quarter. Chris Hohn’s TCI Fund Management is the largest stakeholder in the company, with 17.8 million shares worth $4.2 billion. 

1. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 300

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a market leading technology company that offers hardware and software solutions. This includes the design and manufacture of devices, such as personal computers and gaming consoles. In addition to this, the company also offers software solutions, such as operating systems, cloud-based solutions, and Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) provides additional services in networking, gaming, and application development through LinkedIn, Xbox, and Azure. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) ranks 1st on our list of the Dow 30 stocks based on hedge fund bullishness. 

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, a total of 300 hedge funds were long Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). During the preceding quarter, 289 hedge funds held a similar position in the company. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust held the largest stake in the company, with 39.2 million shares worth $13.4 billion. 

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