Tech continues to dominate headlines, and investors are still chasing artificial intelligence stories like there’s no tomorrow. But quietly, a few well-known names from the Dow Jones Industrial Average are setting the stage for a comeback. Apple, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson may not be the hottest tickers right now, but signs point to these stocks gaining serious momentum through 2025 and beyond.
That’s especially true as investors look for stability and value, not just hype. These three companies bring scale, consistency, and—critically—undervalued upside that could start to pay off sooner than many expect.
Apple’s AI Missteps Are Already Yesterday’s News
Apple hasn’t had the smoothest year. Its long-awaited artificial intelligence rollout fizzled after months of buzz, and investors weren’t thrilled.
Siri’s upgrade was, frankly, a disappointment. Apple Intelligence—touted as a leap forward—landed with a thud for anyone not holding the very latest iPhone. And with a large chunk of the customer base using older devices, that rollout excluded millions.
Then came the internal shakeups. Management restructured its AI division after the botched Siri revamp, delaying the next version until 2026. The stock? It paid the price, slumping off last year’s highs.
But here’s the thing: Wall Street may have already punished Apple enough.
Tom Lee of Fundstrat put it plainly on CNBC: “Apple’s been quietly ready to pounce on AI.” He sees the company catching up fast. And it wouldn’t be the first time Apple turned a late start into a dominant lead.
A few reasons Apple’s story could flip soon:
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New iPhone hardware in 2025 will fully support onboard AI tools
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Developer interest is growing around Apple’s AI SDK
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Analysts expect strong upgrade cycles once AI features reach mass-market devices
Plus, Apple’s recovery from April lows has been slow and steady—just the kind of base long-term investors like to see.
Walmart’s Boring Stretch Might Be Its Best Setup
Walmart went on an absolute tear in 2024, with shares up more than 70%. But lately? Flat.
Investors are treating it like the party’s over. But the company hasn’t slowed down at all. It’s just been doing the work—growing quietly while everyone chases the next hot trend.
Here’s what the numbers say:
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First-quarter sales grew 4.4% in constant currency
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U.S. same-store sales jumped 4.5%
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Operating income rose 3% despite macro headwinds
Pretty solid for a retailer dealing with inflation, tariffs, and wage pressure.
But Walmart’s real story isn’t just groceries or bulk discounts. It’s what’s happening behind the scenes.
Walmart’s ad business is booming, up 27% last year and still growing fast. E-commerce is also surging, with a 22% global jump in Q1, thanks to the continued rollout of Walmart+.
Most investors don’t realize how much margin Walmart is starting to squeeze out of its digital strategy. And that might be the edge that gives the stock another run.
Johnson & Johnson’s Oncology Bet Could Be Huge
Johnson & Johnson’s been in the shadow of its COVID vaccine glory days. That boom is over. So is the excitement.
Since 2022, the stock has lagged as key drug franchises like Remicade and Simponi lost steam. Nothing was clearly replacing that lost momentum—until now.
Now J&J is making a full-court press into oncology. This isn’t just a pivot. It’s a massive bet.
Here’s what they’re working with:
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Acquisition of Ambrx Biopharma’s prostate cancer drug ARX517
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Expanded pipeline of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs)
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Deep internal R&D push focused on targeted cancer therapies
According to J&J, oncology revenue hit just over $20 billion last year. By 2030? The company’s targeting $50 billion annually. That’s more than double in just five years.
Stefan Hart, head of oncology innovation, summed it up last December: “J&J’s growing pipeline of ADC therapeutics and external collaboration efforts reflect our investment and confidence in the future of the ADC space.”
The market’s starting to take notice. The stock has quietly formed higher highs and higher lows since February. That’s a pattern worth watching.
Momentum Is Shifting Away from the AI Hype Cycle
Investors can’t chase Nvidia forever. Valuations are stretched. And many of 2024’s big gainers look gassed.
That’s why contrarian plays like Apple, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson are getting fresh attention. They’ve spent the last few quarters underperforming—but building foundations for the next leg up.
Apple’s AI flop? Already priced in.
Walmart’s sideways stretch? Just setting the stage.
And J&J? Quietly reshaping its future.
None of these names are headline grabbers right now. But maybe that’s the point.
