Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust released a midyear performance review for five stocks identified in December as primed for a 2026 comeback, with results as of Tuesday's close showing mixed outcomes across the portfolio. The scorecard covered Palo Alto Networks, Eaton, Starbucks, Nike, and Amazon, which were selected against a backdrop of the S&P 500 gaining approximately 9.5% year to date and hitting 24 all-time highs despite volatility from Iran war developments, resurgent inflation, and AI disruption concerns. Four of the five stocks delivered positive returns, led by Palo Alto Networks at up 85.1%, while Nike fell 35.6% and prompted a position exit on Wednesday. The review occurred as 18 of the portfolio's 35 stocks outperformed the S&P 500 in the first half of 2026, with the Nasdaq gaining nearly 13% year to date and reaching 20 record closes. The Trust's broader holdings saw standout performances from Intel (up 278%), Arm Holdings (up nearly 224%), and Corning (up almost 192%), while eight stocks ended the period in negative territory.
Palo Alto Networks Gains 85.1% Year to Date
Palo Alto Networks rose 85.1% in the first half of 2026, reversing earlier concerns about AI disruption in enterprise software that had pressured the cybersecurity stock alongside CrowdStrike. The introduction of Anthropic's Mythos and its ability to spot system vulnerabilities renewed enthusiasm for cybersecurity stocks. The Trust booked profits on Palo Alto at record highs on Tuesday. In the company's most recent earnings report, CyberArk annual recurring revenue jumped 27% year over year, addressing late-2025 worries about pricey acquisitions. Palo Alto shares rose again Wednesday, hitting an intraday all-time high.
Eaton Rises 33.8% on Data Center Demand
Eaton gained 33.8% year to date as investors recognized the industrial company's position in AI infrastructure. Eaton makes electrical solutions used to support AI data centers and benefits from increased hyperscaler spending. The stock had flatlined in 2025 despite big data center order growth. The Trust's other data center power holding, GE Vernova, which makes natural gas turbines for off-grid energy generation, jumped almost 80% year to date.
Starbucks Advances 21.4% Under Niccol Turnaround
Starbucks rose 21.4% in the first half of 2026, erasing 2025 losses as CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround plan progressed. The company improved the cafe experience, increased traffic, and returned comparable-store sales to growth. Niccol previously served as CEO of Chipotle before taking the Starbucks role.
Nike Falls 35.6% Prompting Position Exit
Nike dropped 35.6% year to date, leading the Trust to exit the position on Wednesday following a muted earnings report Tuesday evening. The retailer has struggled to resolve problems in China. The Trust realized a 40% loss on the position. Nike shares dropped shortly after Wednesday's open but reversed higher during the session.
Amazon Posts 3.3% Gain Lagging S&P 500
Amazon finished the first half up 3.3%, underperforming the S&P 500's year-to-date advance. Shares pulled back periodically alongside other hyperscalers on concerns about return on investment from AI spending. Amazon's cloud business and custom silicon development continued. Amazon shares rose modestly on Wednesday.
Portfolio Context: Intel, Arm, Corning Lead Gains
Across the Trust's 35-stock portfolio, Intel led all holdings with a 278% gain year to date, followed by Arm Holdings at nearly 224% and Corning at almost 192%. Eight stocks ended the first half in negative territory. Two stocks, Honeywell Aerospace and FedEx Freight, were recent spinoffs without calculable 2026 performance data. The S&P 500 reached 24 all-time highs as of Tuesday's close, while the Nasdaq clinched 20 records with a nearly 13% year-to-date gain.
FAQ
What did Palo Alto Networks stocks do in the first half of 2026?
Palo Alto Networks rose 85.1% year to date as of Tuesday's close, driven by renewed enthusiasm for cybersecurity following the introduction of Anthropic's Mythos. The Trust booked profits at record highs on Tuesday, and the stock hit an intraday all-time high on Wednesday.
Why did the Trust exit Nike stocks on Wednesday?
The Trust exited Nike on Wednesday after the stock fell 35.6% year to date and delivered a muted earnings report Tuesday evening. The retailer has struggled to resolve problems in China, leading to a realized 40% loss on the position.
How did Amazon stocks perform compared to the S&P 500 in 2026?
Amazon gained 3.3% in the first half of 2026, underperforming the S&P 500's approximately 9.5% year-to-date advance. Shares pulled back periodically on concerns about return on investment from AI spending, though the company's cloud business continued operations.
