The Dow Jones Industrial Average is off to a rough start in 2015. More than two weeks into the year, it is down 1.75 percent, and half of its 30 components share prices have dropped during that span. However, there have been a few bright spots for the Dow. Here are the five best-performing Dow stocks of 2015.

5. Walt Disney Co DIS 0.59%

Disney’s stock has bucked the trend so far in 2015, rising 1.1 percent on the year. Despite a 5 percent decline in box office revenue in 2014, Disney’s upcoming 2015 blockbusters “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” promise to be two of the year’s biggest movie events.

4. Verizon Communications Inc. VZ 0.58%

Verizon’s stock is up 2.6 percent. The telecom sector has many opportunities for growth in 2015, including cloud-managed WiFi and expanded high-speed service to small and mid-sized businesses. Investors love the company’s 4.6 percent dividend, and Verizon’s stock underperformed the market by a wide margin in 2014.

3. UnitedHealth Group Inc. UNH 2.62%

UnitedHealth stock is already up 4.6 percent since New Year’s Day. With continued benefits from the institution of the Affordable Care Act and the potential for international expansion, UnitedHealth is poised for a big year in 2015. UnitedHealth reports Q4 earnings later this week.

2. Pfizer Inc. PFE 0.66%

Pfizer stock is already up 5.3 percent in 2015. FDA approval of Pfizer’s breast cancer drug Palbociclib could come this year, and the company’s strong dividend and aggressive buyback history are appealing to investors. The company’s Q4 earnings are scheduled for release January 27.

Related Link: Barclays Issues 3 Upgrades, 1 Downgrade On Pharma Stocks

1. Merck & Co., Inc. MRK 0.02%

Merck takes the honor of the top-performing Dow stock in the early days of 2015. Despite the down market, Merck stock is up 11 percent since the turn of the calendar. Merck recently announced the acquisition of Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc CBST 0.18%, as well as intentions to apply for expanded use of its anti-cancer drugKeytruda. Investors must see Merck’s recent actions as a positive and are expecting big things from the company in 2015.

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