20 Best Companies Stocks to Invest in 2012

It’s the thick of earnings season, and the parade of companies reporting better-than-expected numbers marches on. Along with what has been a stellar earnings season thus far, we’ve also seen a deluge of dividend divas increasing their payouts to shareholders.
This week was no exception, as a score of companies moved to make their respective owners happier. 20 companies made it onto our Companies Increasing Dividends list this week:

5 Boring Stocks, 5 Sexy Yields

Energy services holding company 20 Best Companies Stocks to Invest in 2012 -AGL Resources (NYSE:GAS) opened the valve on its quarterly payout by 2.2% to 46 cents per share. The dividend will be paid June 1 to shareholders of record as of May 18. The new dividend yield, based on the May 3 closing price of $38.55 (the day the dividend was announced), is 4.77%. The stalwart energy concern has paid dividends every quarter since 1958.
Industrial specialty gases maker Airgas (NYSE:ARG) inflated its quarterly largess to shareholders, raising its dividend 25% to 40 cents per share. The new dividend is payable June 29 to shareholders of record as of June 15. The new dividend yield, based on the May 3 closing price of $92.04, is 1.74%.
Electronic instrument maker Ametek (NYSE:AME) turned up the dial on its quarterly dividend by 50% to 6 cents per share. The new dividend is payable June 29 to shareholders of record as of June 15. The new dividend also comes with a 3-for-2 stock split. The new dividend yield, based on the May 1 closing price of $51.07, is 0.7%.
Mining giant Barrick Gold (NYSE:ABX) dug into its fiscal soil and unearthed a 33% increase in its quarterly payout to 20 cents per share. The new dividend will be paid June 15 to shareholders of record as of May 31. The new dividend yield, based on the May 2 closing price of $39.36, is 2.03%.
Energy MLP Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP (NYSE:BWP) added to its dividend pipeline, raising its payout to unitholders nearly 1% to 53.25 cents per unit. The new distribution is payable May 17 to unitholders of record as of May 10. The new dividend yield, based on the April 30 closing price of $27.63, is 7.71%.
20 Best Companies Stocks to Invest in 2012 - Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) moved to improve the vitality of its quarterly payout, increasing its dividend 10.5% to 23.75 cents per share. The payout will be made on July 15 to shareholders of record as of July 1. The new dividend yield, based on the May 2 closing price of $42.42, is 2.24%. This marks the 111th consecutive quarter of dividends from Cardinal.
Natural gas firm Chesapeake Midstream Partners LP (NYSE:CHKM) turned up the heat on its quarterly distribution by 15.7% to 40.5 cents per unit. The new payout is scheduled for delivery on May 15 to unitholders of record as of May 8. The new dividend yield, based on the April 27 closing price of $27.87, is 5.81%.
Paper products manufacturer Domtar Corp (NYSE:UFS) put a new package around its dividend, increasing the payout 29% to 45 cents per share. The new dividend is payable on July 16 to shareholders of record as of June 15. The new dividend yield, based on the May 2 closing price of $88.04, is 2.04%.
Health insurance giant 20 Best Companies Stocks to Invest in 2012 -Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) moved to ensure shareholders that its dividend was in good shape, as the company raised its quarterly payout 4% to 26 cents per share. The new dividend is payable July 27 to shareholders of record as of June 29. The new dividend yield, based on the May 1 closing price of $84.33, is 1.23%.
Real estate and investment management firm Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL) increased its semi-annual dividend by 33% to 20 cents per share. The new dividend is payable June 15 to shareholders of record as of May 15. The new dividend yield, based on the May 2 closing price of $85.09, is 0.47%.
Asset management giant Legg Mason (NYSE:LM) knows the value of dividends to shareholders, and this week the company moved to raise its own dividend by 37.5% to 11 cents per share. The new dividend is payable July 9 to shareholders of record as of June 12. The new dividend yield, based on the May 1 closing price of $25.32, is 1.74%.
Employment services firm ManpowerGroup (NYSE:MAN) moved to increase the salary it pays shareholders by nearly 7% to 43 cents per share. The semi-annual dividend is payable on June 15 to shareholders of record as of June 1. The new dividend yield, based on the May 3 closing price of $41.25, is 2.08%.

5 Boring Stocks, 5 Sexy Yields

Markwest Energy Partners L.P. (NYSE:MWE) raised its quarterly distribution 17.9% to 79 cents per unit. The natural gas MLP will pay the new distribution on May 15 to unitholders of record as of May 7. The new dividend yield, based on the April 30 closing price of $60.15, is 5.25%.
Regional energy operator 20 Best Companies Stocks to Invest in 2012 -Northeast Utilities (NYSE:NU) turned up the power on its quarterly payout by approximately 17% to 34.3 cents per share. The new payout will be made on June 29 to shareholders of record as of June 1. The new dividend yield, based on the May 2 closing price of $37.03, is 3.70%.
Beverage behemoth PepsiCo (NYSE:PEP) added more fizz to its quarterly dividend, pouring a 4.4% increase to 53.75 cents per share. The new dividend is payable June 29 to shareholders of record as of June 1. The new dividend yield, based on the May 2 closing price of $66.83, is 3.22%.
Cigarette manufacturer Reynolds American (NYSE:RAI) lit up a 5.4% increase in its quarterly payout to 59 cents per share. The new dividend is payable on July 2 to shareholders of record as of June 11. The new dividend yield, based on the May 3 closing price of $40.54, is 5.82%.
Commercial real estate investment trust Simon Property Group (NYSE:SPG) raised the rent it pays shareholder by 5.3% to $1.00 per share. The new payout will be delivered May 31 to shareholders of record as of May 17. The new dividend yield, based on the April 27 closing price of $155.33, is 2.58%.
Canadian oil sands firm Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU) sifted through its fiscal sand and came up with an 18.2% increase in its quarterly payout. The new dividend of 13 cents per share is payable June 25 to shareholders of record as of June 4. The new dividend yield, based on the May 1 closing price of $33.42, is 1.56%.
Rural retailer 20 Best Companies Stocks to Invest in 2012 -Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) plowed a new dividend field, watering shareholders with a 67% increase in its quarterly dividend to 20 cents per share. The new payout will be harvested June 5 by shareholders of record as of May 21. The new dividend yield, based on the May 3 closing price of $98.96, is 0.81%.
Employee benefits provider20 Best Companies Stocks to Invest in 2012 - Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) moved to add a fiscal benefit to shareholders by raising its dividend 23.8% to 13 cents per share. The new dividend is expected to be paid starting in the third quarter. The new dividend yield, based on the May 1 closing price of $23.73, is 2.19%.

3 Forgotten Stocks Worth Reconnecting With in 2012

It’s always worth a look when a one-time growth stock falls into value territory, and the market volatility of the past year has left its share of former high-fliers stranded well below their recent highs. Three such stocks are Monsanto (NYSE:MON), Teva Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TEVA) and Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). Once favorites of the press and institutional money managers alike, these stocks have quietly maintained steady fundamentals even as their valuations have come down. This disconnect presents an opportunity for longer-term investors.
3 Forgotten Stocks Worth Reconnecting With in 2012 - Monsanto

Monsanto is a case in point. The stock of this global agribusiness giant delivered a 22-bagger for investors from mid-2002 through mid-2008 — a period that saw its P/E surge from the mid-teens into the 50s. During this interval, the market became enamored with the “story” of the company capitalizing on rising global agricultural production through its genetically enhanced seeds. But Monsanto’s market value has been cut in half since its 2008 heyday thanks to rising competition, price pressures and slowing sales for its signature Roundup product. The result: a stock whose valuation no longer captures its earnings power.


According to the USDA, the average net cash income for U.S.-based farm businesses rose 17% in 2011 and is on track for another increase for 2012. Notably, the latest survey of farmer confidence showed continued strength, which obviously is a positive for suppliers such as Monsanto. The company has a strong product pipeline — including drought-tolerant corn, expected to launch in 2013 — that provides a solid foundation for earnings in the years ahead. It also should be noted that Monsanto, whose products help boost crop yields, still is in a prime position to benefit from the long-term imbalance created by the rising demand for agricultural products and the static supply of arable land. As a kicker, the stock yields a 1.7% dividend.

Despite these positives, the stock is trading at a discount to its five-year averages for all key valuation measures: P/E, price-to-book, price-to-sales and PEG. The chart also is potentially favorable with the possibility of a breakout if the stock rises above $77. Monsanto reports earnings Thursday.
3 Forgotten Stocks Worth Reconnecting With in 2012 - Teva Pharmaceuticals

Israel-based Teva, the world’s largest maker of generic drugs, rewarded investors with a total return of over 1,000% from 1999-2009. The stock has been left in the dust in the past two years, however — from its April 2010 high near $65, Teva is off nearly 40% even as the broader pharmaceutical sector has gained ground. Teva has been hit by concerns about rising competition and the potential loss of exclusivity on a key drug, but the stock is beginning to look like a value at these levels.


The IMS Institute for Health Care Infomatics is calling for the market share of branded drugs (which stood at 70% in 2005) to drop from 64% in 2010 to 53% in 2015 as the use of generics increases. In addition, a number of brand-name drugs are losing exclusivity in 2012, to the tune of a total sales volume of $28 billion. Both of these trends work in Teva’s favor.

Although Teva is a profitable company with important long-term trends working in its favor — analysts are looking for 13% EPS growth in 2012 — the stock has been left for dead. Among the numbers investors should take into account: The trailing P/E, at 12, is less than half the five-year average of 24.6. (The forward P/E is even more attractive at 7.2.) Price-to-book stands at 1.6 versus the five-year average of 2.4, while price-to-sales is at 2.1 versus 3.3. What’s more, Teva yields 1.7%, and management recently announced a buyback program worth $3 billion. With numbers like these, it looks like it finally might be time for this fallen angel to start playing catchup with its industry peers.

3 Forgotten Stocks Worth Reconnecting With in 2012 -  Ericsson

By now, the broadband theme is well-known: Rising smartphone and tablet usage is creating a surge in demand for broadband capacity, and telecom operators’ ability to meet this fast-growing capacity is limited. But what seems to have been lost on investors is that Ericsson — the market-share leader in providing the equipment and services that will help operators meet demand in the years ahead — still is one of the companies that is positioned to capitalize on this trend.


Nevertheless, the growth-stock darling of the 1990s now is a value play, with a forward P/E of 10.8 (and 8.6 net of cash), a trailing price-to-sales ratio of 0.98 (versus a five-year average of 1.3%), $6.7 billion in cash and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The stock was off 11% in 2011.

It might require patience for the market to pick up on the potential value here, but a look at the total picture reveals meaningful upside potential and limited downside risk from this level.

The bottom line: All three of these somewhat-forgotten market leaders have the potential to provide market-beating returns in the year ahead, even if the broader investment environment remains challenging.

5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell in 2012

Are you thinking about taking a cruise anytime soon? How about buying a new car?

No? Well, not surprisingly, many investors are feeling the same way. In this economy, people are scaling back and saving up. That new car is being eschewed for auto maintenance, and that Disney cruise with the family is being sidelined for a road trip to your Aunt Mary’s. Although the auto industry isn’t as bad as it was during the bailouts, companies like Ford (NYSE:F) and General Motors (NYSE:GM) haven’t exactly been bastions of growth and excitement, save for Ford’s late-to-the-party, lower-than-average dividend payout.

I watch more than 5,000 publicly traded companies with my Portfolio Grader tool, ranking companies by a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. This week, I’ve got five automotive and international cruise line stocks to sell.

Here they are, in alphabetical order. Each one of these stocks gets a “D” or “F” according to my research, meaning it is a “sell” or “strong sell.”


5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell in 2012 : Carnival (NYSE:CCL) is an international cruise company. In the last 12 months, CCL shareholders have watched the stock slip 29%. CCL stock gets a “D” for operating margin growth and a “D” for cash flow. For more information, view my complete analysis of CCL stock.

5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell in 2012:Ford (NYSE:F) is likely the most well-known American automaker. Year-to-date, F stock is down 37% compared to a gain of 4% for the Dow Jones Industrials. F stock gets a “D” for operating margin growth and a “D” for earnings growth in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of F stock.

5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell in 2012:General Motors (NYSE:GM) is another giant global automotive maker. Since the start of 2011, GM stock has lost a staggering 45% compared to gains by the broader markets. GM stock gets an “F” for earnings growth, an “F” for earnings momentum and a “D” for its ability to exceed the consensus earnings estimates on Wall Street in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of GM stock.

5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell in 2012:Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) provides a variety of products, including automotive interiors and energy-saving products for buildings. JCI has suffered a loss of 22%, year-to-date. JCI stocks gets a “D” for operating margin growth, a “D” for its ability to exceed the consensus earnings estimates on Wall Street and a “D” for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past month in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of JCI stock.

5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell in 2012:Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) is the second large cruise line that makes the list. Since the start of 2011, RCL is down 48% compared to gains by the broader markets. RCL stock gets an “F” for cash flow in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of RCL stock.

Get more analysis of these picks and other publicly traded stocks with Louis Navellier’s Portfolio Grader tool, a 100% free stock-rating tool that measures both quantitative buying pressure and eight fundamental factors.

2012 best 5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell

Are you thinking about taking a cruise anytime soon? How about buying a new car?

No? Well, not surprisingly, many investors are feeling the same way. In this economy, people are scaling back and saving up. That new car is being eschewed for auto maintenance, and that Disney cruise with the family is being sidelined for a road trip to your Aunt Mary’s. Although the auto industry isn’t as bad as it was during the bailouts, companies like Ford (NYSE:F) and General Motors (NYSE:GM) haven’t exactly been bastions of growth and excitement, save for Ford’s late-to-the-party, lower-than-average dividend payout.

I watch more than 5,000 publicly traded companies with my Portfolio Grader tool, ranking companies by a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. This week, I’ve got five automotive and international cruise line stocks to sell.

Here they are, in alphabetical order. Each one of these stocks gets a “D” or “F” according to my research, meaning it is a “sell” or “strong sell.”

Carnival (NYSE:CCL) is an international cruise company. In the last 12 months, CCL shareholders have watched the stock slip 29%. CCL stock gets a “D” for operating margin growth and a “D” for cash flow. For more information, view my complete analysis of CCL stock.

Ford (NYSE:F) is likely the most well-known American automaker. Year-to-date, F stock is down 37% compared to a gain of 4% for the Dow Jones Industrials. F stock gets a “D” for operating margin growth and a “D” for earnings growth in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of F stock.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is another giant global automotive maker. Since the start of 2011, GM stock has lost a staggering 45% compared to gains by the broader markets. GM stock gets an “F” for earnings growth, an “F” for earnings momentum and a “D” for its ability to exceed the consensus earnings estimates on Wall Street in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of GM stock.

Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) provides a variety of products, including automotive interiors and energy-saving products for buildings. JCI has suffered a loss of 22%, year-to-date. JCI stocks gets a “D” for operating margin growth, a “D” for its ability to exceed the consensus earnings estimates on Wall Street and a “D” for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past month in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of JCI stock.

Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) is the second large cruise line that makes the list. Since the start of 2011, RCL is down 48% compared to gains by the broader markets. RCL stock gets an “F” for cash flow in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of RCL stock.

Get more analysis of these picks and other publicly traded stocks with Louis Navellier’s Portfolio Grader tool, a 100% free stock-rating tool that measures both quantitative buying pressure and eight fundamental factors.

The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012

Below is a list of what I believe are the best values among dividend-paying stocks heading into 2012, ranked from 1 to 100. The rankings were locked in after the market closed on December 17, 2010, and counted down on this site over the last ten weekdays of the year.

It’s important to realize that these aren’t the 100 stocks I think are most likely to bring home explosive returns during 2012, because I don’t invest with that short of a window in mind. They represent the 100 companies I think are the most attractively-priced for long-term returns as we close the book on 2010.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 1. Vale S.A. (VALE)
Even after rising during the final days of 2010, shares of VALE still trade below 8x future earnings. Dividend has tripled since its 2007 valley, and has plenty of room to grow thanks to a forward payout ratio of just 11% and a top line on pace to nearly double this year.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 2. Tower Group, Inc. (TWGP)
Tower’s revenue and dividend rate have both quintupled since 2006, and neither seem to be losing momentum. Trades at a slight discount to book value and just 7.5x future earnings.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 3. CNOOC Limited (CEO)
Trades at 11x future earnings and carries very little risk thanks to a huge regulatory advantage. Has the exclusive right to share in the production of China’s offshore resources when discovered by a foreign firm, shielding CNOOC from local exploration costs.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 4. Knightsbridge Tankers Limited (VLCCF)
Dividend has recovered nicely from 2009′s cut, and is now paying nearly 9% as shares have failed to properly react to improved prospects. Company secured a $175 million credit facility in 2010 that will enable the purchase of a ninth vessel without raising additional equity.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 5. Life Partners Holdings, Inc. (LPHI)
Looked like it was finally heading toward a proper valuation before a string of bad press held shares down. With zero debt, a 5.3% dividend yield, and a forward earnings multiple of just 7.4, an investment in this unconventional business possesses a huge margin of safety.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 6. Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (DO)
Diamond Offshore has supplemented its modest regular dividend with 15 special payouts since 2006, returning an incredible total of $27.13 per share to stockholders over that span (or 41% of its current share price).
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 7. Jinpan International Limited (JST)
The Chinese manufacturer split its shares and tossed shareholders a 17% dividend hike this year, with little reaction from the market. Will close 2010 with a yield of 1.3%, much better than the 0.49% it opened the year with.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 8. Amtrust Financial Services (AFSI)
Shares deservedly surged over the second half of the year (+46%), but still trade at just 1.5x book value and 7x expected 2012 earnings. Dividend has quadrupled since 2006, yet forward payout ratio remains at just 13%.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 9. Annaly Capital Management, inc. (NLY)
By far the best value for your REIT-buying dollar. That is, if you’re looking for a REIT that managed to improve its dividend every year through the recession, currently yields 14%, and will set you back less than 7x next year’s earnings.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 10. Fifth Street Finance Corp. (FSC)
The most attractively-priced BDC has only been public since 2008, but it sports an under-leveraged balance sheet, a 10% dividend yield, and trades at only a slight premium to its tangible book value.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 11. Lincoln Education Services Corporation (LINC)
Lincoln instantly became the best dividend-paying value in the for-profit education industry when it declared its first payout in November. Yields 6.4% and trades at 7x next year’s conservative earnings consensus.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 12. Chevron Corporation (CVX)
The best value among the integrated energy giants trades at just 9x next year’s earnings, compared to 10.6 for ConocoPhillips and 11.3 for ExxonMobil.
13. BHP Billiton Limited (BHP)
The Australian mining giant is diversified enough to weather the volatile commodity markets, and rich enough to acquire growth while returning an increasingly-substantial amount of cash to shareholders.
The 100 Best Values Among Dividend-Paying Stocks to invest 2012 14. PartnerRe Ltd. (PRE)
Trades at a 20% discount to book value, and the international reinsurer has raised its dividend every year since 1994 – increasing its rate by a total of 450% during that span.
15. Seadrill Limited (SDRL)
The offshore driller has achieved double-digit top line growth every year since going public in 2005, and is currently on pace to triple its 2006 revenue.
16. Intel Corporation (INTC)
A flat year leaves Intel shares with a dividend yield (3.43%) well above its five-year average (2.30%), thanks to the giant chipmaker’s biggest dividend hike since 2006.
17. Alliance Resources Partners, L.P. (ARLP)
Trades at 9x future earnings, yields 5%, has tripled its dividend rate since 2003, and raised its payout for 11 straight quarters.
18. Acme United Corporation (ACU)
An income investor’s dream: Stock is undervalued (1.2x book, 9.4x future earnings), current yield is solid (2.4%), payout ratio remains low (23%), and commitment to dividend growth is clear (boosted rate by an average of 16% annually since 2005).
19. CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF)
With revenue and earnings on pace to beat last year’s figures by 50% and the fertilizer company’s forward payout ratio now below 4%, it’s about time for another monster dividend hike from CF, which quintupled its payout in 2008.
20. Suncor Energy Inc. (SU)
Added earning power from Petro-Canada acquisition enabled Suncor to double its dividend without pushing its forward payout ratio over the 20% threshold.
21. Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO)
Despite an expected 23% jump in revenue, Marathon barely traded above book value in 2010. Its year-end price/book ratio (1.18), compares favorably to those of competitors Chevron (1.80), ConocoPhillips (1.44), and ExxonMobil (2.57).
22. VSE Corporation (VSEC)
If you know of any other companies with seven straight years of double-digit dividend growth, seven straight years of double-digit earnings growth, and a forward payout ratio under 5%, please fill me in.
23. TICC Capital Corp. (TICC)
If you’re looking for exposure to the tech industry but don’t want to sacrifice yield, TICC is worth looking into. The tech-focused BDC trades at just a 38% premium to tangible book value, carries no debt, and sports an 8.6% dividend yield.
24. National Presto Industries Inc. (NPK)
The do-it-all manufacturer (Skillets! Ammunition! Diapers!) currently carries a dividend rate seven times the amount paid to NPK shareholders in 2003. Revenue momentum, diversification, and overall financial efficiency should support continued dividend growth.
25. National Interstate Corporation (NATL)
With a forward payout ratio of just 16% despite getting annual raises that have averaged 19% since 2006, this dividend is primed for continued growth.
26. Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
Shares scuffled enough this year to keep their forward earnings multiple under 10 and their yield above 2%, two figures you don’t expect when researching a company that’s quintupled its revenue over the last decade and raised its dividend for 35 consecutive years.
27. Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA (BVN)
Buenaventura offers exposure to both gold and silver, as well as zinc and lead. The Peruvian mining company has low production costs, very little debt, upward dividend momentum, and has quadrupled its top line since 2003.
28. Guess?, Inc. (GES)
Since 2007, my #1 apparel value has managed to boost its dividend (+150%) and revenue (+40%) at impressive rates, recession or not. I can’t wait to see what happens when the economy isn’t terrible.
29. Huaneng Power International, Inc. (HNP)
China’s largest independent electricity producer pays a 5.8% dividend (based on this year’s payout), has fantastic growth momentum (and even better growth prospects), and trades at just a 5% premium to its book value.
30. Textainer Group Holdings Limited (TGH)
The promising young dividend received three more increases in 2010, giving it a total of six since TGH went public three years ago. The stock now yields 3.8%.
31. Novartis AG (NVS)
Even with shares up 11% in December, Novartis remains my #1 pharmaceutical value heading into 2012. The company has given shareholders a double-digit raise in four consecutive years, averaging a 22% annual increase over that span.
32. Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)
The analog chipmaker has recovered nicely from last year’s revenue decline, pushing its top line up by nearly 50% in 2010 thanks to a bounce in semiconductor demand and the revival of the auto industry. ADI has more than quintupled its dividend rate since 2003.
33. Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
Dividend growth has been non-existent for way too long. But revenue, expansion prospects, and margins are all looking up following the Schering-Plough acquisition, all of which should contribute to solving the flat dividend issue sooner than later.
34. Microchip Technology Inc. (MCHP)
Microchip carries by far the highest dividend yield (4.01%) among the many great chipmakers on this list, and continues to give shareholders a slight raise every quarter.
35. Ensco plc (ESV)
The offshore driller has a clean balance sheet, fantastic margins, and trades at a solid valuation. But most importantly, Ensco gave shareholders a 1300% raise in 2010, pushing its yield into relevancy (2.7%).
36. Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY)
It took a late-year plateau in the price of the precious metal and a few aggressive dividend developments, but I did manage to squeeze one gold play onto this list.
37. NewMarket Corporation (NEU)
NewMarket has increased its dividend rate by a staggering 252% since 2006. With solid revenue momentum and a forward payout ratio of just 13%, that fantastic dividend growth should continue.
38. Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN)
Since its late-2007 IPO, Main Street has doubled both its revenue and shareholder equity. The stock trades at just 13x next year’s earnings with an 8.5% dividend yield.
39. China Mobile Ltd. (CHL)
Holds the world’s largest subscriber base and a dominant market position in China, where mobile penetration is still relatively low (60-65%). Trades at less than 11x earnings, which should only rise as CHL uses its scale to swallow up low-cost growth in rural areas.
40. Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (ATNI)
A late-year overreaction to disappointing 3Q results — coupled with a 13th consecutive year of dividend growth — has pushed ATNI’s dividend yield up to 2.4%. That’s well above the 1.59% it was paying coming into 2010.
41. Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN)
Since holding its dividend rate flat from 1996 until 2004, TI has now increased it sixfold. The company also authorized the repurchase of $27.5 billion in stock over that same period, with nearly $20 billion completed before the stock began its recent surge (+40% since August).
42. Prospect Capital Corporation (PSEC)
The energy-focused BDC has achieved at least double-digit revenue growth every year since its 2004 IPO, carries zero debt, yields 11%, and trades right at tangible book value.
43. Sanderson Farms, Inc. (SAFM)
My top-ranked packaged food company sports a forward payout ratio of just 18% despite averaging 20% annual dividend growth since 2001.
44. Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR)
Murphy’s recent exploration success could allow it to blow its previous growth figures out of the water. Which is pretty impressive, considering the company has boosted its revenue by double-digits in seven of the last eight years.
45. Corning Incorporated (GLW)
Corning’s top line is making a nice recovery following a 2009 decline. The company is increasingly dependent on its display technology business, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for the time being.
46. Pfizer Inc. (PFE)
Pfizer already has the widest economic moat in the pharmaceutical space. And depending on what it does with that $20 billion war chest, that economic moat will either get wider or get much wider.
47. UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH)
United finally made the leap to dividend relevance when it shifted from an annual payout of $0.03 per share to a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share – a modest 1567% increase.
48. American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)
Shares of AEO fell about 15% this year despite the company’s 10% dividend hike, pushing the stock’s dividend yield over the 3% threshold heading into 2012.
49. Republic Bancorp, Inc. KY (RBCAA)
Even with its stock up 15% for the year and an inevitable decline in its important tax-loan segment on the horizon, Republic Bancorp remains the finest value among regional bank holding companies.
50. Cypress Sharpridge Investments, Inc. (CYS)
Cypress trades right around its tangible book value, where it carries the highest dividend yield (18%) on this list. (Be sure to factor December’s 14 million share offering into your research.)
51. Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (OHI)
The healthcare facility REIT yields 6.7% and is one of the few real estate companies to maintain strong dividend and earnings growth through the recession, yet it trades at just 11x next year’s earnings.
52. L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (LLL)
Dividend has received annual boosts averaging 27% since 2004, and yet forward payout ratio sits under 20%. L-3 will need that buffer to keep growing its dividend in the face of defense spending cuts, however.
53. The Andersons, Inc. (ANDE)
The diversified agriculture and transportation company seems to have recovered nicely from its 2009 revenue hiccup. The Andersons increased its dividend for the 14th consecutive year by handing shareholders a 22% raise in December.
54. Harris Corporation (HRS)
Harris has increased its dividend rate tenfold since 2002, but kept its forward payout ratio under 20% by tripling its revenue over the same period.
55. Advance America, Cash Advance Centers (AEA)
The largest payday loan generator in the country has pristine valuation metrics, including a forward P/E ratio of just 6, but regulatory concerns make it the ultimate risk/reward play. Investors will be paid handsomely (4.6% dividend yield) to stick it out.
56. The Buckle, Inc. (BKE)
Counting the monster year-end special dividends that have become an annual tradition, The Buckle has grown its dividend output tenfold since 2006.
57. Greif, Inc. (GEF)
Blows away its fellow container manufacturers in most metrics, but especially price/book (2.2) and debt/equity (0.8) ratios. Seven consecutive years of healthy dividend hikes have produced a 478% increase to Greif’s dividend rate and a 2.7% yield.
58. MCG Capital Corporation (MCGC)
Currently sporting an 8% yield, with a solid dividend hike likely looming. MCG has a 77% forward payout ratio in an industry required to return 90% of its taxable earnings to shareholders.
59. Xilinx, Inc. (XLNX)
Even after sharply downgrading its revenue outlook in December, Xilinx remains a solid value. Apparently I’m not the only one who sees it that way, as shares of XLNX actually went up in the days following the announcement.
60. DeVry Inc. (DV)
Even with their late-year push, shares of DV lost 15% of their value in 2010. They now sit below 10x the conservative 2012 earnings estimates laid out by regulation-wary analysts.
61. Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
Unlike the Zune, Mr. Sofee’s successful transition to a dependable income investment (six straight years of double-digit dividend growth) should not be ignored.
62. RPC, Inc. (RES)
The oil and gas services company recovered nicely from last year’s dividend cut by raising its payout twice in 2010, exceeding earnings expectations, and splitting its stock.
63. Strayer Education, Inc. (STRA)
By far my most controversial pick of 2010, I recommended Strayer at $132 in October and I still think it has plenty of juice as it hovers around $160 today – more than $100 short of its 52-week high.
64. Nucor Corporation (NUE)
Since 2005 alone, the steel giant has raised its dividend rate by 383% and paid an additional $4.785 per share in special payouts.
65. PennantPark Investment Corp. (PNNT)
The last time shares of PNNT traded this high was 2007, when the company was generating half as much revenue and wasn’t even profitable.
66. ConocoPhillips (COP)
Recent acquisitions were poorly-timed, resulting in a rough couple of years for the energy giant. On the bright side, the stock barely trades at 10x next year’s earnings, and sports a dividend yield (3.30%) that blows away its five-year average (2.70%).
67. Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (SXL)
The success SXL has achieved since being spun-off from Sunoco in 2002 could be hard to replicate moving forward, but anything close would just be gravy on top of that solid 5.7% dividend yield.
68. Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY)
Facing a steep patent cliff, the company opted not to raise its dividend in 2010 for the first time in 42 years. Here’s to hoping they use the capital to juice their earnings in one way (R&D) or another (M&A).
69. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)
Ten dividend increases — including seven of at least 10% — since 2003 have boosted the company’s payout by a total of 268%. Yet it still maintains a payout ratio under 30%.
70. Triangle Capital Corporation (TCAP)
Shares of TCAP continue to establish new highs as the year comes to a close, yet they still sport a 9% yield thanks to the BDC’s aggressive dividend growth (nine raises for a total increase of 180% since 2007).
71. PPL Corporation (PPL)
The energy and utility holding company delivers electricity to customers from Montana to England, pays a dividend yield of more than 5%, and has raised its payout in nine consecutive years.
72. Meadbowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (MIG)
Priced at less than book value and under 10x next year’s earnings, Meadowbrook is an excellent value with strong dividend growth prospects.
73. MFA Financial, Inc. (MFA)
My only complaint about this mortgage-centric REIT is the inconsistency of its dividend, which has upward momentum but tends to meander slightly from quarter to quarter. That still produces a yield in the 10-12% range, however.
74. AFLAC Incorporated (AFL)
Shareholders continue to benefit from Aflac’s competitive pricing, achieved by offering its products at the workplace rather than targeting individuals. The company has tripled its payout since 2003, and given shareholders a raise in 28 consecutive years.
75. Dynex Capital (DX)
Very comparable to MFA Financial. You’ll pay a higher earnings multiple to get a little less yield (10%), but the dividends are more consistent and a little better covered.
76. KLA-Tencor Corporation (KLAC)
Current yield (2.53%) isn’t nearly as attractive as it was before the stock rose 40% over the second half of the year. But the company has more than doubled its dividend since 2006, and is on pace to double its revenue this year, so don’t expect that return to lag for long.
77. Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (MHLD)
The reinsurance provider is trading at a 24% discount to book value and less than 7x next year’s earnings, and carries a 3.5% dividend yield to boot.
78. Canadian Natural Resource Ltd. (CNQ)
Revenue is bouncing back nicely from its 2009 drop, and the board of directors isn’t being stingy with the returns, doubling the dividend rate in May.
79. Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM)
Exxon’s first year of sub-5% dividend growth since 2002 is an anomaly, not an issue. The company still possesses a low forward payout ratio (27%), and its yield (2.4%) sits well above its five year average (1.9%).
80. Global Partners LP (GLP)
Has averaged a 24% return on equity since going public in 2005, allowing the company to push the limits of its payout ratio in favor of a fat 7% dividend yield.
81. American Equity Investment Life Holding (AEL)
The fixed annuity and life insurance underwriter has given shareholders a double-digit raise every year since initiating its dividend in 2003, and currently trades at a healthy discount to tangible book value.
82. CenturyLink, Inc. (CTL)
Qwest merger should be completed early in 2012, which will undoubtedly push payout ratio into more manageable territory, buoying the current 6% dividend yield.
83. Stryker Corporation (SYK)
My #1 medical equipment/supplies value heading into 2012. Has better revenue momentum and payout ratio than Medtronic, which should keep its streak of 11 straight years with double-digit dividend growth rolling.
84. ACE Limited (ACE)
This insurance/reinsurance company has managed to push its yield above 2% through 18 consecutive years of dividend growth, all while keeping its forward payout ratio under 18%. And it’s currently trading at less than book value and just 8x future earnings.
85. Magna International Inc. (MGA)
A huge beneficiary of the auto rebound, Magna seems to have fully recovered from its dividend suspension. Stock is constantly threatening its all-time high, yet still trades at just 1.6x book value and 11x future earnings.
86. CapLease, Inc. (LSE)
It may be a while before the office space REIT achieves a dividend rate in the ballpark of its 2009 peak. But the current 4.4% yield isn’t too shabby in the meantime, especially coming from a stock that will only set you back about 8x future earnings.
87. Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (MRH)
Montpelier has averaged a 25% annual return on shareholder equity since its 2002 IPO. The stock is currently trading at a 20% discount to tangible book value, with a 2% dividend yield
88. Capital One Financial Corp. (COF)
Capital One was one of the many financial companies to slash its dividend during the crisis, and yet its payout is still nearly double its stable 1995-2007 level. Trades at a much steeper discount to book value than similar institutions.
89. Bunge Limited (BG)
Has increased its dividend by an annual average of 11% since it began returning cash to shareholders, and that shouldn’t slow down any time soon. Earnings have much greater momentum, keeping forward payout ratio below 20%.
90. Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)
This young payout produces a 2% yield, with plenty of upside. Currently pays just 21% of future earnings to shareholders, despite more than doubling dividend rate since 2005 inception.
91. Walgreen Company (WAG)
A solid value with a payout in danger of plateauing: dividend rate has grown more than twice as fast as sales over the last six years, which obviously can’t continue forever.
92. Walter Energy, Inc. (WLT)
The coal producer’s breakout 2010 (revenue is on pace to grow by 70%) will support its aggressive dividend growth, possibly even pushing it into meaningful territory. The company has doubled its dividend rate since 2008, but still holds a forward payout ratio under 5%
93. Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (WHG)
Even without counting the special dividends sprinkled in from time to time, WHG has improved its dividend rate by an average of 70% annually since 2003. But you’ll pay for the growth, as the stock currently commands the highest earnings multiple (23.7) among the 100 on this list.
94. Thor Industries, Inc. (THO)
Shares took a double-digit tumble following Thor’s disappointing Q1 earnings report. which proved to be a quality buying opportunity, as the stock has since recovered to its pre-earnings level. A lot hinges on the success of the Heartland RV acquisition, so watch closely.
95. Vodafone Group Plc (VOD)
Net of fees, the mobile communications giant has more than quadrupled its dividend since 2003, pushing the stock’s yield to nearly 5%. Acquiring shares of VOD will currently cost you less than book value, and a little under 10x future earnings.
96. CME Group, Inc. (CME)
After giving shareholders a raise of at least 30% in each of its first five years as a dividend-paying company, CME held its payout flat through the recession. Can it regain its momentum? Taking a chance will barely cost you book value.
97. Medtronic, Inc. (MDT)
Shareholders should be thrilled if the next two decades are even half as good as the last two, which produced average annual dividend growth of 20%. Oh, and the stock went up more than 1200% as well.
98. Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY)
Shares plunged more than 18% following the electronics retailer’s final earnings report of 2010, and now trade at less than 10x future earnings. The dividend has doubled since its 2003 inception, and is primed for more growth with a forward payout ratio of just 16%.
99. AstraZeneca plc (AZN)
Priced at just 7x future earnings amid a struggle to win FDA approval for Brilinta, the ultra-efficient AZN will be paying its shareholders a well-covered 5% dividend yield while they wait for their shares to bounce back.
100. Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN)
The investment management company may not feature an impressive yield (0.87%), but it’s not for a lack of trying. With 30 consecutive years of dividend growth, including a quadrupling of its payout over the last decade, BEN is a classic low-yield, high-growth dividend play.

The top 5 Oil Stocks to invest in 2012

Below is a list of my latest oil stock picks for 2012. These 2012 Oil Stock Picks are my favor stocks to buy and some of the stocks I will be trading personally. Last year, one of my top oil stock picks was Brigham Exploration (BEXP). BEXP stock went from $15 to $27 from July to December of 2012 and was one of my biggest stock gainers of the year. I feel 2012 will be a good year for stocks and the overall stock market. Oil in 2012 should hit $110-$120 which would make the oil stocks rally even higher.

Key Areas of Oil Exploration in 2012 – Eagle Ford Shale – Niobrara Shale – Bakken Shale – Permian Basin – Oil Discoveries are still going on in these fields and in 2012, more Oil Discoveries will be made. Keep an eye on the Chainman Shale – Cabot Oil & Gas (COG) mentioned in late 2012 that they are drilling for oil in the Chainman Shale. We also have Venoco (VQ) drilling the Monterey Shale in California. With that, here is a list of my best oil stock picks for 2012

#1 Top Oil Stock Pick 2012 – Oil Stocks – Hyperdynamics Corporation (HDY) – While Hyperdynamics (HDY) is my top stock pick of 2012, it is a risky one. The company has no revenues and does not make any money but could be sitting on a very large pool of oil off the coast of Africa. Drilling for oil is expected to begin in December 2012. Hyperdynamics was headed into a downward spiral over the past couple years but changed the management team in 2012 who vowed to take the company in a new direction. Hyperdynamics has a very large prospective leased area off the coast of the Republic of Guinea. In November 2012, Hyperdynamics raised $30 million in a private placement from financial giant Blackrock (BLK) which will help in preperation costs to drill for oil in late 2012. Hyperdynamics did a few surveys and believe they could be sitting on billions of barrels of oil.

As for HDY stock in 2012, It is my top stock to buy and my best trading idea. I have been trading HDY since the stock was $1.60 in August 2012 and gave it a price target of $4 – $6 for 2012. HDY hit a high of $3.63 in October 2012 and continues to trade around $3.00 as we head into 2012. If everything goes as planned and the company does infact sit on top of a large oil pool, we could be looking at a $8-$10 stock by year end 2012 in my opinion. I gave it a target of $4 – $6 when the stock was hitting $2.60 just to be on the conservative side. Of coarse, if Hyperdynamics announces any delays or lesser oil reserves, all bets are off. Pullbacks below $2.50 should be a great buy if you are looking for an entry point. I currently own HDY stock for the long term and will buy more stock on pullbacks. If you have any questions or feel like discussing HDY stock, visit my HDY message forum thread.

#2 Top Oil Stock Pick for 2012 – Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) – Kodiak Oil & Gas was another huge stock gainer for me at the end of 2012. I bought KOG stock at $4.30 in mid November 2012 and sold between $5.00-$5.70 a month later. KOG went on to hit $6.69 a few weeks later. Kodiak Oil in Gas recently aquired additional acreage in the Bakken Shale. This acreage is in some of the best zones in the Bakken which includes the Three Forks Oil zone. When I originally bought KOG at $4.30, I placed a personal target of $8-$10 on it for 2012. I am sticking with this and feel the stock could even hit $12. A lot will depend on what oil does but ultimately the stock is going a lot higher. While I don’t own KOG right now, I plan to buy the stock on any major correction.

8 Tech Penny Stocks to invest in 2012

what to invest in 2012, now we will show you as follow:

8 Tech Penny Stocks to Buy Now

Technology stocks have been on a tear lately, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq outperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average 17% to 13% across the last six months. But it’s worth noting that many small-cap tech stocks have done much better than that, while blue chips like Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) have all underperformed.

You can see the power of the tech sector best in small, agile penny stocks that are surging recently. I of course don’t mean penny stock in a literal sense – as a rule, any micro-cap pink sheet or OTC investment that goes for only a few cents a share is a massive gamble. By “penny stock” I mean ultra low-priced companies, but ones that are larger than $100 million in market capitalization.

To help you share in the tech penny stock surge, consider these 8 investments and their recent gains:



Sirius XM Radio Inc: Year-to-date, stock of Sirius XM Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is up +13%. Sirius offers satellite radio content on music, sports and news in the United States for a subscription fee. In the last 12 months, SIRI has gained an impressive +112%, compared to much smaller gains by the broader markets.

ICO Global Communications: Mobile satellite service operator ICO Global Communications (NASDAQ: ICOG) has posted an impressive stock gain of +132% in the last 12 months. More recently, this penny stock is up +44% in the last 30 days alone. If bought at the right time, ICOG can be great for your portfolio, as it jumped +40% in one day in March. ICO Global is an example of how explosive tech penny stocks can be.

* Related Article: 10 Best Stocks for 2011

8×8 Inc: Known for its telecommunication services, 8×8 Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT) has gained +19% year-to-date. Looking in the longer term, EGHT is up +86% in the last year. This quarter, analysts are predicting EGHT will posted EPS of four cents, up from two cents last year. But percentage-wise, that’s a 50% increase! This shows how just a small jump in earnings can really mean big things for a penny stock in the tech sector.

EMCORE Corp: Offering a wide range of semiconductor products, EMCORE Corp. (NASDAQ: EMKR) has experience a jump in stock price of +119% since the beginning of 2011. This stock has also jumped +73% since the beginning of February, and posted a quarterly revenue growth of +23% in its last income statement. This penny stock has a 52-week range of 71 cents to $3.25 – but just touched its high a month ago before the March contraction. There’s no reason EMKR stock can’t get back to those levels very soon.

* Related Articles: Dividend Stocks to Buy

Dot Hill Systems Corp: Provider of storage systems and enterprise server software, Dot Hill Systems Corp. (NASDAQ: HILL) is another penny stock worth keeping an eye on. Year-to-date, this tech stock has gained +70%, compared to a gain of just +7% for the Dow Jones. In the last 12 months, this stock has soared +101% as well.

Identive Group Inc: Focusing on identification-based technologies, Identive Group Inc. (NASDAQ: INVE) has watched its stock gain +7% year-to-date and +47% in the last 12 months. Shareholders of INVE can also point to the company’s quarterly revenue growth, which was reported as +111%, in its last income statement.

RAE Systems Inc: Known for providing wireless sensor networks that enable its customers worldwide to identify safety and security threats in real-time, RAE Systems Inc. (AMEX: RAE) has the potential to grow your portfolio in a hurry. Over the last year, this penny stock is up +115%. In September, RAE stock jumped +42% in just three days, showing the penny stock’s short term potential. Buy this penny stock as it trades just below its 52-week high of $1.88.

Mad Catz Interactive Inc: Known for its video game accessories, Mad Catz Interactive Inc. (AMEX: MCZ) has been the highest performing stock on this list. In the last year, MCZ is up an incredible +381%. The success has continued as of late, as this penny stock has gained +115%, year-to-date. A quarterly revenue growth of +91% and a quarterly earnings growth of +73%, only add to this stock’s impressive resume.

Top 10 Stocks NOT to Buy in 2011

It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is upon us and there is only about a month and a half left in 2010. Because this is the busiest time of the year for investors like you, I thought I’d get out ahead of the New Year and I would give you 10 stocks that I think you should dump for 2011.

Some of these stocks have had a good run and some never really got anything going this year, but all are too risky if you’re looking to build a solid portfolio in 2011.

Let’s get right to this list of stocks you should sell or avoid as we close out 2010.

5 Famous Pharma Stocks to Sell Now

There’s a lot of talk about the recently passed health-care reforms in the wake of the election, and some investors are wondering if provisions of the legislation could be rolled back. I won’t pretend to know what’s going to happen in Washington in the future, but I can tell you that no matter what happens to the so-called “Obamacare” initiative, a number of health-care stocks are in dire straits — and no amount of politicking is going to help them.

Specifically, I’m talking about a group of battered drug makers that have seen poor earnings performances lately and are up against looming patent expirations and fierce competition in emerging markets.

Here are five famous pharmaceutical stocks that you should sell immediately:
Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) is engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a variety of health-care products. Since January, ABT stock has dropped 6.6%, compared to gains of 9.5% and 9.3% for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones, respectively. While the stock regained slightly in September, ABT has lost 3.5% since October. While ABT has outperformed earnings estimates for four consecutive quarters, it has been by only one cent each quarter. Abbott stock currently trades at $50.45.
Sanofi-Aventis S.A. ADS (SNY)

Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY) is also involved with the research, development, manufacture and marketing of health-care products. The company is known for its pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, as well as its animal health-care products. Year-to-date, SNY stock has slid 9.4%. Additionally, Sanofi-Aventis has missed earnings estimates two of the last three quarters. While the stock has regained slightly in the last few months, it is still down from its 52-week high of $41.59, with a current price of $35.62
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA)

Global pharmaceutical company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NASDAQ: TEVA) produces and markets a wide range of generic drugs. Its major products are Copaxone for multiple sclerosis and Azilect for Parkinson’s disease. Since January, TEVA is down 9.6%, compared to gains by the broader markets. After a productive September, TEVA has dropped 3.7% since the start of October. Trading at $50.80, TEVA is only a few dollars removed from its 52-week low of $46.99.
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADS (GSK)

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) works with vaccines, over-the-counter medications and various other health-care consumer products. The company’s main products deal with the following: respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterials, oncology and emesis, dermatalogicals and vaccines. GSK stock is down 4.1% in 2010, despite seeing gains in September and October. Additionally, GSK reported a quarterly earnings drop of 3.5% in its last income statement, which certainly has disappointed shareholders.
Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

Research-based, global pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) rounds out the list of big pharma stocks to sell. Year-to-date, Pfizer has watched its stock decrease 6.5%, compared to gains by the broader markets. Analysts aren’t buying into Pfizer, as they have downgraded their earnings estimates to 47 cents a share this quarter after and actual EPS of 54 cents a share last quarter. A quarterly earnings decline of nearly 70% is another reason why Pfizer is a stock worth selling.

As of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own a position in any of the stocks named here

10 Stocks to Watch: Best Buy, Intersil

Consumer electronics retailer Best Buy(BBY) missed second-quarter earnings estimates, as profit fell due to weak television sales.

Best Buy also slashed its full-year earnings outlook.

The company reported a profit of $177 million, or 47 cents a share, compared with $254 million, or 60 cents, in the year-ago period. Analysts were calling for a profit of 53 cents a share.

Still, shares were gaining 3.2% to $25.75 in premarket trading Tuesday as investors awaited more information from the company’s conference call at 10 am EDT.

Chipmaker Intersil(ISIL) lowered its revenue outlook for the third quarter, citing weak demand across all of its end markets. The company now sees revenue of $184 million to $188 million for the three months ending in September vs. a previous projection of $205 million to $213 million.

The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters is for revenue of $209 million.

Dave Bell, Intersil CEO, said, however, he now see signs that inventory is stabilizing, with bookings likely recovering during the remainder of the third quarter.

Shares were adding 2.1% to $10.88.

Computer hardware company Hewlett-Packard(HPQ) said Tuesday it was extending the deadline for its offer for Autonomy, the U.K. software company, to Oct. 3 after it received acceptances from only 41.6% of Autonomy shareholders.

Shares were down 0.3% to $22.51 in premarket trading Tuesday.

Networking giant Cisco(CSCO) is holding its annual financial analyst conference on Tuesday at 11 a.m. EDT.

Shares were falling 0.3% to $16.04.

iPad maker Apple(AAPL) is more likely than ever to give back to shareholders through a stock buyback or dividend, according to Morgan Stanley.

Shares were up 0.3% to $380.94.

Conglomerate General Electric(GE) plans to invest about €86 million ($118 million) to expand n Germany, the biggest economy in the eurozone, Bloombergreported.

Shares were up 0.2% to $15.04.

Royal Philips Electronics(PHG) raised its cost-cutting program to €800 million ($1.09 billion) from an earlier target of €500 million.

Shares were unchanged at $16.97.

PAA Natural Gas Storage(PNG) has been raised to buy from neutral by UBS.

Drug company Pharmacyclics(PCYC) reported a fourth-quarter loss of 15 cents a share vs. the Wall Street target of a loss of 14 cents.

Vertically integrated solar products and services company SunPower(SPWRA) said its board has authorized a proposal to reclassify the company’s class A and B common shares as a single issue on a one-for-one basis.