LONDON -- The FTSE 100 (FTSEINDICES: ^FTSE ) doesn't look like it's going to reclaim its five-year high of 6,534 set on March 12 anytime soon after fresh Chinese fears sent it down 0.64% to 6,344 points today. Not that China is in any real trouble, mind -- its economy just grew a little slower than expected in the first quarter.
But even if the FTSE is off its highs, there are plenty of shares that are reaching new levels. Here are three achieving that feat today.
Centrica
After Centrica reported the acquisition of some Canadian natural-gas fields today, its shares rose to hit a 52-week high of 385 pence during the morning before dropping back to close at 382. That puts the price up about 18% over the past 12 months, which is pretty good for an investment that is also forecast to deliver a dividend yield of 4.6% for the year to December. Like its competitors in the utilities business, Centrica has been rewarding investors with regular dividends for years, and its predictable business enables it to pay out a high proportion of its earnings.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: 3M Company(MMM)
3M Company, together with subsidiaries, operates as a diversified technology company worldwide. The company?s Industrial and Transportation segment offers tapes, coated and non-woven abrasives, adhesives, specialty materials, filtration products, energy control products, closure systems for personal hygiene products, acoustic systems products, and components and products that are used in the manufacture, repair, and maintenance of automotive, marine, aircraft, and specialty vehicles. Its Health Care segment provides medical and surgical supplies, skin health and infection prevention products, inhalation and transdermal drug delivery systems, dental and orthodontic products, health information systems, and food safety products. The company?s Display and Graphics offers optical film solutions for LCD electronic displays; computer screen filters; reflective sheeting for transportation safety; commercial graphics sheeting and systems; and mobile interactive solutions, includin g mobile display technology, visual systems products, and computer privacy filters. The company?s Consumer and Office segment provides office supply products, stationery products, construction and home improvement products, home care products, protective material products, certain consumer retail personal safety products, and consumer health care products. Its Safety, Security and Protection Services segment offers personal protection products, safety and security products, cleaning and protection products for commercial establishments, track and trace solutions, and roofing granules for asphalt shingles. The company?s Electro and Communications segment provides packaging and interconnection devices; fluids that are used in the manufacture of computer chips, and for cooling electronics and lubricating computer hard disk drives; high-temperature and display tapes; insulating materials, including tapes and resins; and related items. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Richard Young]
This is 3M’s (NYSE:MMM) 100th year in business and 100th year of innovation. 3M uses its research and development teams to churn out new products for its customers. One of 3M’s newest innovations is an ingenious patch that injects immunizations using hundreds of micro-needles. The invention allows injections without intimidating syringes. To create the micro-needle patches, 3M repurposed micro-replication technology it had pioneered to enhance the visibility of reflective road signs. 3M’s breakout over its 50-day moving average is a strong signal. Buy.
- [By Dave Friedman]
The shares closed at $83.31, up $0.77, or 0.93%, on the day. They have traded in a 52-week range of $78.01 to $98.19. Volume today was 4,130,195 shares, against a 3-month average volume of 4,252,690 shares. Its market capitalization is $59.11billion, its trailing P/E is 14.14, its trailing earnings are $5.89 per share, and it pays a dividend of $2.20 per share, for a dividend yield of 2.70%. About the company: 3M Co. conducts operations in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety, and other markets. The Company’s businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels, and other resources. 3M serves customers in countries located around the world.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Prospect Capital Corporation(PSEC)
Prospect Capital Corporation is a mezzanine finance and private equity firm that specializes in late venture, middle market, mature, mezzanine, buyouts, recapitalizations, growth capital, development, and bridge transactions. It makes secured debt and equity investments. The firm typically invests across all industry sectors, with a particular expertise in the energy and industrial sectors. It invests in oil and gas production, coal production, materials, industrials, consumer discretionary, information technology, utilities, pipeline, storage, power generation and distribution, renewable and clean energy, oilfield services, healthcare, food and beverage, education, business services, and other select sectors. The firm prefers to invest in the United States and Canada. It seeks to invest between $5 million to $50 million in companies with EBITDA between $$ million and $75 million, sales value up to $500 million, and enterprise value of up to $250 million. The firm also co- invests for larger deals. It seeks control acquisitions by providing multiple levels of the capital structure. Prospect Capital Corporation was founded in 1988 and is based in New York, New York.
5 Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Own For 2014: Becton Dickinson and Company(BDX)
Becton, Dickinson and Company, a medical technology company, develops, manufactures, and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents worldwide. The company?s BD Medical segment produces medical devices that are used in various healthcare settings. This segment?s products include needles, syringes, and intravenous catheters for medication delivery; prefilled IV flush syringes; syringes, pen needles, and other drugs to treat diabetes; prefillable drug delivery systems; anesthesia needles and trays; sharps disposal containers; and closed-system transfer devices. Its BD Diagnostics segment provides products for the safe collection and transport of diagnostics specimens, as well as instrument systems and reagents to detect various infectious diseases, healthcare-associated infections, and cancers. This segment?s products consist of integrated systems for specimen collection; safety-engineered blood collection products and systems; automated blood culturing systems; molecular testing systems; microorganism identification and drug susceptibility systems; liquid-based cytology systems for cervical cancer screening; rapid diagnostic assays; and plated media. The company?s BD Biosciences segment produces research and clinical tools that facilitate the study of cells and their components. This segment?s products comprise fluorescence-activated cell sorters and analyzers; monoclonal antibodies and kits for performing cell analysis; reagent systems for life science research; cell imaging systems; laboratory products for tissue culture and fluid handling; diagnostic assays; and cell culture media supplements for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. It markets its products through independent distribution channels and independent sales representatives to healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, and the general public. The company was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Pat Racaniello]
Beckton, Dicksinson and Co (BDX) is a leading medical device manufacturer, primarily in the healthcare and diagnostics segments. The company sells worldwide and has a solid reputation in major markets. Shares last traded at $78.16, within a 52 week range of $68.07 to $89.75. The price-earnings ratio is currently at 13.14 times, with one of the highest dividend payout across the market, not just the industry. Dividend growth is nearly 13% for the last 20 years. the price-earnings ratio is well below the industry average of nearly 23 times, with the price to sales near industry par.
The company has recently acquired Carmel Pharma, while at the same time, it sold off some of its own businesses, including the ophthalmology and dwell catheter platforms, which we believe is a a step in the right direction, given the current market conditions as well as healthcare demands.
- [By Martin]
In Q4 2010, he sold the remainder of his stake of 1,889,889 shares at an average price of $78.81.
In FY 2010 through September, the company generated revenues of $7.37 billion (+2.95%), and GAAP EPS rose by 10.02% to $5.49. The EBT margin held steady at 22.53% from 22.89% in FY 2009. Q1 2011 produced revenues of $1.84% or -1% from Q1 2010 with non-GAAP EPS of $1.36 vs. $1.30 in Q1 2010. The next earnings release is on April 28, with the consensus non-GAAP EPS estimate at $1.30, an increase of 5.07% over Q2 2010, and revenues of $1.9 billion, an increase of 3.21% over Q2 2010.
We expect revenues to grow in the low single digits, buoyed by global demand for diabetes products. Given a P/E ratio of 16.3, we believe that BDX shares ought to be trading more closer to 17 times earnings. Internal modeling places a price target of $95. This is a buy for those looking to add a biotech flavor to their portfolio.
The company is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. It is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. On March 18, the company completed its acquisition of Accuri Cytometers, Inc., an Ann Arbor, MI-based company that develops and manufactures personal flow cytometers for researchers.
- [By Rahemtulla]
A relatively new position for Warren Buffett, this company makes all sorts of medical supplies. Buffett has been making an across-the-board bet on medical companies. He owns Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Sanofi Aventis (SNY). And now the smallest company among the medical stocks he invests in is Becton Dickison. The company just recently increased its dividend, making it the 37th year in a row that it increased its payout. At 14 times earnings, this one has room to grow, particularly with an aging Baby Boomer population requiring more me dical care.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Paragon Shipping Inc.(PRGN)
Paragon Shipping Inc. provides shipping transportation services worldwide. The company engages in the ocean transportation of various drybulk cargoes and containers. Its fleet consists of 11 drybulk vessels with a total carrying capacity of 747,994 dwt. The company was founded in 2006 and is based in Voula, Greece.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company(RRD)
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company provides pre-media, printing, logistics, and business process outsourcing products and services to private and public sectors worldwide. The company operates primarily in the commercial print portion of the printing industry, with related product and service offerings designed to offer customers solutions for communicating their messages to target audiences. Its products and related service offerings include magazines, catalogs, retail inserts, books, directories, financial print, direct mail, forms, labels, office products, statement printing, pre media, and logistics services. The company also offers business process outsourcing services that comprise transactional print and outsourcing services, statement printing, direct mail, and print management services; and product configuration, customized kitting, and order fulfillment for technology, medical device, and other companies. It distributes its products to end-users through the United Sta tes postal services, retail channels, electronically, or by direct shipment to customer facilities. R.R. Donnelley & Sons was founded in 1864 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc. (ED)
Consolidated Edison, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides electric, gas, and steam utility services in the United States. It provides electric service to approximately 3.3 million customers and gas service to approximately 1.1 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, as well as provides steam service to office buildings and apartment houses in parts of Manhattan. The company also provides electric service to approximately 0.3 million customers in southeastern New York and in adjacent areas of northern New Jersey, and northeastern Pennsylvania; and gas service to approximately 0.1 million customers in southeastern New York and adjacent areas of northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition, Consolidated Edison involves in the sale and related hedging of electricity to wholesale and retail customers; operation of generating plants; participation in other infrastructure projects; and provision of energy-efficiency services, including the design and installation of lighting retrofits, high-efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment, and other energy saving technologies to government and commercial customers. It serves residential, industrial, and large commercial customers. The company was founded in 1884 and is based in New York, New York.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: TotalFinaElf S.A.(TOT)
TOTAL S.A., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated oil and gas company worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Upstream, Downstream, and Chemicals. The Upstream segment engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. It also involves in the transportation, trade, and marketing of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as in LNG re-gasification and natural gas storage operations. In addition, this segment engages in the shipping and trade of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); power generation from gas-fired power plants, nuclear, or renewable energies; production, trade, and marketing of coal, as well as in solar power systems and technology operations. As of December 31, 2010, it had combined proved reserves of 10,695 Mboe of oil and gas. The Downstream segment involves in refining, marketing, trading, and shipping crude oil and petroleum products. It also produces a range of specialty products, s uch as lubricants, LPG, jet fuel, special fluids, bitumen, marine fuels, and petrochemical feedstock. This segment holds interests in 24 refineries located in Europe, the United States, the French West Indies, Africa, and China, as well as operates a network of 17,490 service stations. The Chemicals segment produces base chemicals, including petrochemicals and fertilizers, as well as engages in rubber processing, resins, adhesives, and electroplating activities. TOTAL S.A. was founded in 1924 and is based in Paris, France.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Dave Friedman]
Institutional investors bought 15,892,820 shares and sold 13,997,360 shares, for a net of 1,895,460 shares. This net represents 0.08% of common shares outstanding. The number of shares outstanding is 2,234,829,040. The shares recently traded at $46.80 and the company’s market capitalization is $109,165,864,774.97. About the company: Total SA explores for, produces, refines, transports, and markets oil and natural gas. The Company also operates a chemical division which produces polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, rubber, paint, ink, adhesives, and resins. Total operates gasoline filling stations in Europe, the United States, and Africa.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc.(FCX)
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. engages in the exploration, mining, and production of mineral resources. The company primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and cobalt. It holds interests in various properties, located in North and South America; the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; and the Tenke Fungurume minerals district in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of December 31, 2010, the company?s consolidated recoverable proven and probable reserves totaled 120.5 billion pounds of copper, 35.5 million ounces of gold, 3.39 billion pounds of molybdenum, 325.0 million ounces of silver, and 0.75 billion pounds of cobalt. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Keith]
Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold. Like a lot of basic materials stocks, Freeport MacMoRan took a beating in 2008, falling from more than $100 to $25 recently. Even so, the world's largest copper producer is a play on inflation and the weakening dollar, Resendes says. "As the stimulus package progresses and winds its way into reality, there will be an increased demand for metals and Freeport McMoRan is in a nice spot to satisfy that demand. He adds: "It's not an obvious play in this economy, but shareholders will be rewarded in the long term."
- [By Income Hunter]
Freeport-McMoRan is down to about 40% of its 2011 high. Just like the entire gold market, the company based out and by early September began to make bullish moves. I suspect Freeport-McMoRan will grow as much as 70% when the 50-day moving average moves above the 200-day moving average.
Jefferies downgraded Alcoa (AA) and has expressed preference for Freeport-McMoRan demonstrating some of the benefits of the QE3. Along with this, operating activities are up and there was a vast improvement in accounts receivables from Q1 to Q2.
I like Freeport-McMoRan because it is an industry leader, drawing investments most likely from QE3, and an improvement of assets will lead to a substantial growth both as a short- and long-term investment.
- [By Mel Daris]
Finally shifting stateside, we have Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), a Phoenix-based company with mines throughout North America, South America, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The stock changes hands for $37 and pays a solid 3.30% dividend. It owns 120 billion pounds of proven copper reserves, 330 million ounces of silvers, and 34 million ounces of gold. Its mining portfolio also includes some trace elements, such as molybdenum and cobalt.
- [By Sherry Jim]
Freeport McMoRan is a copper, gold and molybdenum mining company. Cramer holds 800 shares of FCX stocks. FCX has a dividend yield of 2.51% and returned -29.50% since the beginning of this year. It has a market cap of $37.77B and a P/E ratio of 6.80. Ken Fisher invested over $400 million in FCX shares.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: RGC Resources Inc.(RGCO)
RGC Resources, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of natural gas in Virginia. It is primarily involved in the regulated sale and distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial, and large industrial and transportation customers through underground mains and service lines in Roanoke, Virginia, and the surrounding localities. The company also provides non-regulated services. In addition, it offers information technology consulting services, as well as utility and regulatory consulting services to other utilities. The company operates approximately 1,045 miles of transmission and distribution pipeline; owns and operates eight metering stations; and a liquefied natural gas storage facility located in Botetourt County. RGC Resources, Inc. was founded in 1912 and is based in Roanoke, Virginia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Smith]
RGC is a natural-gas utility serving roughly 57,000 customers across Virginia through operating subsidiaries that include Roanoke Gas Co., Diversified Energy Co. and RGC Ventures of Virginia. This steady performer has been paying dividends for more than 60 years.
RGC's earnings rose 3% from one year earlier to $4.65 million, or $1.01 per share in the fiscal year ended Sept.30 . This was mainly the result of increased natural-gas deliveries to industrial customers and a recent service rate increase.
In late November, RGC raised the dividend by 3% to a $0.70 annual rate. The new dividend rate will be paid on Feb.1, 2012, to shareholders of record on Jan.16, 2012.
10 Best Dividend Stocks To Watch Right Now: CenturyLink Inc.(CTL)
CenturyLink, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated communications company. The company provides a range of communications services, including voice, Internet, data, and video services in the continental United States. Its services include local exchange and long distance voice telephone services, as well as enhanced voice services, such as call forwarding, caller identification, conference calling, voicemail, selective call ringing, and call waiting; wholesale local network access services; and data services, including high-speed Internet access services, data transmission services over special circuits and private lines, and switched digital television services, as well as special access and private line services. The company also offers fiber transport, competitive local exchange carrier, security monitoring, and other communications, as well as professional and business information services. In addition, it provides other related services, such as leasing, selling, installing, and maintaining customer premise telecommunications equipment and wiring; payphone services; and network database services, as well as participates in the publication of local telephone directories. Further, the company offers printing, direct mail services, and cable television services; and wireless broadband Internet access services and satellite television services. As of December 31, 2010, it operated approximately 6.5 million telephone access lines. CenturyLink, Inc was founded in 1968 and is based in Monroe, Louisiana.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Paul]
CenturyLink (CTL), provides a range of communications services, including local and long distance voice, wholesale network access, high-speed Internet access, other data services, and video services in the continental United States. The company is a member of the elite dividend aristocrats index, and has raised dividends for 37 consecutive years. In comparison to the previous two telecom players, CenturyLink has been able to cover its distributions from EPS, although its payout ratio is a scary 92.70%. Yield: 7.20%.
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