Investing

UBS Live Key Call List Features the Top Nine Stocks to Buy Now

At the beginning of the year, we presented the lists from most major Wall Street firms of their top stocks to buy for the year. After one of the biggest and longest market rallies since the 1990s, we wanted to review some of the bulge bracket firms top lists as we head toward the second half of the year. With the markets fearing the end of the Treasury bond-buying program known as quantitative easing or QE, now may be the perfect time to review the top stocks to buy from the top firms.

The top list of stocks to buy at UBS is called the Live Key Call Portfolio. It consists of nine stocks that make up the absolute highest conviction names the research department has to offer. These are the names presented not only to their retail customers, but also to their largest institutional clients.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) is the top name from the oil and gas industry to buy. This leading independent exploration and production company has moved to the top of many institutional managers’ holdings. UBS has a $105 price target. The Thomson/First Call estimate is at $105 as well. The stock pays a small 0.40% dividend.

Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) is the technology behemoth on the UBS list. Dominating almost every aspect of the Internet and technology from search, to the cloud to the Android phone operating system, Google is a core long-term holding. UBS has a $945 price target, but the consensus target is lower at $925.

KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) is one of the nation’s top regional banks. The company recently gave investors a 10% dividend increase. In addition, the bank intends to enact a share repurchasing program of up to $426 million. UBS has an $11 target, while the consensus is lower at $10. Shareholders receive a 1.90% dividend.

Lowe’s Companies Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a solid consumer retail play for investors. The second-largest U.S. home-improvement retailer reported first-quarter profit that trailed analysts’ estimates while maintaining its forecast for earnings this year. The strengthening housing market is helping sales recover from a cold spring that sapped demand for outdoor merchandise. UBS has a $48 price target. The consensus is lower at $43. Investors receive a 1.50% dividend.

Monster Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: MNST) is a leader in the hot-selling and controversial energy drink business. With looming regulatory concerns, the stock has been under pressure lately. The UBS target price is $66. The consensus estimate is $62.

Ross Stores Inc. (NASDAQ: ROST) has been a top discount retail name to buy this year. The company reported solid 7% April same-store sales gains. UBS has a $75 target for the stock, while the consensus price target is at $69. Shareholders are paid a 1% dividend.

Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) is a top media and entertainment stock to buy. With multiple divisions in networks, film and TV entertainment, and publishing, the company continues to drive higher earnings. UBS has a $66 target, but the consensus is higher at $67. Investors are paid a 1.90% dividend.

Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) is one of the lesser known names on the Key Call list to buy. The company provides group and individual disability insurance products primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. The UBS price objective is $31. The consensus is at $30.50. Shareholders receive a 1.80% dividend.

Warner Chilcott PLC (NASDAQ: WCRX) was acquired this week by Actavis Inc. (NYSE: ACT) in an all -stock deal that values Warner Chilcott at $20.08 per share. Barring a rival suitor showing up, the stock may be fully valued at these levels. The UBS target is $23, while the consensus is $20.50. The stock pays a 2.60% dividend.

We have suggested to readers for some time to be careful for a break in the long running market rally. When buying stocks at lofty levels, we suggested scaling money in or buying half positions. Slowly acquiring some of the top UBS Key Call stocks to buy may prove a winning hand by the end of this year.

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