MSFT

Microsoft (MSFT) shares hit a new 12 month high of $30 before coming back down to $29.89. 

Its time to think about dividend paying stocks for 2012 that also offer growth potential.  Identify the companies that have the best technology and products that will be used for the next 3 to 5 years.  That comes down to three great companies: Microsoft (MSFT), Corning (GLW) and Verizon (VZ).

Microsoft (MSFT) shares got as high as $26.37 today before backing down to the $25.80 range.  Since last Friday its shares have bounced back 4% and today its trading strong thanks to patents.

On Tuesday Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) launched its new cloud product, Office 365.

Despite today's 5% rally for Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) shares today, its stock price has fallen back to 2006 levels.  Thus the conversation for a buyout by cash rich Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) or Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) becomes plausible.

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) will show the world its new touch screen tablet next week that runs on Windows.  Can they compete with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and stay relevant.

That's the question 247WallSt.com asks today and with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares now trading with a P/E of 10.17 -- the timing couldn't be more relevant. 

NetFlix (NASDAQ:NFLX) is trading at estimates that would be warranted provided its the next Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) or Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).  Pedro de Noronha spells out eight reasons whey he's shorting NetFlix and it resonates like a voice of reason.