12 Highest-Rated Consumer Stocks Picked by S&P (Update1)

12. McDonald's (MCD)

Company profile: McDonald's, with a market value of $100 billion, is the largest fast-food restaurant company in the world, with about 33,500 restaurants in 119 countries.

Dividend Yield: 2.85%

Investor takeaway: Its shares are down 1% this year and have a three-year, average annual return of 23%. Analysts give its shares nine "buy" ratings, 10 "buy/holds," and 10 "holds," according to a survey of analysts by S&P. S&P has a $109 price target on its shares, which is an 11% premium to the current price.

11. Johnson Controls (JCI)

Company profile: Johnson Controls with a market value of $22 billion, operates three businesses: temperature controls for buildings (HVAC systems); auto electronics and seats; and power solutions, a maker of vehicle batteries.

Dividend Yield: 2.27%

Investor takeaway: Its shares are up 2% this year and have a three-year, average annual return of 29%. Analysts give its shares 11 "buy" ratings, 10 "buy/holds," and eight "holds," according to a survey of analysts by S&P. On April 2, the company announced a restructuring and layoffs "due to business reasons and continued financial challenges." S&P has a $41 price target on its shares, which is a 28% premium to the current price.

10. Tiffany (TIF)

Company profile: Tiffany, with a $9 billion market value, is an international jeweler and specialty retailer, with a wide range of branded products.

Dividend Yield: 1.7%

Investor takeaway: Its shares are up 2.4% this year and have a three-year, average annual return of 44%. Analysts give its shares nine "buy" ratings, two "buy/holds," 12 "holds," one "weak hold," and one "sell," according to a survey of analysts by S&P. S&P has an $87 price target on its shares, which is a 29% premium to the current price. Tiffany recently upped its forecast for its fiscal 2012 after reporting fiscal 2011 fourth quarter results, to earnings of $3.95 to $4.05 per share and a sales gain of 10%. That is better than analysts' current estimate of $3.93 per share on a 7% sales increase, according to a survey conducted by Thomson Reuters.

9. Viacom (VIA.B)

Company profile: with a market value of $26 billion, is a global media company with several leading cable network properties, as well as Paramount Pictures movie studio.

Dividend Yield: 2.12%

Investor takeaway: Its shares are up 4.6% this year and have a three-year, average annual return of 35%. Analysts give its shares 13 "buy" ratings, 11 "buy/holds," and 10 "holds," according to a survey of analysts by S&P. S&P has a $55 price target on its shares, which is a 17% premium to the current price.

8. Dreamworks Animation (DWA)

Company profile: Dreamworks, with a market value of $1.5 billion, makes animated films and distributes them through theatrical releases, home video sales, television licensing, television specials, merchandising, and licensing.

Dividend Yield: N/A

Investor takeaway: Its shares are up 8% this year and have a three-year, average annual decline of 7%. Analysts give its shares two "buy" ratings, one "buy/holds," five "holds," three "weak holds," and four "sells," according to a survey of analysts by S&P. The company has no debt and nearly $1.40 per share in cash. S&P has a $25 price target on its shares, which is a 35% premium to the current price.

7. Royal Caribbean (RCL)

Company profile: Royal Caribbean, with a market value of $6 billion, is the world's second-largest cruise company, operating 39 ships.

Dividend Yield: 1.43%

Investor takeaway: Its shares are up 13% this year and have a three-year, average annual return of 41%. Analysts give its shares 13 "buy" ratings, five "buy/holds," and 10 "holds," according to a survey of analysts by S&P. S&P has a $37 price target on its shares, which is a 32% premium to the current price.

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