The platforms are used in various computing applications, comprising notebooks, two-in-one systems, desktops, servers, tablets, smartphones, wireless and wired connectivity products, wearables, retail devices and manufacturing devices, as well as for retail, transportation, industrial, buildings, home use and other market segments.
Intel announced almost a year ago that it would invest significantly to build potentially the world’s largest chip-making complex in Ohio, looking to boost capacity as a global shortage of semiconductors affects everything from smartphones to automobiles. Intel says the 1,000-acre “mega-site” northeast of Columbus has room for as many as eight plants, known as “fabs.” The company estimates it would require a $100-billion investment to fully build and equip those plants.
Shareholders receive a 5.72% dividend. Needham has set a $32 price target. The $31.13 consensus target for Intel stock also compares with the $26.21 close on Thursday.
Juniper Networks
This is another familiar name that could offer among the best in total return potential. Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE: JNPR) designs, develops and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers various routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy new high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; and NorthStar controllers.
Juniper Networks also provides switching products, including EX series Ethernet switches to address the access, aggregation and core layer switching requirements of micro branch, branch office, and campus environments; QFX series of core, spine and top-ofack data center switches; and Juniper access points, which provide wireless access and performance.
In addition, the company offers security products including SRX series services gateways for the data center; Branch SRX family provides an integrated firewall and next-generation firewall; virtual firewall that delivers various features of physical firewalls; and advanced malware protection, a cloud-based service and Juniper ATP.
Juniper Networks stock investors receive a 2.68% dividend. The J.P. Morgan price target of $42 is well above the $33.88 consensus target. The shares closed on Thursday at $32.03.
These are seven top companies to consider for investors looking to take advantage of a dreadful year for the technology sector. Each sector leader has solid upside to posted analyst targets, is Buy rated and pays a very dependable dividend. Given that the market has not embraced much of a Santa Claus rally this year, it may make sense to buy partial positions now and see what the new year brings.
Originally published at 24/7 Wall St.
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