Intel Corp. (INTC), first discussed here on March 30, 2009, at a price of $14.72, has dipped toward the $20 level, but just view that retreat as an "extended buying opportunity."

In 2011, the outlook for Intel's fundamental picture to continues to brighten. Revenue should rise 10% to 15% in 2011, after a 24% increase in 2010, as IT spending, the need to upgrade aging computers and new applications increase demand for Intel's next-generation microprocessors.

The stock of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), first discussed here on March 25, 2009, at a price of $28.78, has pulled back slightly after pushing $38, but just view that dip as a chance to scoop up shares of a superior company.

Look for Archer to post a 10% to 15% revenue increase in FY2011, as global demand for food continues to rise. Long term, the company remains well-positioned to capitalize on the development of emerging markets and population growth. Oilseed performance will be a star performer, followed by agricultural services.

"Old reliable" Coca-Cola (KO), first discussed here on February 20, 2009, at a price of $42.68, has retested the $65 level. If you haven't already, now may be a good time to consider taking some profits off the table with KO, if you're in near $43.

However, investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position in KO, but keep in mind the journey to $80 may not be completed in 2011.

"Our goal is helping investors grow their capital and income base from which to derive cash for their current and future needs," notes dividend expert Kelley Wright.

The editor of Investment Quality Trends explains, "To that end we believe that high-quality stocks purchased at historically low-price-to-high-yield offers the best potential for downside protection and upside appreciation. Our Timely Ten list represents our current top ideas.

Extraordinaire natural gas and energy storage and transmission play TransCanada Corp. (TRP), first discussed on May 11, 2009, at a price of $26.56, is testing the $40 level, and I obviously still like the shares.

And the reason is obvious enough. TransCanada's natural gas operations hold considerable promise. It's a natural gas transmission and storage company that also owns oil assets and electric power generation assets (including 19 wholly-owned power plants).

Verizon Communications (VZ), first discussed here on February 12, 2009, at a price of $29.86, continues to power higher, ascending to about $37 with a few hiccups, and I still like the shares here.

In 2011, slow growth and dividend play Verizon should post a 2% to 2.5% revenue gain, after flattish revenue in 2010, with data services being the key revenue increase driver. Meanwhile, Verizon's landline business continues to provide revenue stability.

ConAgra Foods (CAG) was trading higher at the time of this writing in reaction to an earnings report. Shares were up 1.8% to $23.35. Volume was active.

The stock has been in a very narrow range. The 52-week low is $21.02 while the 52-week high is $26.22. The one-year chart reflects the inability of the stock to break out to new levels. What should investors think about the company at this point now that some new numbers are out?

It goes without saying that, with civil unrest in the Middle East pressuring oil prices and with the Japan's nuclear power plant accident likely to weigh on both regional and global growth, the investment environment remains challenging.

And that's means it's prudent to consider a dividend play or two, and BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (BPT), first discussed here on March 26, 2010, at a price of $93.90, fits the bill.

BPT soared to about $131.50 this winter before pulling back to about $115 in the past month -- a gain that would tempt some to take profits. Still, this dividend play extraordinaire is worth retaining, for royalty reasons.

Kimberly-Clark's (KMB) shares, first discussed here on June 22, 2009, at a price of $51.06, continue to cycle in a $61 to $67 range. Hence, if you haven't already, now may be good time consider taking some profits, if you're in near $51.

However, other investors who tolerate the risk and maintain their full position in KMB, but keep in mind the stock gains from here will likely be tough to achieve in 2011. Also, if you're looking for a decent dividend, it's worth it to retain KMB, given its $2.80 annual dividend, good for a 4.4% yield at the current share price.

The Southern Co.'s (SO) shares have meandered near $38 since November, and if you haven't already, now may be a good time to consider taking some profits off the table, if you're in at the June 19, 2009, price of $30.61, and if SO's dividend is not a primary goal for you.

However, those who are seeking a decent dividend can maintain their full position in SO: a $1.82 annual dividend, good for a 4.9% yield at the current $36.60 share price, offers a modest income stream.

Longer-term, two to three years out, SO, with its 42.9 million megawatts of generating capacity, is likely to be a decent utility sector performer, and the reason is its Atlanta-area operations.

"Our latest 'Stock of the Month' has one of the finest and most dependable dividend streaks you'll ever find," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "Realty Income (O) just recently announced its 488th consecutive monthly dividend, meaning it hasn't missed a payment since 1970.

"That tells me two things. One, the shareholder-friendly management team is committed to returning excess cash to shareholders. Two, it has consistently generated the profits to back up those payments through thick and thin.

Walmart (WMT) made an announcement yesterday after the bell that presumably would have excited Wall Street. The company's quarterly dividend was raised by 21%. Very nice. So why are the shares off today?

To be fair, they were in positive territory earlier in the morning. Unfortunately, as I write this, with roughly three hours to go before the conclusion of the session, they are down 0.5% to $51.74. Perhaps they will be in the green by the end of the day. When you think about it, though, a 21% jump in a metric that is supposed to be friendly to investors should have received a lot more respect, correct?