Bill Maurer's  Instablog

Boston Beer (SAM): The company known for its flagship Sam Adams beers has done incredibly well of late, hitting new 52-week highs this week. I recently covered this name as a winning investment for the long term, and it is up 7% since then. The stock is also up about 20% in the past few months. There has been some nice volume piling in lately, which I think bodes well going forward.

Visa (V): The credit card company is up over 10% in the past month, and I explain in my 2012 predictions why this name could rally another 25% in the coming year. Visa recently broke the $100 mark and went over $103 in that recent rally. Given the growth ahead, this name is a definite buy if it drops back below $100.

Mcdonalds (MCD): Shares of the fast food company recently broke $100, and remains close to 52-week highs. The name has a great balance of value (in its close to 3% dividend) and growth (almost 10% EPS growth in 2012 projected). Mcdonalds remains a favorite and a market leader.

Philip Morris (PM): Shares of the tobacco company are closing in again on all-time highs, and remain the best value in the industry. The company boasts a nearly 4% dividend, and has rebounded quite nicely from its October 4th low. It's at $79 now, and its low just a few months ago was $60.45. For a name that isn't supposed to move much, that's quite a nice rally for long investors.