Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Hewlett-Packard Company (HPQ): Are The Year’s Best Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) Stocks Worth Buying?

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) has been on a tear this year. The blue-chip index has risen more than 10% in 2013, rewarding investors with spectacular gains as the economy continues to rise from the depths of the recession. However, several of the Dow’s stocks have eclipsed the index’s gains, leading the market’s rise to new highs. Should you buy the gains made by the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI)’s three best stocks in 2013, or are these highfliers ready for a tumble?

Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI)

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has roared up the charts this year, gaining more than 18% year to date. The company has managed to beat back fears over declining revenue stemming from patent expirations on top drugs, such as cholesterol-fighting Lipitor. The company kicked off its 2013 run a little early when blood-thinning therapy Eliquis won FDA approval in the final days of 2012; since then, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has won expanded FDA approval for a new indication for vaccine Prevnar 13 and Japanese regulatory approval for arthritis medication Xeljanz.

Are these victories enough to justify the stock’s gains? Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has proven so far that it won’t let the patent cliff threaten its future. Between its smart management decisions — such as spinning off former animal-health business — and its massive, promising pipeline, this company is well-positioned for the future. Growth investors received an added boost recently when the FDA labeled Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)‘s developmental breast-cancer therapy palbociclib as a breakthrough therapy, setting the drug up for a speedier approval process. With palbociclib estimated by some analysts to reach peak annual sales of $5 billion, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)‘s future sales won’t be brought low by Lipitor’s losses. This is one gainer you can trust.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is another Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) member that has exceeded 18% gains in 2013 to rank near the top of the index this year. The company made waves recently by closing LucasArts, the game development studio it recently acquired in its purchase of the Star Wars franchise for $4 billion. Don’t let this scare you away, however: The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) still controls top sports brand ESPN, leading entertainment brands such as Marvel and LucasFilm, and its revenue-generating parks, which are gearing up for the summer season. With new Star Wars films set to continue the iconic franchise and Marvel dominating the box office, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)’s a good pick for any long-term investor.
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