LONDON -- The FTSE 100 (INDEX: ^FTSE) was getting pretty close to its 52-week high of 5,989 points just a couple of weeks ago, but mixed news has sent it down again. At the moment, it's standing at 5,843 points, up 48 on the day, so it could be making another push for new high ground.

But even if the FTSE is keeping away from the limelight, there are plenty of companies in the individual indexes that are not so bashful. Here are three reaching new heights...

Taylor Wimpey
Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey (LSE: TW.L) hit a new high of 61 pence today, as the recovery in the sector builds up more steam. Other companies in the same sector, like Persimmon, which is featured in the Motley Fool Beginners' Portfolio, are doing similarly well.

Taylor Wimpey might look highly valued now, on a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16, but we're really nowhere near pre-crash earnings and dividend levels again yet, and 2013 forecasts bring the P/E down to 12.

Paypoint
Shares in Paypoint (LSE: PAY.L) have had a great year, gaining nearly 60% over the past 12 months, and hit a new 52-week high of 800 pence today. The company -- which operates retail payment networks in the U.K., Ireland and Romania -- issued an upbeat trading statement in July, and is due to report interim figures on Nov. 29.

If the full year meets current forecasts, we should be looking forward to a dividend yield of 3.8% on top of all that nice share price appreciation.

Shares with growing dividends can be very profitable, and ace dividend investor Neil Woodford knows a thing or two about finding the best ones. The free Motley Fool report "8 Shares Held by Britain's Super Investor" takes a look. Click here to get a copy delivered to your inbox.

Halfords
Halfords (LSE: HFD.L) is continuing its recovery, with the share price having nearly doubled since July to hit a new 12-month high of 358.7 pence today. The retailer of auto parts and cycles, and operator of Halfords Autocentres, suffered during the economic slump, and profits fell this year.

And though earnings per share is expected to fall again in the year to March 2013, latest forecasts suggest a full-year dividend of around 3%, and earnings should start to recover in 2014.

Do you believe it's possible to make a million from shares, and would any of today's three help you get there? This Motley Fool report takes a look at how make the big money. Click here to get your free copy now.

Further Motley Fool investment opportunities: