The Timeless Appeal of Blue-Chip Stocks for Long-Term Investors

Written By Michael Gary Scott

Blue-chip stocks have long been the stalwarts of the market, offering stability over the long haul, akin to a trusty old oak tree in a tempest. While transient high-fliers tantalize with the allure of quick gains, the deep-rooted reliability of blue chips compels many an investor to seek solace among their enduring boughs. As we embark on another year of investment, it’s worth looking at three such stalwarts: Procter & Gamble, IBM, and ExxonMobil.

Procter & Gamble (PG)

Empty grocery cart in a grocery store aisle. Consumer goods.

Indeed, Procter & Gamble, affectionately known as P&G, stands as a testament to unwavering stability in the tumultuous world of finance. With a remarkable history dating back two centuries, this corporate paragon offers a bountiful 2.50% dividend yield, akin to a steadfast beacon in darker times.

Their cherished lineup of brands, encompassing an array of essential household products, echoes down the annals of consumer folklore. From baby diapers to skincare and dishwashing products, P&G’s offerings have nestled themselves into the fabric of everyday life, standing as a steadfast testament to consumer loyalty.

While recent years may have witnessed modest fluctuations, P&G has tendered a commendable 64% return over the last half-decade, a testament to its enduring fortitude. Even in the tempest of 2022, a year that wreaked havoc across markets, P&G admirably weathered the storm, shoring up investor portfolios with a mere 7% decline, a testament to its stalwart nature.

IBM (IBM)

Photo of IBM (IBM) building as seen through the canopy of a tree. IBM logo is in large letters on side of building.

Diving deeper into the reservoir of stability, IBM emerges as another cornerstone for the discerning investor. With over a century of resilience under its belt, IBM beckons with a generous 4% dividend yield and a dignified 21 P/E ratio, embodying the very essence of steadfastness.

While its former glories have somewhat dimmed, IBM, much like a seasoned heavyweight boxer, continues to hold its ground. Recent forays into cybersecurity and cloud computing channel a whisper of reawakened growth that has contributed to a modest 11% gain over the past year and a hearty 37% surge over half a decade.

Though the tech realm may pulsate with the vibrancy of youth, IBM’s peerless stability has stood it in good stead, providing investors with a cushion against the capricious winds of fortune. In a year of market turmoil, IBM showcased its mettle with a 5% uptick, fortified further by its robust dividend. While others faltered, IBM remained resolute.

ExxonMobil (XOM)

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As we traverse the hallowed corridors of blue-chip stability, the venerable ExxonMobil beckons with a legacy that spans generations. Here is a stalwart that, much like the earth’s bedrock, has withstood the test of time, offering investors a bountiful 6% dividend yield and a dignified 12 P/E ratio.

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While the winds of change may buffet the energy sector, ExxonMobil presents itself as a steady pillar of strength, with share prices having weathered the storm, exhibiting commendable resilience in the face of adversity. With a 5% drop over the past year, far less severe than the industry’s tumult, ExxonMobil stands as a beacon of dependability.




Top Stocks for Investor Consideration

Exploring Top Stocks for Investor Consideration

IBM (IBM)

IBM

IBM offers stability and long-term growth for investors. With its extensive history and resilience through many economic cycles, it presents a high yield for those seeking reliable investment opportunities. While telecom giants feature higher dividend yields, IBM is positioned to appreciate as opposed to solely being a dividend play.

Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL)

Alphabet Inc. (GOOG, GOOGL) and Google logos displayed on smartphones

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) is the riskiest stock of the three but also has the most upside. However, the tech conglomerate doesn’t carry as much risk as most growth stocks due to its dominance in the advertising industry. Google and YouTube rank as the two most popular websites on the web, enabling significant web traffic for the company.

Alphabet has been the biggest winner on the list, delivering a return of roughly 160% over the past five years. The stock outperforms most equities and maintains healthy profit margins.

As of the third quarter, Alphabet reported an 11% year-over-year revenue growth and 41% year-over-year net income growth. The company’s Cloud revenue soared from $6.9 billion in Q3 2022 to $8.4 billion in Q3 2023, surpassing the growth rate for advertising revenue and signaling further potential growth for the company.

Alphabet is expanding its business to reduce reliance on ad revenue. Notably, Google Cloud has seen significant growth, and the company’s Pixel smartphone has gained momentum, reaching 40 million all-time sales since its launch in 2016. While Alphabet may not overtake the top players in the smartphone industry, its market share seems to be expanding.

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