Just to add to the thought process... of which to pick.
I've always only gone on two factors... How I PERSONALLY feel about the company... and if most things are equal -- then the historical TOTAL RETURN. I might love one company - but when I compare the TR -- and the "other" company is higher by a good margin.. I'm buying that company. The reason for this is that a large part of TR is the GROWTH in the share price.... and that's where I must turn into a lemming by following the collective herd. "They" have pushed the share price higher... (more buyers than sellers) and I have to respect that market force.
Just using your three stocks mentioned
KO is 1 year 9% - 3 year is 32% - 5 year is 78%
PEP is 1 year 18% - 3 year is 66% - 5 year is 79%
DPS is 1 year 48% - 3 year is 83% - 5 year is 180%
Now ---- I'm going to go look to see WHY did DPS have such a huge TR --- was there a merger? Acquisition? Big change that skewed the numbers.... or was there a fundamental shift to the products they carry vs the other two? I like to be able to explain any anomaly! So I'll research to see what's up and if I can find something to explain the huge difference. If I can't -- then I might choose the DPS over the others because you can't fight history and momentum. Quadrupling your money is better than only doubling your money. 5K turns into 20K vs only 10K. Big difference.
I own KO for the record. It's a steady eddie for me.
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