ITOCHU Stock (OTC:ITOCF), Trade Ideas

ITOCHU Corp is a group of businesses that engage in importing, exporting, and trading various products. The traded goods include textiles, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, and information and communications technology. The largest segments by net profit to the group are Food and Energy and Chemicals. Food segment pursues efficiency-oriented operations from production and distribution to retail in all areas of food from raw materials to finished products both in Japan and overseas. The energy and chemicals segment trades crude oil and oil derivatives and chemicals.

ITOCHU Corp

Itochu Corporation: A Long-Term Compounder Similar To Berkshire Hathaway

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<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>When building a retirement portfolio, we all want investments that can stand the test of time. The ideal stocks to hold the long-haul deliver stable returns while providing regular income via dividends. As our portfolios grow over the decades, these dividends can compound into an exponential source of passive income. Of course, we also need stocks sturdy enough to weather any storms the market may bring.</p>



<p>In my experience, the keys to identifying retirement portfolio anchors are finding companies with essential products and services, loyal customer bases, and strong balance sheets. Businesses like these are poised to keep generating profits across the ups and downs of economic cycles. As a bonus, look for stocks with a history of raising their dividend payments year after year. Here are seven such stocks I think fit most investors&rsquo; retirement portfolios right now.</p>



<h2>PepsiCo (PEP)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pep1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Cans of PepsiCo's Pepsi soda are in a bucket of ice."><div>Source: suriyachan / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


<p>As you build your retirement portfolio, <strong>PepsiCo</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/pep-stock-quote/"><strong>PEP</strong></a>) should be one of the first stocks you look to as an essential anchor. This beverage and snacks giant has been a stalwart holding for many long-term investors, delivering stable returns plus a growing dividend stream. Even in turbulent market environments, PepsiCo continues marching higher over the long-run.</p>



<p>When you think of PepsiCo, of course, the first products that come to mind are Pepsi sodas and other iconic beverage brands like Gatorade and Aquafina. However, many investors fail to realize that the company owns an even more expansive snacks and packaged foods business. Walk down any grocery store aisle, and you&rsquo;ll notice how many bagged chips, dips, crackers, and other tasty treats are manufactured by PepsiCo. It&rsquo;s a dominant force in the consumer staples industry.</p>



<p>Despite its massive size and maturity, PepsiCo shows no signs of slowing down in terms of its growth. In the company&rsquo;s latest <a href="https://www.google.com/finance/quote/PEP:NASDAQ" target="_blank">quarterly report</a>, revenue grew nearly 7% year-over-year while profits surged 14%. Management continues to impress by expanding through new product innovation and strategically entering developing global markets.</p>



<p>Another detail you&rsquo;ll love about PepsiCo is its best-in-class <a href="https://www.gurufocus.com/stock/PEP/summary" target="_blank">87% gross margin</a>, demonstrating unmatched pricing power and efficiency advantages versus its peers. PepsiCo is also a Dividend King, with 52 consecutive years of payout hikes under its belt. The company&rsquo;s current yield sits at a tasty 3%, providing investors with a reliable passive income stream.</p>



<p>Considering slower economic growth forecasts for 2024, many stocks could face headwinds. But PepsiCo boasts an extremely resilient business model that performs even better during downturns as consumers flock to snack and beverage indulgences. Thus, PEP stock appears poised to continue delivering market-beating returns for your portfolio, making it a cornerstone holding for those looking forward to retirement.</p>



<h2>Caterpillar (CAT)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CAT1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Caterpillar (CAT) excavator vehicle backlit by sunset"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>


<p>You should also look to <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/industrial/">industrial stocks</a> like <strong>Caterpillar</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cat-stock-quote/"><strong>CAT</strong></a>) to hold as a core long-term portfolio anchor. Caterpillar supplies heavy construction machinery essential to infrastructure projects all over the globe. As governments and corporations ramp up spending to modernize aging structures and systems, demand for Caterpillar&rsquo;s iconic yellow bulldozers, excavators, and loaders surges higher.</p>



<p>In recent years, the passage of numerous infrastructure bills has laid the foundation for sustained growth in companies like Caterpillar. While these multi-trillion dollar packages took some time to negotiate, funds are now steadily being dispersed and put to work fixing roads, bridges, ports, and more here in the U.S. Many contractors utilize Caterpillar equipment, so these ambitious public works plans translate to big business for the industry giant. Upgrades to things like the power grid and water pipelines also can&rsquo;t be done without Caterpillar&rsquo;s machinery by construction crews&rsquo; sides.</p>



<p>Sure enough, the company&rsquo;s latest financial results showed stellar momentum, with <a href="https://www.google.com/finance/quote/CAT:NYSE" target="_blank">sales up 12% year-over-year</a> and earnings per share jumping 37%. Both metrics came in well above expectations. Caterpillar boasts leading profitability metrics for its sector, with net margins of more than 16.6%, compared to just <a href="https://www.gurufocus.com/stock/CAT/summary" target="_blank">4.8% for its average peer</a>. There&rsquo;s good reason to be confident this stock still has room to run higher as infrastructure activity continues ramping up over the next decade. Notably, Caterpillar has also hiked its dividend for 29 straight years, recently yielding 1.7% with a moderate payout ratio.</p>



<p>For investors seeking industrial sector exposure plus income generation, CAT stock checks all the boxes as a long-term portfolio anchor. You&rsquo;d do well to buy shares on any pullbacks, benefitting from the upcoming waves of infrastructure modernization both domestically and worldwide.</p>



<h2>FTAI Aviation (FTAI)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/growth-stock-red-paper-airplane-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of white paper airplanes on horizontal trajectory with one red paper airplane rising upward, symbolizing growth stocks"><div>Source: shutterstock.com/Pasuwan</div></div>


<p><strong>FTAI Aviation</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ftai-stock-quote/"><strong>FTAI</strong></a>) operates an essential yet behind-the-scenes business leasing commercial aircraft engines and components. It&rsquo;s the quintessential &ldquo;picks and shovels&rdquo; play that still offers explosive growth potential in the years ahead. While buying <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/consumer-discretionary/travel/airline/">airline stocks</a> involves notable risks, FTAI provides diversified exposure to global air travel activity without the volatility seen in individual carriers.</p>



<p>Specializing mainly in leasing the ubiquitous CFM56 engine, FTAI owns the world&rsquo;s largest independent pool of these engines deployed in passenger and cargo jets across 30 international airlines. Through purchasing engines and components when prices are depressed and then leasing them out at higher rates, FTAI enjoys strong profitability and cash flows. The company uses stable earnings to secure cheap financing for its long-term expansion at rates unattainable by regular airlines.</p>



<p>Over the last two years, FTAI has managed to quadruple revenue. Consequently, the stock price has soared over 260% since Sept. 2022. However, don&rsquo;t let the big run fool you &ndash; there&rsquo;s still plenty of upside ahead. Based on 2025 earnings projections, shares trade at only <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/FTAI/earnings/estimates" target="_blank">17-times forward earnings</a> once explosive bottom-line growth is accounted for. Capital continues pouring into new investments as management deploys cash into more engine assets.</p>



<p>With global travel demand forecasted to expand further beyond, FTAI Aviation finds itself in an airline industry &ldquo;sweet spot&rdquo; for lessors like itself. The company still only commands a small single-digit percentage of total engine value in the market. Plus, shareholders enjoy an escalating dividend currently yielding 2.2% annually. For these reasons, FTAI deserves a strong buy rating and warrants accumulation on any dips. This engine lessor gives your portfolio valuable aviation industry exposure without keeping you up at night worrying about bankruptcies.</p>



<h2>McDonald&rsquo;s (MCD)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mcd1600-300x169.jpg" alt="A McDonald's (MCD) burger box and fries rest on a flat surface."><div>Source: 8th.creator / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


<p>When building a retirement portfolio to weather any storm, <strong>McDonald&rsquo;s</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mcd-stock-quote/"><strong>MCD</strong></a>) is a must-buy anchor to stabilize your holdings. This fast food leader has proven repeatedly that its business not only survives downturns but actually thrives as consumers flock to affordable indulgences. Throughout recessions, McDonald&rsquo;s has shown the ability to continue growing both sales and profits.</p>



<p>Even during 2020&rsquo;s unprecedented pandemic, which decimated the restaurant industry, McDonald&rsquo;s surpassed its pre-COVID share price by September 2020 thanks to drive-thrus, deliveries, and digital investments. Today, with high inflation and interest rates squeezing lower-income households worldwide, McDonald&rsquo;s sustains strong momentum, growing <a href="https://www.google.com/finance/quote/MCD:NYSE" target="_blank">Q3 2023 revenue</a> by 14% year-over-year, and earnings by an even more impressive 19%.</p>



<p>Beyond its impressive resilience, McDonald&rsquo;s has aggressively repurchased shares, with <a href="https://ycharts.com/companies/MCD/stock_buyback" target="_blank">over $1 billion</a> spent last quarter alone. Its dividend has grown for 48 straight years, currently yielding 2.3% with room to increase further.</p>



<p>McDonald&rsquo;s offers the essential brand power and financial strength to emerge stronger from any crisis for a retirement portfolio built to deliver through thick and thin. Indeed, MCD stock provides you with an oasis of stability (plus growth) in turbulent times.</p>



<h2>Itochu (ITOCF)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/itocf-1600-300x169.png" alt="Itochu Corporation office building in Japan. ITOCF stock."><div>Source: Takashi Images / Shutterstock</div></div>


<p><strong>Itochu</strong> (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/itocf-stock-quote/"><strong>ITOCF</strong></a>) is a great stock to help diversify your core retirement holdings with global reach. This Japanese trading conglomerate deals in various products, from clothes to machines, metals, food, chemicals, and energy. Ranked among the largest and oldest companies worldwide, Itochu leverages its scale and connections to drive steady profits across sectors.</p>



<p>Its wide array of business lines provide resilience across economic cycles, while ventures in essential categories like food and energy ensure stable demand. Itochu has delivered reliable growth for long-term shareholders through sound strategy execution. While revenue and earnings growth appears to be modest at first glance, consistency is key for a lifetime investment.</p>



<p>Given its strong cash flows, Itochu rewards loyal investors with a secure 2.65% dividend yield. The stock isn&rsquo;t exactly cheap today, but reasonable valuations for such a diversified business capable of navigating just about any environment the future holds. I&rsquo;m confident Itochu&rsquo;s diversity and dividends will help anchor overall portfolio returns over the decades to come.</p>



<h2>Airbus (EADSY)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/futuristic-engine-rendering-aerospace-300x169.png" alt="An image of a futuristic aerospace engine rendering"><div>Source: solarseven / Shutterstock</div></div>


<p>Many overlook aerospace stocks as retirement portfolio pillars, given industry volatility. However, I believe <strong>Airbus</strong> (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/eadsy-stock-quote/"><strong>EADSY</strong></a>) deserves consideration as a potential portfolio anchor. Commercial air travel demand shows no signs of disappearing. And with arch-rival <strong>Boeing </strong>(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/cryptocurrency/ba/"><strong>BA</strong></a>) faltering recently amidst crashes and technical failures, Airbus looks primed to capture more global market share.</p>



<p>The company <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4665787-airbus-books-over-2000-orders-cancels-10-billion-iran-airplane-order" target="_blank">booked over $163 billion</a> in new airplane orders last year, implying a packed production schedule for years ahead. Helped by Boeing ceding ground, analysts <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/EADSY/earnings/estimates" target="_blank">forecast</a> Airbus will grow revenue by 12% in 2023 and sustain double-digit revenue growth through 2026. Earnings per share could more than double between 2023 and 2025 as operating leverage kicks in. Based on 2025 profit estimates, EADSY stock trades at a forward price-earnings ratio of around just 5-times. That&rsquo;s an absolute steal for a high-flying firm dominating a critical global duopoly.</p>



<p>While airline manufacturers tend to be cyclical, Airbus appears positioned in the driver&rsquo;s seat to capitalize on growing long-term air travel while taking share from a stumbling giant.</p>



<h2>Aaon (AAON)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/industrials1600b-300x169.jpg" alt="Person working on metal in the dark, with sparks flying. industrial stocks"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>


<p>Sticking with essential-for-life products, <strong>Aaon</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/aaon-stock-quote/"><strong>AAON</strong></a>) manufactures specialized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment for large facilities. With summers becoming hotter by the year, demand rises for high-grade cooling systems. AAON customizes premium HVAC products capable of large-scale climate control with energy efficiency advantages.</p>



<p>Business is booming, with <a href="https://www.google.com/finance/quote/AAON:NASDAQ" target="_blank">Q3 sales up almost 29%</a> year-over-year and profit growth topping 75% last quarter. Bolstered product margins led to an impressive earnings beat this past quarter as well. Thanks to a pristine balance sheet carrying little debt and substantial profitability, AAON is structurally set up to provide sustainable long-term growth.</p>



<p>Though only currently yielding 0.45%, this is a company with a dividend that&rsquo;s still notable. Savvy investors can ride surging HVAC demand over decades as climate change necessitates advanced systems like these.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Omor Ibne Ehsan did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/?utm_source=Nasdaq&amp;utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div><p>Omor Ibne Ehsan is a writer at InvestorPlace. He is a self-taught investor with a focus on growth and cyclical stocks that have strong fundamentals, value, and long-term potential. He also has an interest in high-risk, high-reward investments such as cryptocurrencies and penny stocks. You can follow him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/omor-ibne-ehsan-56068022b/">LinkedIn</a>.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/7-retirement-stocks-to-anchor-your-portfolio-for-life/">7 Retirement Stocks to Anchor Your Portfolio for Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

7 Retirement Stocks to Anchor Your Portfolio for Life

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<p>Certain stocks are primed to continue growing exponentially through 2030 and beyond. Many well-established, blue-chip companies have a consistent history of executing on their plans and delivering on promises year after year. The market rewards these reliable stocks accordingly, with premium valuations that have been climbing in an exponential trajectory. These types of stocks to buy for growth should form the core of your portfolio if you want to outperform the broader market over the long term.</p>



<p>We are clearly in a bullish period of the market cycle right now, so some of these stellar stocks may seem expensive and due for a breather in valuation in the near term. But if you hold onto quality businesses for the long haul, they are unlikely to ever deliver a loss. These stocks represent very safe, long-term bets that will deliver consistent returns over a multi-year period, regardless of when you initially buy them.</p>



<p>With this perspective in mind, let&rsquo;s take a look at the following stocks to buy for growth all the way through 2030:</p>



<h2>Microsoft (MSFT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/msft1600-1-300x169.png" alt="Microsoft logo close up. Microsoft (MSFT) Flagship Store Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC."><div>Source: The Art of Pics / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Microsoft</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msft-stock-quote/"><strong>MSFT</strong></a></span>) has taken the throne away from <strong>Apple</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/aapl-stock-quote/"><strong>AAPL</strong></a></span>) as the world&rsquo;s biggest company, and rightfully so. While Apple hasn&rsquo;t dipped its toes into the AI mania and has instead stuck with the iPhone and showcased a very expensive VR hardware product called Vision Pro, Microsoft has been firing on all cylinders. Microsoft has been focusing more and more on software and cloud, and the company has even been testing its own AI GPU chips so it will no longer have to pay crazy margins on Nvidia&rsquo;s high-in-demand AI GPUs. All of this sets the stage for further growth in the years to come as AI gets smarter and gets more use cases.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, Microsoft is poised to continue growing exponentially through 2030 and beyond. With AI and machine learning becoming more prevalent across industries, Microsoft&rsquo;s investments position it to be a leader in providing software and cloud services to power next-generation AI applications.</p>



<p>Plus, Microsoft has a hold on the world&rsquo;s most-used operating system, and the white-collar world cannot survive without its productivity software like Microsoft 365. The biggest driver of growth so far has been Microsoft Azure, and it is second only to <strong>Amazon&rsquo;s</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/amzn-stock-quote/"><strong>AMZN</strong></a></span>) AWS. Microsoft also has significant investments in quantum computing. So I think there is significant upside potential as Microsoft goes all in on AI and data. You are paying 35 times forward earnings for a very safe blue-chip tech stock with <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MSFT/earnings/estimates" target="_blank">double-digit growth</a> on both its top and bottom lines. I don&rsquo;t think that elevated valuation is too bad right now given Microsoft&rsquo;s immense growth prospects.</p>



<h2>Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A, BRK-B)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/berkshire_hathaway_brka_brkb_brk1600-300x169.jpg" alt="A Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) sign sits out front of an office in Lafayette, Indiana."><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Berkshire Hathaway</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/brk-a-stock-quote/"><strong>BRK-A</strong></a></span>, NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/brk-b-stock-quote/"><strong>BRK-B</strong></a></span>) is a company every investor should own a slice of, no matter the market environment. Warren Buffett has outsmarted the market every cycle, and his portfolio has delivered very similar gains to the <strong>Nasdaq</strong> and has even outperformed it sometimes. Sure, he does own an outsized stake in the laggard Apple and the banking sector, but his foresight is something you can use as a retail investor. Copying his trades isn&rsquo;t a bad idea in the long run. I believe that his investments are primed to grow exponentially through this decade.</p>



<p>Even after Buffett is no longer at the helm, Berkshire is well-positioned for continued success. His discipline of only investing in companies with durable competitive advantages and proven, shareholder-friendly management has created a portfolio of high-quality businesses. Berkshire also has a rock-solid balance sheet, with over $167 billion in cash to deploy into new opportunities. While impossible to replicate, Buffett&rsquo;s principles provide a long-term investing blueprint.</p>



<p>And, of course, even if Warren Buffett is no longer with us in 2030, he has left behind a very good team of investors that can continue his legacy. BRK stock is up 27% in the past year. It may take a breather if the market cools down, but this is a very surefire long-term bet among stocks to buy for growth.</p>



<h2>Eaton (ETN)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/etn-stock-1-300x169.jpg" alt="An Eaton (ETN) sign on a company building."><div>Source: Lukassek / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Eaton</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/etn-stock-quote/"><strong>ETN</strong></a></span>) is a stock that has been going parabolic over the past few months. It is up 65% this year, and I believe it has room to go up even higher. In fact, Eaton is outperforming even some AI and tech companies. Not many people would have expected Eaton to deliver such gains just a few years ago, but it is important to note that the <a href="https://smartasset.com/financial-advisor/biden-infrastructure-plan" target="_blank">infrastructure bills worth $3 trillion</a> in total have been boosting many companies like Eaton, and they could surge even higher.</p>



<p>The infrastructure spending focused on modernizing America&rsquo;s aging electrical grid, expanding renewable energy capabilities, and building EV charging networks. Eaton produces critical electrical components needed to support these initiatives. Its power management technologies will be in high demand throughout this decade as infrastructure upgrades continue. Eaton also serves key secular growth markets like data centers.</p>



<p>The infrastructure tailwinds are already apparent in Eaton&rsquo;s recent results. It beat Wall Street estimates in Q4, with revenue growing double digits at 11% and net income reaching $9.5 billion, up 31% year-over-year. It also pays a 1.27% dividend to sweeten the deal. Analysts now <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ETN/earnings/estimates" target="_blank">expect solid double-digit EPS growth</a> and accelerating revenue growth through 2030 as infrastructure investment catalyzes demand for Eaton&rsquo;s offerings.</p>



<h2>Lennar (LEN)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/len1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Lennar (LEN) website homepage. Lennar logo visible on the phone screen"><div>Source: madamF via Shutterstock</div></div><p><strong>Lennar</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/len-stock-quote/"><strong>LEN</strong></a></span>) is a homebuilding company that many piled into a few months ago, before the homebuilder boom was overshadowed by the AI rally. LEN stock is up 65% in the past year. I believe these gains are likely to take a short-term breather, but I am heavily bullish on finding stocks to buy for growth in the home-building sector.</p>



<p>Housing demand remains extremely robust, evidenced by Lennar&rsquo;s <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lennar-len-q4-earnings-revenues-135600618.html" target="_blank">32% order growth</a> last quarter. Lennar is strategically positioned in high-growth regions like Florida and Texas. Millennials are forming households and driving demand for starter homes. Remote work flexibility has also unlocked new demand as people relocate. Supply chain issues may cause short-term headwinds, but the housing shortage will persist over the long run. </p>



<p>Homes are very much in demand, and building houses is a very profitable business. Lennar is based in Florida, one of the fastest-growing U.S. states. It has become an attractive place to relocate and settle to, and that growth is expected to continue this decade as more and more people move from California and the Rust Belt into the South. Plus, the previously-mentioned infrastructure tailwinds along with the naturally high demand for housing worldwide should keep the party going for Lennar. I definitely don&rsquo;t expect it to continue the current trajectory, of course. However, I think that it can deliver market-beating gains this decade. Revenues of homebuilding in the segment totaled $10.5 billion in Q4 2023, up 7.9% from the prior year quarter. Under the Homebuilding umbrella, home sales contributed $10.4 billion to total revenues, up 8.2% from a year ago.</p>



<h2>Mastercard (MA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mastercard-ma-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Close up of a pile of mastercard credit load debit bank cards. stocks to buy for growth"><div>Source: David Cardinez / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Mastercard</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ma-stock-quote/"><strong>MA</strong></a></span>) is in a duopoly business with <strong>Visa</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/cryptocurrency/v/"><strong>V</strong></a>), and I think both are strong buys. Both companies have delivered stable and consistent gains. Their margins are some of the highest, and I believe there is nothing that truly threatens the moats here. If the economy grows and transaction values grow, so will these companies.</p>



<p>The shift to electronic payments is a secular trend that has decades of runway left. Mastercard processed over <a href="https://ycharts.com/indicators/mastercard_inc_a_ma_total_transaction_volume#:~:text=Basic%20Info,10.39%25%20from%20one%20year%20ago." target="_blank">$9 trillion in payment volume</a> last year. Cash still dominates in developing markets, so there is ample room for further penetration.</p>



<p>These companies have also benefited from higher interest rates and more borrowing among lower-income folks in recent years. Even if rates go down, higher volume will keep the cash flowing into these businesses. Both the top and bottom lines here are growing at double-digit figures annually. I expect that pace to continue over the long run given the vast untapped potential in electronic payments.</p>



<h2>Itochu (ITOCF)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/itocf-1600-300x169.png" alt="Itochu Corporation office building in Japan. ITOCF stock. stocks to buy for growth"><div>Source: Takashi Images / Shutterstock</div></div><p><strong>Itochu</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/itocf-stock-quote/"><strong>ITOCF</strong></a></span>) is a diversified Japanese company. This company has a stake in almost every sector you can think of. Its main business is trading domestically and internationally through imports and exports and investing in businesses around the world. The company has delivered very consistent growth over the past few years. The stock is up 38% over the past year, and it will naturally move up along with the economy due to its diversified stake in many blue-chip businesses and industries. I would say Itochu is the Japanese equivalent of Berkshire Hathaway.</p>



<p>Itochu provides exposure to structural growth trends like electric vehicles through its stake in <strong>Isuzu</strong>. It also owns <strong>FamilyMart</strong>. The diversified conglomerate model provides stability across market cycles, while also allowing Itochu to capitalize on emerging opportunities. For instance, it is <a href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/634bc0e9d8aa-itochu-plans-to-acquire-scandal-hit-used-car-dealer-bigmotor-source.html" target="_blank">in talks to acquire </a><strong><a href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/02/634bc0e9d8aa-itochu-plans-to-acquire-scandal-hit-used-car-dealer-bigmotor-source.html" target="_blank">Bigmotor</a> </strong>and expand its automotive investments.</p>



<p>Buy the stock and come back ten years later, and you will find your money has compounded with the market in safe hands. This is an ideal option among stocks to buy for growth.</p>



<h2>Jacobs Solutions (J)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/engineering_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="A photo of three people sitting around one end of a table, looking at a laptop screen. stocks to buy for growth"><div>Source: Gorodenkoff/ShutterStock.com</div></div><p><strong>Jacobs Solutions</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/j-stock-quote/"><strong>J</strong></a></span>) is an engineering firm seeing a surge in business amid infrastructure companies. The previously-mentioned $3 trillion infrastructure bill has energized infrastructure firms including Jacobs. With the stock up 15% year-to-date already, further upside remains as its turnaround continues gaining momentum.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.google.com/finance/quote/J:NYSE" target="_blank">Top-line growth is approaching double-digits</a>, while Q4 net margins expanded 15.7% year-over-year. Jacobs clobbered Wall Street&rsquo;s Q4 EPS estimates by 30% and revenue projections by 4%.</p>



<p>You&rsquo;re paying a reasonable 18x forward earnings and 1x sales for Jacobs&rsquo; prospects of steady double-digit earnings and revenue growth annually over the next decade. The spin-off of its lower-margin government services segment is also underway, soon creating a more streamlined, profitable pure-play engineering firm.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Omor Ibne Ehsan did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div><p>Omor Ibne Ehsan is a writer at InvestorPlace. He is a self-taught investor with a focus on growth and cyclical stocks that have strong fundamentals, value, and long-term potential. He also has an interest in high-risk, high-reward investments such as cryptocurrencies and penny stocks. You can follow him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/omor-ibne-ehsan-56068022b/">LinkedIn</a>.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/7-stocks-to-buy-for-exponential-growth-through-2030/">7 Stocks to Buy for Exponential Growth Through 2030</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

7 Stocks to Buy for Exponential Growth Through 2030

Itochu: Growth Plan Deserves An Upgrade

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>When Warren Buffett buys a stock he tends to move decisively. It doesn&rsquo;t mean all of the companies will be massive purchases like <strong>Apple</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/aapl-stock-quote/"><strong>AAPL</strong></a></span>) turned into, hogging up 45% of <strong>Berkshire Hathaway</strong>&lsquo;s (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/brk-a-stock-quote/"><strong>BRK-A</strong></a></span>)(NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/brk-b-stock-quote/"><strong>BRK-B</strong></a></span>) portfolio. Instead, he will take meaningful positions, whether it&rsquo;s dollars spent or as a sizeable percentage of the company&rsquo;s.</p>



<p>Buffett doesn&rsquo;t hesitate to spend billions of dollars on a company he favors, though. While you likely can&rsquo;t do that in your own portfolio, following his lead on his purchases still makes sense.</p>



<p>In the six decades Buffett has helmed Berkshire Hathaway, he has generated returns of 4.38 million percent for investors compared to 32,000% for the <strong>S&amp;P 500</strong>. Those are investments worth emulating! So if you want to ride his coattails, these are the three best Warren Buffett stocks to buy in April</p>



<h2>Occidental Petroleum (OXY)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/oxy1600-2-300x169.png" alt="Occidental Petroleum (OXY) Company logo seen displayed on smart phone"><div>Source: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Buffett only bought three stocks in the fourth quarter. One of them was oil company <strong>Occidental Petroleum</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/oxy-stock-quote/"><strong>OXY</strong></a></span>). In his <a href="https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/2023ltr.pdf">annual letter to shareholders</a>, the Oracle of Omaha extolled the praises of CEO Vicki Hollub. He wrote that under her capable leadership, &ldquo;Occidental is doing the right things for both its country and its owners.&rdquo;</p>



<p>Now investors actually have a choice of oil companies to buy as one of the other three stocks he bought was <strong>Chevron</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cvx-stock-quote/"><strong>CVX</strong></a></span>). I own the integrated oil and gas giant in my own portfolio but I find Occidental a compelling purchase at these prices. The Permian basin specialist trades at a discount to its larger peer on both a price-to-earnings and price-to-free cash (<span>FCF</span>) basis. That means <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/dividend-delights-3-stocks-offering-investors-a-double-digit-raise-in-2024/">investors are getting a bargain</a> on the profits Occidental makes as well as on the excess cash it generates.</p>



<p>It&rsquo;s also notable that at the end of 2023, Berkshire Hathaway owned 27.8% of the oil stock. It has SEC permission to buy as much as half of Occidental. And while increasing his stake is possible, Buffett was clear he had no intention of buying the whole thing.</p>



<p>&ldquo;Though we very much like our ownership, as well as the option [to materially increase its stake], Berkshire has no interest in purchasing or managing Occidental,&rdquo; he wrote.</p>



<h2>American Express (AXP)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/american_express_axp1600-300x169.jpg" alt="the American Express logo etched into wood"><div>Source: First Class Photography / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Although <strong>American Express</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/axp-stock-quote/"><strong>AXP</strong></a></span>) wasn&rsquo;t one of the stocks Buffett bought last quarter, the credit card giant still holds a considerable portion of his heart. Enough to call out the stock in the shareholder letter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>He pointed out that as good as the company is, in the past it has gone off the rails. It tried to enter verticals not related to its wheelhouse and failed spectacularly. It was also mismanaged. Buffett underscored, though, that is &ldquo;definitely&rdquo; not the case now.</p>



<p>Yet owning a stock even if you don&rsquo;t buy more shares is a declaration of support for the business. And the company rewarded him (and other investors) for his devotion by increasing its earnings and dividends. AmEx is likely to increase its payout this year by 16%.</p>



<p>For the past decade, the credit card leader has <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/7-no-frills-dividend-stocks-for-your-must-own-list/">raised the dividend</a> by a compounded annual growth rate (<span>CAGR</span>) of over 11%. Equally important, FCF has grown at an 8.5% CAGR. With an FCF payout ratio of just 10%, there is plenty of room for additional dividends and growth along the lines of what Buffett is expecting for the coming year.</p>



<h2>Japanese Banks</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Japan1600b-300x169.jpg" alt="an aerial view of Tokyo, Japan"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>Here you&rsquo;re getting a five-for-one deal. Buffett owns five Japanese banking giants, each of which was worthy of being mentioned in the annual letter. They are are <strong>Itochu</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/itocf-stock-quote/"><strong>ITOCF</strong></a></span>) (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/itocy-stock-quote/"><strong>ITOCY</strong></a></span>), <strong>Marubeni</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/maruf-stock-quote/"><strong>MARUF</strong></a></span>),&nbsp; <strong>Mitsubishi</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msbhf-stock-quote/"><strong>MSBHF</strong></a></span>), <strong>Mitsui</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mitsf-stock-quote/"><strong>MITSF</strong></a></span>), and <strong>Sumitomo</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ssumf-stock-quote/"><strong>SSUMF</strong></a></span>) (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ssumy-stock-quote/"><strong>SSUMY</strong></a></span>).</p>



<p>These are also investments Buffett is all too willing to be a passive, long-term owner of. While he increased his stake in them last year after visiting with the management of each, Buffett said he promised them he would not increase his ownership interest beyond 9.9% of outstanding shares. Berkshire Hathaway now controls about 9% of the shares of each, so don&rsquo;t expect to see him buying much more.</p>



<p>That doesn&rsquo;t mean you shouldn&rsquo;t buy them. Buffett highlighted how management not only was not as aggressive as their United States counterparts in lining their own pockets but they were all far more shareholder-friendly than U.S. bank managers.</p>



<p>Only about 5% of the banks&rsquo; earnings are allocated to dividends. They prefer to allocate more towards building their businesses and repurchasing shares. That&rsquo;s value creation Buffett admires and you should, too.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Rich Duprey held a LONG position in CVX stock. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.</em></p>
<div><p>Rich Duprey has written about stocks and investing for the past 20 years. His articles have appeared on Nasdaq.com, The Motley Fool, and Yahoo! Finance, and he has been referenced by U.S. and international publications, including MarketWatch, Financial Times, Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cheddar News, The Boston Globe, L&rsquo;Express, and numerous other news outlets.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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