3 Stocks to Consider Buying Today

Anand Chokkavelu, CFA, The Motley Fool
Updated

It's time to put The Motley Fool's money where my mouth is.

I've been running a public real-money portfolio since November 2010, and today I'm announcing three buys based on my research and articles over the past few months.

Stock No. 1: Corning (NYS: GLW)

Here's what I like about Corning:

  • Its history of innovation in the glass industry.

  • The market's underestimating of the strength of the LCD market.

  • Its Gorilla Glass protective covering product for smartphones, tablets, and possibly widely in TVs.

  • Management's commitment to paying shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

  • All for a trailing earnings multiple well below 10.

Read more of my thoughts and Rich Smith's preview of 2012.

Stock No. 2: Ford (NYS: F)

Here's what I like about Ford:

  • Many are counting out both Ford and GM (NYS: GM) because of their history, including GM's bankruptcy.

  • I like the prospects relative to price for both Ford and GM. What makes Ford especially interesting versus GM is that (1) it didn't need a direct government bailout and (2) it has shown a greater degree of operational and quality improvement.

  • Ford has announced it will resume paying a dividend in 2012.

  • Though CEO Alan Mulally is planning to retire in a few years, I have faith that his goal is to leave behind a fully healthy business for his successor.

  • Like Corning, all this is for a sub-10 P/E ratio.

Read more of my thoughts my thoughts.

Stock No. 3: Staples (NAS: SPLS)

Here's what I like about Staples:

  • It's far more than a bricks-and-mortar retailer. In fact, it gets 80% of its business from business customers, most of whom order online.

  • It's managed to put up good profitability in a down market even as direct competitors Office Depot (NYS: ODP) and Office Max falter.

  • Management's strategy of expanding offerings and increasing private-label sales is wise, assuming its customer-centric focus proves true.

  • Staples is trading near five-year lows and at low price multiples.

Read more of my thoughts.

None of the three stocks is at its absolute low in recent months, but I think each is a good value, so tomorrow I'm going to buy a moderate position in each in my real-money portfolio. I'll consider adding more money on dips.

For another stock that's flying under the radar, check out our brand -new free report: "The Stocks Only the Smartest Investors Are Buying." I invite you to take a free copy to find out the name of the company I believe Warren Buffett would be interested in if he could still invest in small companies.

At the time thisarticle was published Anand Chokkaveluowns shares of General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford.Motley Fool newsletter serviceshave recommended buying shares of Staples, General Motors, Corning, and Ford and creating a synthetic long position in Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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