One group of shares that are particularly popular with retail investors are blue chip shares.
A blue chip is generally a large and well-established company that has operated for many years. More often than not, they will be a leader in their industry.
The Australian share market is home to a large number of blue chips and investors will no doubt have a hard time deciding which ones to buy.
To narrow things down, I have taken a look at three popular blue chip shares to see if they are in the buy zone right now. They are as follows:
Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)
One of my favourite blue chip shares is Goodman Group. It is an integrated commercial and industrial property group which owns, develops, and manages industrial real estate in 17 countries. Among its portfolio you'll find warehouses, large scale logistics facilities, and business and office parks. It is the warehouses and logistics facilities that I'm most excited about. These give Goodman Group exposure to the structural tailwinds of the ecommerce market through its relationships with the likes of Amazon and Walmart. And given how rapidly online shopping is growing, I believe these assets will be in demand for a long time to come. This could underpin solid earnings and distribution growth over the next decade.
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Another blue chip share to consider buying is Telstra. The telco giant has fallen out of favour with investors over the last few years due to its earnings decline, but I believe it is time to reconsider your view of the company. I think Telstra's dividend is now at a sustainable level and feel that a return to growth is not too far away. This is thanks to its sizeable cost cutting, simplification of the business, and the easing of the NBN headwind. In fact, Telstra's operating earnings would have grown during the first half if it were not for the NBN headwind. Overall, I believe now could be the time to make a long term investment in its shares.
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)
This conglomerate could be another blue chip share to consider buying. I like Woolworths due to its quality brands, defensive qualities, and strong management team. Combined, I believe they have positioned the company to deliver solid earnings and dividend growth over the next decade. Another positive is the planned spin off of its hotels business. I expect this to unlock value for shareholders if it goes ahead.
