Investing isn't easy. Even Warren Buffett counsels that most investors should invest in a low-cost index like the S&P 500. That way, "[You'll] be buying into a wonderful industry, which in effect is all of American industry," he says.
But there are, of course, companies whose long-term fortunes differ substantially from the index. In this series, we look at how members of the S&P 500 have performed compared with the index itself.
Step on up, ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips shares have just barely kept up with the S&P 500 over the last three decades:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Since 1980, shares returned an average of 11.5% a year, compared with 11.1% a year for the S&P (both include dividends). One thousand dollars invested in the S&P in 1980 would be worth $29,400 today, and naturally about the same if invested in Conoco.
Dividends accounted for a lot of those gains. Compounded since 1980, dividends have made up more than 80% ConocoPhillips's total returns. For the S&P, dividends account for 41.5% of total returns.
And have a look at how ConocoPhillips's earnings compare with S&P 500 earnings:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Not bad. Since 1995, ConocoPhillips's earnings per share have grown by an average of 13.7% a year, compared with 6% a year for the broader index -- mainly a testament to the rising price of oil. ConocoPhillips's earnings power has been strong over the years; it's just had a tough time convincing the market that earnings growth should be rewarded with shareholder returns.
Of course, the important question is whether that will continue. That's where you come in. Our CAPS community currently ranks ConocoPhillips with a five-star rating (out of five). Do you disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or add ConocoPhillips to My Watchlist.
