If you're looking to get started with investing, there are many solid stocks you can put in your portfolio. Ideally, you'll want to start with some blue chip stocks to be pillars that you can hang on to for not just years but potentially decades. These are the types of investments that you won't have to worry about, giving you a good core of stocks to start with.
Novartis (NVS 0.31%), Home Depot (HD +3.01%), and American Express (AXP +1.26%) are three solid companies to invest in that cover three different sectors. Not only can they provide you with some great diversification, but they are reasonably priced investments that can generate dividend income for you, and which are likely to grow in the long run. Here's what you'll love about these stocks.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Novartis
Drugmaker Novartis isn't a big flashy name in healthcare, but the stock still makes for a terrific investment. In five years, it has risen by 46% and it pays an above-average dividend that yields 2.9%; the S&P 500 average is only 1.1%.
The Swiss-based company's pursuit of growth is endless, with CEO Vasant Narasimhan saying that it "can never be done" about mergers and acquisitions. Novartis has been rapidly buying companies in an effort to diversify its operations and also expand its growth prospects, as it adds to its pipeline in the process.
The company is forecasting a compounded annual growth rate of around 5% to 6% through to 2030, as it says its pipeline features more than 30 promising medicines.
NYSE: NVS
Key Data Points
The stock trades at a modest 19 times its trailing earnings, which is cheaper than the multiple of 26 where the average S&P 500 stock trades. Between value, growth, and dividends, Novartis is a top stock that can cover all your bases.
2. Home Depot
In the home improvement world, Home Depot is one name that reigns supreme. It's a go-to option for all things home repair. The business can benefit from the construction of new homes and the sale of homes too, as many buyers often face unexpected maintenance and repairs with their purchases.
It's a great stock to own for its long-term consistency and growth. For the current fiscal year, which ends at the end of January, the company expects to generate sales growth of 3%, and that's at a time when consumers are scaling back on discretionary expenses. Under more favorable economic conditions, its growth rate is likely to soar higher.
NYSE: HD
Key Data Points
Home Depot pays a dividend as well, which currently yields 2.7%. In five years, the stock has risen by 29% and its price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 24 isn't high for what you get from this investment.
3. American Express
American Express is a top financial stock to round out your portfolio. The company has been generating record numbers even amid economic uncertainty. In its most recent quarter, which ended on Sept. 30, 2025, Amex's revenue rose by 11% to $18.4 billion. And its diluted earnings per share was up by 19%.
Amex is a top card issuer catering to an affluent customer base, which can make it a more resilient business to invest in, particularly when times are tough. And the company's solid results corroborate that, with Amex continuing to deliver strong growth in recent periods.
NYSE: AXP
Key Data Points
In five years, the stock has soared by 220%. While investors may be disappointed with its modest yield of 0.9%, the stock's gains and growth opportunities will more than make up for that. Amex's stock trades at a P/E multiple of 25, putting its valuation right in line with the average S&P 500 stock. But as it has arguably better long-term prospects, it's easy to justify putting this stock in your portfolio for the long haul.
