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 individual stocks have performed against the broad S&P 500.
Step on up, Loews (L -0.38%).
Loews shares have matched the S&P 500 over the past quarter-century:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Since 1987, shares have returned an average of 9.7% a year -- the exact same as the S&P (both include dividends). One thousand dollars invested in either the S&P or Lowes in 1987 would be worth $19,200 today.
Dividends accounted for a lot of those gains. Compounded since 1987, dividends have made up 25% of Loews' returns. For the S&P, dividends account for 39% of total returns.
Now have a look at how Loews earnings compare with S&P 500 earnings:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Some underperformance here. Since 1995, Loews' earnings per share have declined slightly, compared with 6% a year growth for the broader index.
What's that meant for valuations? Loews has traded for an average of 15 times earnings since 1987 -- below the 24 times earnings for the broader S&P 500.
Through it all, shares have been pretty average performers over the last quarter-century.
Of course, the important question is whether that will continue. That's where you come in. Our CAPS community currently ranks Loews with a four-star rating (out of five). Care to disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or add Loews to My Watchlist.
