Top brands continue to fuel Procter

Article Excerpt

A main part of our approach to investing is to look for companies with hidden assets that can unlock long-term value for investors. In the case of consumer products giant Procter & Gamble, its hidden assets are its brand names, many of which have been around for more than 100 years. Despite higher inflation and interest rates, many consumers continue to buy Procter’s products instead of switching to cheaper brands. As well, the company’s ongoing commitment to improving its product lines helps protect its market share. Procter also continues to benefit from its 2014 plan to shed about 100 of its slower-growing products; it now focuses on 65 core brands. Since then, the stock has more than doubled. What’s more, the company’s steady growth has let it raise your annual dividend rate each of the past 68 years. PROCTER & GAMBLE CO. $169 is a buy. The company (New York symbol PG; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 2.35 billion; Market cap: $397.2 billion;…