What Are the Benefits of Blue-Chip Stocks?

The term "blue chip" comes from the game of poker, where a blue chip holds the highest value. Blue-chip stocks are considered high-valued, supreme long-term investment vehicles. Historically, they have shown to generate growth in long-term portfolios. Blue-chip stocks are stocks of well-known and well-established companies. Blue-chip stocks have several characteristics that benefit investors in the long-run.

The majority of investors know blue-chip stocks have stable earnings. During an economic downturn, investors may turn to these safe havens because of their secure nature. Blue-chip companies offer security during periods of slowed growth due to their intelligent management teams and ability to generate stable profits. If the stock market is experiencing a bear market, investors don't need to worry about their investments in blue-chips because, generally, they recover.

Many blue-chip stocks, historically, pay out dividends to their shareholders. Since blue-chip stocks do not move much in price, they offer dividends to make up for it. Blue-chip stocks have shown that, generally, they make increased and uninterrupted dividend payments over time. In the long-run, an investor can benefit from dividend payments and generate portfolio income. The dividend payments also help to protect against the adverse effects of inflation.

Blue-chips have strong balance sheets and cash flows, strong business models and strong, consistent growth. Many investors consider blue-chip stocks to be secure investments. Long-term investors can look for their investments in blue-chip stocks to grow steadily over time and to regularly receive dividend payments.