The Brightest Stars: 3 Top Long-Term Investment Opportunities

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Embracing the slow burn of long-term investment is like tending to a fireplace rather than chasing fireworks. While the temptation for quick gains can be strong, seasoned investors know that nurturing companies with strong future prospects yields lasting rewards over time.

Below, we delve into three companies that have shown robust growth in recent times and hold promise for future expansion.

SkyWest (SKYW)

A close-up shot of a SkyWest (SKYW) plane.

Source: Heather Dunbar / Shutterstock.com

SkyWest (NASDAQ:SKYW) operates in the realm of passenger and cargo airline services, aircraft leasing, and on-demand charters, boasting a fleet of over 500 aircraft.

Recently, SkyWest revealed its impressive fourth-quarter 2023 earnings, citing a 10% year-over-year revenue surge. The company pivoted from a $47 million net loss in Q4 2022 to an $18 million net income in the same period of 2023. Moreover, SkyWest outlined updated plans for E175 deliveries to major carriers like American Airlines (NYSE:AAL), United Airlines (NYSE:UAL), and Alaska Air (NYSE:ALK).

Amidst the turbulent skies of the airline industry, SkyWest shines as a beacon of success. Its stock price has soared, outpacing many of its competitors by tripling since March of the previous year.

Furthermore, SkyWest’s announcement of repurchasing over 1 million shares worth $45 million during Q4 signals confidence in its future prospects. With expanding travel demand and stock prices flirting with peaks, SkyWest remains a high-flying contender that still holds room for further ascent. Investors would do well to keep a close watch on this company poised for sustained growth.

Toyota Motor (TM)

Toyota motor corporation logo on dealership building

Source: josefkubes / Shutterstock.com

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) stands tall as a global automobile manufacturing giant, producing a diverse array of vehicles ranging from pickup trucks to luxury cars under the Lexus brand.

In its recent report for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, Toyota highlighted a remarkable 24% revenue uptick and more than doubled net income compared to the previous year. Additionally, Toyota revised its fiscal year 2024 sales projections upward from $290 billion to $294 billion.

Toyota’s strategic investments in facilities further underscore its growth trajectory. Notably, a $1.3 billion infusion in its Kentucky plant aims to bolster the production of a new electric three-row SUV. Similarly, the commitment of $2.2 billion at its Sorocaba facility in Brazil is set to enhance offerings with a new SUV and hybrid vehicle.

Piloted by these endeavors, Toyota has sprinted ahead in the past year, with its stock price surging by over 85% compared to other automotive players. In a landscape where competitors diverge – with Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) dipping by 7% and Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) ascending by 63% – Toyota emerges as a steady performer, offering a dividend yield of 1.77% and the potential for further growth amid robust earnings performance. TM remains a sturdy option for investors seeking a stake in the automotive domain.

Salesforce (CRM)

lose up of Salesforce (CRM) logo displayed on one of their towers in downtown San Francisco. Salesforce layoffs

Source: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) harnesses cloud-based technology and generative AI prowess to glean sales insights, predict customer behaviors, and deliver analytical solutions.

In an era where tech titans are flourishing, Salesforce has gleamed brightly in the market firmament. Since early 2022, CRM’s stock price has more than doubled, showcasing remarkable growth.

With its recent fourth-quarter full-year 2023 earnings release on Feb. 28, Salesforce announced an 11% surge in total revenue year-over-year. Notably, the company reversed a $98 million net loss in Q4 2022 to a $1.4 billion net income in Q4 2023 and expanded its share repurchase program by $10 billion.

Following the trajectory of industry peers like Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Salesforce has introduced its maiden quarterly dividend, set at 0.13% annually with a per-share payout of $0.40. The debut of the Einstein Copilot, an AI automation platform, is poised to further fuel Salesforce’s growth trajectory. CRM beckons investors with its promising potential within the thriving tech domain.

At present, Noah Bolton holds a LONG position in TM. The sentiments articulated in this piece represent the views of the writer, following the guidelines stipulated by InvestorPlace.com.

Noah has indulged in the art of freelance writing for about a year, collaborating with Investopedia on an array of topics concerning the stock market and financial landscape.

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