Why I’d buy Telstra, Woolworths, and Macquarie shares

There are plenty of ASX blue-chip shares I would be comfortable owning for the medium to long term.

For me, the best opportunities are businesses that can keep growing over time while giving shareholders something along the way.

Here are three I would be happy to buy today.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra has become a business I am increasingly comfortable owning for the long term.

Connectivity is now essential for households and businesses, and Telstra remains focused on strengthening its position in mobile and other core services.

Its Connected Future 30 strategy is targeting mid-single-digit compound annual growth in cash earnings through to FY30. I like that ambition because Telstra does not need spectacular growth to produce a good outcome for shareholders. Steady earnings growth can support higher dividends and give the share price room to rise over time.

There are also opportunities beyond simply adding more mobile customers. Telstra is investing in areas such as its intercity fibre network, satellite connectivity, and technology that can improve how customers use its services.

Management has also made a sustainable and growing dividend an important part of its plans.

For me, Telstra offers a nice combination of recurring demand, income, and steady long-term growth.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is another business I would be happy to own for years.

Groceries account for a meaningful part of household spending, giving the company a large base of customers who return regularly.

What interests me is how Woolworths can make that enormous existing business better. The company has invested heavily in its supply chain, including automated distribution centres designed to move products into stores faster and make replenishment more efficient. Its Moorebank precinct in Sydney is a major investment that gives the business modern infrastructure to support its operations for many years.

I think those investments can help Woolworths improve convenience, build stronger customer relationships, and gradually grow earnings over time.

The supermarket giant also has a long history of paying dividends, adding an income component to the investment case.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie has a wide range of opportunities ahead.

This ASX share operates across asset management, commodities and financial markets, banking, advisory, and investing. Its global reach also means its fortunes are not tied solely to the Australian economy.

I particularly like Macquarie’s exposure to long-term investment themes through its asset management and infrastructure activities.

The world needs enormous amounts of capital for areas such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, transport, and other essential assets. Macquarie has spent decades building expertise in finding, financing, and managing these types of investments.

Its Commodities and Global Markets business provides another earnings engine by helping clients manage risks and access markets around the world.

Macquarie’s earnings can move around with market conditions and investment activity, but I think its ability to find opportunities across countries and asset classes gives it plenty of room to keep creating value over the long term.

Foolish takeaway

I think the best blue-chip shares are those that can keep finding ways to become better businesses over time.

Telstra, Woolworths and Macquarie already have strong positions in their respective markets, but I can still see opportunities for each to grow from here.

That is why I would be happy to buy them today and hold on for the years ahead.

The post Why I’d buy Telstra, Woolworths, and Macquarie shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.