Whole Foods Market, Inc. (WFM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Play the Rising Population With These Companies

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is known to be a “slow mover,” but what is wrong with that when you are as big as Exxon is? It is able to generate enough cash flow to buy back $5 billion in stock per quarter and give shareholders an annual dividend increase like clockwork. Exxon simply makes you money as you let it do its thing in your portfolio over the years.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) saw a slight production decrease in its last earnings call, but that is but a blip and shouldn’t be cause for concern. Exxon has the resources to be on top of the latest exploration technology and work areas. It carries almost no debt with a debt/equity ratio of 0.1.

When you invest for the long term, you have to keep inflation in mind. Inflation eats into your gains, thus decreasing your future “buying power.” With Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)’s profits partially (indirectly) tied to oil prices (a commodity), you get a hedge against inflation. This a nice bonus for owning Exxon.

The bottom line

These three companies all stand to profit over the long term as our world becomes more and more populated. All three have low debt loads, growing profits, and fit a need that correlates directly to the population. You can park these in your account, and check on them in 10 years. You will likely be very happy with your results.

The article Play the Rising Population With These Companies originally appeared on Fool.com.

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