Although some of the traditionally reliable blue chips like Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) haven't been having a great 12 months, not all blue chips have fared so badly.
Three blue chips in particular have been producing the goods for their shareholders in the last 12 months. The good news is that thanks to their strong businesses and market-leading positions I wouldn't be surprised to see them do it all over again in the next 12 months. Here they are:
REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)
Whilst REA Group is perhaps best known as the owner and operator of Australia's largest online real estate website realestate.com.au, its business goes far beyond that. The acquisition of iProperty Group last year has opened the door to a potentially lucrative Asia market. Furthermore the company has operations in Europe and a 20% interest in US-based Move, Inc which operates the fast-growing realtor.com website. All in all I believe this is a blue chip share which has a business more than capable of double-digit earnings growth for years to come.
ResMed Inc. (CHESS) (ASX: RMD)
I believe this sleep treatment specialist is another company which could provide investors with solid earnings growth for the next few years. Thanks to its leading position in a growing market ResMed recently reported a 10% increase in full year revenue to US$1.8 billion. Although competition is heating up in the industry, ResMed has remained ahead of its rivals thanks to a leading research and development program and acquisitions such as software-as-a-service, home-health monitoring, business billing and administration service provider Brightree.
SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK)
Led by chief executive and co-founder Andrew Bassat, SEEK is one of the highest quality Australian companies on the ASX in my opinion. Whilst its 33% share of the Australian market is incredible, it is its international ambitions that I believe will drive growth over the next decade. In its recently announced FY 2016 results its international segment grew sales by 18% year on year to $592.3 million. As far as I'm concerned SEEK is the perfect buy and hold investment.