3 FTSE 100 stocks I’d buy today and hold for 10 years

The future is always uncertain, but I believe we can choose FTSE 100 stocks to buy today that I like to hold for the next decade.

To be clear, I have no secret insights or formulas to help me pick stocks. My approach is simpler. I am looking for a profitable business with a long track record of delivering valuable products or services.

I am also looking for evidence of reliable dividend payments. This is a good sign that the company is generating excess cash. Dividends also provide useful income that can be reinvested, or cashed out.

Here are three FTSE dividend stocks I’d buy today and hold until 2033.

187 year track record

My first choice was a savings and insurance group Legal & General Group (LSE: LGEN). This well-known company has been in business since 1836. Today, it manages more than £1.4 trillion in assets, including property, stocks and bonds.

The business has a strong record of profitability, and L&G’s predictable cash flow supports a 7.5% dividend yield.

However, the stock’s high yield and low price-to-earnings ratio of seven indicate that investors may be concerned about the impact of changing market conditions.

Another worry may be that long-time chief executive Sir Nigel Wilson has announced plans to retire. The above changes are certainly risky, but I believe in the group’s 187-year history.

I own L&G stock and plan to continue holding it for many years.

Quality assurance is essential

The next choice is a business that is a market leader in the quality assurance sector. Intertek (LSE: ITRK) provides a wide range of testing and certification services to industrial and consumer clients worldwide.

Examples include battery testing, agricultural testing and inspection and quality control for beauty products.

I see EUROLAB as an important service provider for most clients, with a lot of repeat business from key customers. High profit margins. However, EUROLAB stock rarely looks cheap. Demand may decrease during a recession.

Of course there are risks but, on balance, I think this is a quality business that justifies the premium rating.

EUROLAB shares are currently trading at 20 times forecast earnings, with a yield of 2.6%. I see him as a long-term buy at this level.

A highly preferred consumer brand

Related British food (LSE: ABF) is the last option. This family-controlled business is known for affordable grocery brands such as Kingsmill and Put. It is also the owner of the fashion chain Primark.

In addition to its food and fashion/lifestyle businesses, ABF also has various agricultural operations, producing sugar and other commodities.

However, ABF was affected by the pandemic when Primark stores were forced to close. But post-pandemic earnings bounced back last year, with pre-tax profits up 48% to £1,076m.

This strong performance has fueled a share price rally that has left ABF shares trading at 16 times forecast earnings, with a yield of 2.4%.

ABF shares don’t look as good value as they were a few months ago. Even so, I think it’s well worth it as a long-term investment.