The FTSE 100 is an ever-changing list of the UK’s leading companies, updated every quarter in March, June, September, and December.
While many stocks come and go, the ones I’m most interested in are those that stick around. These stalwarts provide an ideal foundation for a portfolio aimed at compounding wealth over multiple decades. They may not deliver the loftiest returns or feature the highest yields, but their resilience is what makes them attractive.
There’s nothing wrong with aiming for rapid gains with a few risky plays, but you need a solid foundation if things come crashing down. That’s where stable, reliable companies come in.
So,what’s one FTSE stock I’m comfortable holding for decades?
The consumer goods giant
Tech fads come and go, retailers rise and fall, and even major energy companies hit hard times. But everyday household products are one staple that humans will need for eternity.
One of the largest consumer goods manufacturers in the world is Unilever (LSE:ULVR), owning brands such as Dove, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Vaseline, and Axe.
People keep buying these products in good times and bad, which helps support revenue that’s consistent rather than cyclical. That’s why it’s the sort of company a long-term investor could trust for years, rather than constantly worrying about the next quarter.
Revenue dropped slightly in 2025, down to €50.5bn from €52.5bn, due to foreign currency fluctuations and portfolio effects. Over the long term however, it’s grown at a compound annual rate of about 1.5% a year.
Since 2015, its operating margin has increased from 14.1% to 15.5%, with cash flow increasing at an annualised rate of roughly 3% a year.
This exhibits stable, sustainable improvement, rather than rapid, volatile growth. That’s exactly what to look for in a ‘set-and-forget’ long-term holding.
Keep your options open
Reliable or not, Unilever still faces risks (every company does). Fierce competition, supply chain disruptions, and pricing pressure are just a few things that have impacted profits in the past.
And while its dividend history is impressive, in 2022 and 2023 it had to pause growth to preserve capital.
The market is a fickle mistress, and nobody can predict every odd curveball it throws our way. Even leading mega-caps like Unilever have bad years. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to put all my eggs in one basket.
Aside from Unilever, two other strong candidates for a decades-long commitment are AstraZeneca and RELX.
| Stock | Why it works for decades | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| AstraZeneca | Global healthcare demand, strong long-term outperformance | Drug pipeline and regulatory risk |
| RELX | Recurring revenues, analytics exposure, and predictable cash flow | Valuation can be rich |
| Unilever | Everyday consumer brands and defensive demand | Slower growth can test patience |
The bottom line
When targeting decades-long wealth generation, a strong foundation can spell the difference between success and failure.
But the market is ever-evolving, so keeping abreast of new developments is key to making good investment decisions.
These are just three of my favourite long-term holdings on the FTSE 100, and each one deserves a closer look. But there’s many more solid options to choose from.
Should you invest £5,000 in Unilever right now?
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And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Unilever made the list?
Mark Hartley owns shares in Unilever, AstraZeneca and RELX.
