4 out of the 30 components in the Dow, and blows away rivals like Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and 3M (NYSE: MMM) . When you're investing for the long term, it's helpful to consider businesses whose track records include tough operating environments. After all, if a company can thrive through past periods marked by recessions, inflation, and market turmoil, chances are good that it can navigate similar situations in the future.