If you're looking for stocks that can do well over the long term, a smart idea is to identify past winners. Absent any major industry- or company-specific changes, it's reasonable to expect these businesses to continue rewarding their shareholders in the future.

For investors who focus on the auto industry, Ford (NYSE: F) might be on your radar, particularly as it trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of just 12.3. Unfortunately, its stock has disappointed, producing a total return of only 20% in the past decade. The S&P 500 would've more than tripled your money during the same time.

This abysmal performance gives me zero confidence that Ford can produce market-beating returns in the years ahead. Therefore, it's a business I'm not touching with a 10-foot pole.

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Source Fool.com