3 Stocks to Consider Buying Today

It's time to put The Motley Fool's money where my mouth is.

I've been running a public real-money portfolio since November 2010, and today I'm announcing three buys based on my research and articles over the past few months.

Stock No. 1: Corning (NYSE: GLW  )

Here's what I like about Corning:

• Its history of innovation in the glass industry.
• The market's underestimating of the strength of the LCD market.
• Its Gorilla Glass protective covering product for smartphones, tablets, and possibly widely in TVs.
• Management's commitment to paying shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
• All for a trailing earnings multiple well below 10.

Read more of my thoughts and Rich Smith's preview of 2012.

Stock No. 2: Ford (NYSE: F  )

Here's what I like about Ford:

• Many are counting out both Ford and GM (NYSE: GM  ) because of their history, including GM's bankruptcy.
• I like the prospects relative to price for both Ford and GM. What makes Ford especially interesting versus GM is that (1) it didn't need a direct government bailout and (2) it has shown a greater degree of operational and quality improvement.
• Ford has announced it will resume paying a dividend in 2012.
• Though CEO Alan Mulally is planning to retire in a few years, I have faith that his goal is to leave behind a fully healthy business for his successor.
• Like Corning, all this is for a sub-10 P/E ratio.

Read more of my thoughts my thoughts.

Stock No. 3: Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS  )

Here's what I like about Staples:

• It's far more than a bricks-and-mortar retailer. In fact, it gets 80% of its business from business customers, most of whom order online.
• It's managed to put up good profitability in a down market even as direct competitors Office Depot (NYSE: ODP  ) and Office Max falter.
• Management's strategy of expanding offerings and increasing private-label sales is wise, assuming its customer-centric focus proves true.
• Staples is trading near five-year lows and at low price multiples.

Read more of my thoughts.

None of the three stocks is at its absolute low in recent months, but I think each is a good value, so tomorrow I'm going to buy a moderate position in each in my real-money portfolio. I'll consider adding more money on dips.

For another stock that's flying under the radar, check out our brand -new free report: "The Stocks Only the Smartest Investors Are Buying." I invite you to take a free copy to find out the name of the company I believe Warren Buffett would be interested in if he could still invest in small companies.