Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), General Mills, Inc. (GIS) & 4 Must-Own Stocks

Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:BMY)

The biopharmaceutical developer offers a 3.53% yield and a five-year annualized beta of .43.  It is important to note that the low beta for this company partially reflects the price impact that new drug approvals can have on the stock.  The company currently offers a payout ratio of 155% and a five-year dividend growth rate of 2.46%

Conclusion

The four stocks above are all globally recognized names that operate in non-cyclical businesses.  This allows for a low beta and the ability to pay a strong, secure dividend.  All of these stocks deserve a closer look if you are concerned about a pullback or are looking for yield in excess of treasuries with less volatility than the broader market.

One last note on beta.  While a low beta can protect your portfolio during a pullback, it is also important to remember the opposite also holds true.  If the markets continues on its upswing, these low beta names are unlikely to enjoy success of the same magnitude.

The article Four Stocks to Own Regardless of a Pullback originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by John Timmes.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.