Beta: A Measure of Volatility
Beta (β) is a quantitative measure of the volatility of a given security or portfolio relative to the overall market, usually the S&P 500. By definition, the market has a beta of 1.0 and securities are ranked according to how much they deviate from the market. Thus, securities with a beta above 1 are more volatile than the overall market, while those with a beta below 1 are less volatile. High-beta stocks are considered more risky, but provide a potential for higher returns. Low-beta stocks normally provide less risk and lower opportunities for capital gains.Betas And Dividend Stocks
Dividend stocks tend to have low betas. That means during a market downturn, they tend to decline less than the total market. Hence, the term defensive stocks. It is also important to note that many defensive stocks are non-cyclical. Examples would include food, tobacco, oil, and utilities where demand is remains relatively stable under difficult economic conditions.Here are several dividend stocks with betas (as provided by Yahoo Finance) less than 1.00 and yielding 3%, or more:
The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is the world's largest soft drink company, and also has a sizable fruit juice business. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1893 and has increased its dividend payments for 56 consecutive years. Beta: 0.56 | Yield: 3.6%
The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) is a leading consumer products company that markets household and personal care products in more than 180 countries. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1891 and has increased its dividend payments for 60 consecutive years. Beta: 0.38 | Yield: 3.9%
AT&T Inc. (T) provides telephone and broadband service and holds full ownership of AT&T Mobility (formerly Cingular Wireless).The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1984 and has increased its dividend payments for 35 consecutive years. Beta: 0.39 | Yield: 6.0%
When the market is moving higher, low beta stocks normally won’t increase as fast as the market in total. However, as a long-term dividend investor, my goal is an ever-increase stream of dividend income, not to maximize capital appreciation.
Full Disclosure: Long PG, T, KO in my Dividend Growth Stocks Portfolio. See a list of all my Dividend Growth Portfolio holdings here.
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(Photo: Steve Woods)
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