While may stocks, some of them from companies with famous brands, hit 52-week lows, Procter & Gable (NYSE: PG) cruises along. It trades close to $72, against a one-year high of $75.18 and a period low of just over $60. Even better, it has a dividend yield of nearly 2%.
The P&G share price offers one of the few positive pieces of news from the recession. Some companies sell products that do well even if the economy is in the toilet. P&G's mix of relatively inexpensive consumer goods is unlikely to be hit hard by falling household spending.
Investors are looking for "safe havens" as the market plummets. And, applying the P&G lesson to other stocks may help investors locate shares that should hold their value even if the economy gets remarkably bad. McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) is on that list. So is Colgate (NYSE:CL).
There is a lesson in it. Even people who are broke need cheap food and razors.
Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-03-2008 @ 4:07PM
Bryan Cox said...
Well Halloween is almost upon us and the search for the scariest Wall Street costume starts. This year if you really want to scare folks I would suggest dress up as the past CEO of Fanny Mae, Freddy Mac or Lehman Brothers. People will recognize you right away because of the limo your riding in and the golden parachute strapped to your back. You must also barge up to every door while kicking the little people out of the way. It’s very important to remember that when you arrive at the door and the person scolds you for your abuse of the little ones, you must say “Sorry it wasn’t my fault and by the way I need at least half your candy before I leave...you owe it to me”.
BUT If you really want to have some fun at this time of the year here’s a plan. I always get weird looks when I do this. Here’s what you need...a spray bottle filled with water, a long dirty trench coat and a very crazed shaky appearance. During the busiest time of the day, go to the store. Before you go in spray your face with the water. Now go a get a bag of apples and a package of razor blades. Head up to the check up line, with water slowly dripping down your face, start rolling your eyes, throw in a few shaky jerky movements, then turn to a few folks in line and say something like...” I love Halloween, hope there’s tons of kids this year”.
Have a safe and happy halloween kids and thanks for the read.
Bryan Cox