Core Viewpoint - The article discusses seven low beta stocks with dividend yields up to 8%, which are considered more stable during market downturns, providing a cushion against volatility [2][3]. Group 1: Low-Beta Dividend Stocks - Getty Realty (GTY) offers a 6.6% yield with a 5-year beta of 0.86 and a 1-year beta of 0.12, indicating lower volatility compared to the market. The company has a stable cash-flowing tenant base, primarily from convenience stores and car washes [5][7]. - AES Corp. (AES) has a 5.5% yield and operates with a 1-year beta of 0.88 and a 5-year beta of 0.96. It combines traditional utility services with renewable energy sales, providing growth potential [9][10]. - Northwest Bancshares (NWBI) offers a 6.8% yield with a 5-year beta of 0.69 and a 1-year beta of 0.80. The company has a solid balance sheet but faces challenges in consistent growth despite a recent merger [11][12]. - Conagra Brands (CAG) has a yield of 7.4% but faces significant challenges, including supply chain issues and food inflation, with a 1-year beta of -0.05 and a 5-year beta of 0.08 [17][21]. - Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) boasts an 8.0% yield and has seen a 60% increase year-to-date, with a 1-year beta of 0.67 and a 5-year beta of 0.19. The company has benefited from rising egg prices but faces income variability [23][24]. Group 2: Market Performance and Trends - The article highlights that low beta stocks tend to attract buyers during market downturns, which can help stabilize their share prices [3]. - The performance of low beta stocks like Kraft Heinz (KHC) and General Mills (GIS) has been disappointing, with low betas reflecting counter-market movements rather than stability [14][15]. - The overall trend indicates that while some low beta stocks have maintained dividends, their growth has been limited, and challenges remain in the current market environment [16][22].

Group 1: CalMaine Foods (CALM) - The company is primarily engaged in the production, grading, packing, and sale of fresh shell eggs, including conventional, cage-free, organic, and nutritionally-enhanced eggs [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 46.2% over the last 60 days [1] Group 2: Avista (AVA) - The company is involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy, as well as other energy-related businesses [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased nearly 4.4% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a dividend yield of 4.8%, compared to the industry average of 3.1% [2] Group 3: Potlatch (PCH) - The company is a certified forest practices leader, committed to providing superior returns to stockholders through long-term stewardship of its forest resources [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased nearly 5.3% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a dividend yield of 4.5%, compared to the industry average of 1.2% [3]