It appears that every stock in the market is being crushed, but that is not entirely so. Several companies in industries not likely to be badly by a deep recession are doing well, and should continue to do so.

Most of these companies also carry reasonable dividends.

As panic races through the markets, save yourselves if you can.

Procter & Gamble (PG) is not down that far from its 52-week high. It has a yield of 2.3% and people will buy razors and soap even if they are standing in bread lines.

McDonald’s (MCD) Where else can people eat for $1. Sports a 3.3% yield.

Wal-Mart (WMT) Everyday low prices now that the middle class have become poor.

Colgate-Palmolive (CL) Same reasons as PG. Yield at 2.1%.

Microsoft (MSFT) Near its lows, but a cash flow giant. Safest balance sheet in the world. Yield at 2% and CEO Steve Ballmer still wants to buy shares back.

Altria (MO) Market for coffin nails is not going away. Great balance sheet. Extraordinary cash flow. Yield over 6%.

Exxon Mobil (XOM) Shares may be low because of oil prices, but Exxon makes money even if crude hits $60. Yield at 2.1%

Douglas A. McIntyre

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