In this article, we will take a look at the 5 best long-term low-risk stocks to buy. To see more such companies, go directly to 10 Best Long Term Low Risk Stocks to Buy.
5. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 81
Beta Value: 0.55
Founded in 1886, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is an American multinational corporation celebrated for its advancements in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Notably, the company’s pharmaceutical division has maintained an impressive track record of dividend growth for over 62 years. As of April 17, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) offers a quarterly dividend of $1.19 per share, equating to a dividend yield of 3.29%.
Insider Monkey’s database of Q4 2023 reveals that 81 hedge funds reported holding stakes in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), down from 84 in the preceding quarter. The total value of these stakes amounts to nearly $4 billion. Fisher Asset Management emerged as the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4 with more than 6.3 million shares.
4. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 85
Beta Value: 0.49
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), a prominent American retail giant headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, is renowned for its extensive network of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and strategically positioned grocery outlets across the United States. The company also operates various online marketplaces, including Walmart.com and Jet.com, offering customers a diverse range of products, from groceries to electronics and clothing.
In the fourth quarter of last year, Insider Monkey examined 933 hedge fund portfolios and found that 85 had acquired a stake in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT). Fisher Asset Management, led by Ken Fisher, emerged as the largest investor in our database, with holdings valued at $1.5 billion.
3. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 98
Beta Value: 0.41
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), a distinguished American multinational pharmaceutical firm based in Rahway, New Jersey, has a lineage dating back to the Merck Group, founded in Germany in 1668. Initially serving as the American branch of this esteemed conglomerate, the company operates internationally under the names Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD. With a track record of consistent dividend growth spanning 11 years, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) presently provides shareholders with a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per share, yielding 2.46% as of April 17.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, 98 out of the 933 hedge funds polled by Insider Monkey had invested in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK). Fisher Asset Management, led by Ken Fisher, emerged as the largest shareholder with a stake valued at $1.4 billion.
2. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 113
Beta Value: 0.57
Based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a leading American multinational corporation specializing in managed healthcare and insurance services. Operating as a for-profit entity, the company is structured into four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. Renowned as a top revenue growth stock for investors, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) currently offers a quarterly dividend of $1.88 per share as of April 17.
During the quarter, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) witnessed a significant increase in hedge fund interest, with the number of hedge fund positions rising to 113 by the quarter’s end. This marked an increase from the 104 positions held in the previous quarter, with the combined value of these stakes exceeding $11.1 billion.
1. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 117
Beta Value: 0.89
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) operates as a diverse multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Its primary revenue streams stem from the insurance sector, with profits strategically distributed across a broad spectrum of subsidiaries, equity holdings, and various financial instruments. The company’s resilience to market fluctuations is largely attributed to its well-diversified portfolio spanning multiple industries.
In the fourth quarter of last year, 117 out of the 910 hedge funds analyzed by Insider Monkey had invested in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B). Among them, the largest investor was Michael Larson’s Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, with ownership of 19.9 million shares valued at $7.1 billion.
Disclosure: None. You can also take a look at 12 Stocks Most Bought By Hedge Funds and 12 Best Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In According to Hedge Funds
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