3 Retirement Stocks to Buy at 52-Week Lows

Investing in retirement is different. Once out of the workforce and living on a fixed income, investors need to become more defensive to protect their nest egg. Taking positions in high-growth stocks and riding out periods of volatility is no longer the smart play. After retirement, investors must find a balance between growth and stock value. Dividend payments that provide a steady source of income or capital that can be reinvested are also important.

Often, the best retirement stocks are blue-chip names that offer a combination of safety, growth and income. While not the most exciting securities to own, these retirement stocks help investors avoid market volatility and ensure their finances are secure. Fortunately, some top blue-chip stocks would make great retirement investments and are available to buy now.

Here are three retirement stocks to buy at a 52-week low.

McDonald’s (MCD)

Shares of McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) are down nearly 10% this year and down 6% over the past 12 months. Not far off its 52-week low, now would be a good time for long-term investors to pick up Golden Arches stock. Blue-chip stocks have consistently been one of the best retirement stocks investors can own. Additionally, one reason to buy McDonald’s stock comes from its dividend.

Last fall, McDonald’s increased its dividend payment by 10%. The company now pays shareholders a dividend of $1.67 per share each quarter. McDonald’s shares have a dividend yield of 2.45% based on the current share price. Over the past decade, the company has more than doubled its annual dividend payout to $6.68 per share from $3.08. McDonald’s paid its first dividend in 1976 and has increased it every year since.

The company has struggled over the past year with inflation and higher menu prices that have driven away some customers. But long term the company will be fine. It recently announced the return of its $5 meals.

Nike (NKE)

The sneaker and athletic apparel giant Nike (NYSE:NKE) continues to fight. Down nearly 15% on the year, NKE stock is hovering around its 52-week low and is currently one of the blue-chip worst performers Dow Jones Industrial Average. Patient long-term investors may want to buy the dip. Like McDonald’s, Nike continues to dominate the sector in which it operates, commanding more than 30% of the global athletic footwear and apparel market, more than any other company.

Also like the Golden Arches, Nike pays a good dividend to its shareholders. The company currently pays 37 cents per share quarterly, giving the stock a yield of 1.61%. Not the biggest dividend around, but stable and consistent. The company has paid a dividend since 1985 and has increased it in each of the last 15 years. Although Nike has been struggling recently with increased competition and a slowdown in sales in China, it remains dominant largely because of its support for star athletes.

Recently, Nike announced that it is signing WNBA basketball star Caitlin Clark to a $28 million endorsement deal.

Intel (INTC)

Long-suffering investors may want to bottom-fish the stock of microchip and semiconductor companies Intel (NASDAQ:INTC). Down 33% so far this year, INTC stock is currently the worst-performing stock in both the Dow 30 and the benchmark S&P 500. That’s as the company continues to struggle with its efforts to expand manufacturing microchips for its customers.

While things look bleak right now, there are several reasons for retirement-oriented investors to consider a long-term investment in INTC stock. The company pays a quarterly dividend of 13 cents per share, giving its stock a yield of 1.57%, which is in line with other tech stocks. The current valuation also looks attractive, with Intel shares trading near 52-week lows. In addition, the company recently received $8.5 billion from the US government to help steer it toward becoming a smelter.

It will take time, but if the goal is to buy low and eventually sell high, then INTC stock looks interesting at current levels.

As of the date of publication, Joel Baglole did not hold (directly or indirectly) any position in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publication Guidelines.