Say what you will about Bank of America (BAC -1.07%) -- and I've said plenty, both good and bad -- but it's hard to argue that its stock belongs in the average retirement portfolio.
There are three reasons for this. First, it's one of the most erratic blue chip stocks in the market today. With a beta of 2.02, the Charlotte-based bank is more than twice as volatile as the broader market.
Second, while most retirees look to their portfolios for income, Bank of America pays a paltry $0.01 per share in quarterly dividends. This equates to an annual yield of only 0.3%, or well below the S&P 500's 1.98%.
Finally, while many see the bank's low valuation multiple as a good thing -- that is, as an opportunity to get in while it's cheap -- it's also indicative of a troubled company. Why else would a major bank trade for 27% less than book value while better-heeled competitors like Wells Fargo go for a 62% premium?
As Motley Fool contributor John Maxfield discusses in the video below, the conclusion is that Bank of America's stock should probably be avoided if you're nearing or in retirement and preservation of capital is an important priority.
