There's no shortage of promising pure-play Internet of Things (IoT) stocks -- some of which will live up to their potential, and others that are bound to leave shareholders high and dry. That's the nature of investing in companies with models that hinge on striking gold in the fast-developing IoT space, but there are still ways for the more risk-averse investor to profit from the potentially revolutionary tech trend. As Mark Twain once said, "When everyone is looking for gold, it's a good time to be in the pick and shovel business."

With that in mind, companies that are on track to play key roles in facilitating the evolution of device connectivity, trade at low multiples, and have substantial returned income components looks to be smart ways to invest in IoT. Click through the presentation below for a look at why AT&T (NYSE: T), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Verizon (NYSE: VZ), Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM), and Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) fit the bill.

10 stocks we like better than Verizon Communications
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5 Low-Risk, Big-Dividend Internet of Things Stocks to Buy from The Motley Fool

Keith Noonan has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool owns shares of Qualcomm. The Motley Fool recommends Cisco Systems and Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.