For example, per "Lower Paid CEOs Generate Bigger Returns Than High Flyers: Study," by David Lieberman in deadline.com, July 25, 2016, in a 10-year study reported on in 2016, it was found that among 429 large-cap companies, the CEOs receiving the lowest 20% of compensation provided their shareholders with greater returns than those receiving the highest 20%. The differences were significant, up to 39%, in favor of positive results for lower paid CEO companies. There are other indications as well that, overall, lower pay for the CEOs of publicly traded companies enhances shareholder returns. Of course, the rationale for ever increasing CEO pay is the opposite. Oddly enough, few boards of directors limit their CEOs' pay, possibly suggesting the directors do not have their shareholders' interests in mind but are in league with the CEOs. The latter, of course, provide their salaries.

Investors are invited to use their own criteria to weed from such a list a selection of stocks likely to hold up well for the long-term and, at the right price, adequately reward shareholders.

Nonetheless, in looking out across a potential and substantial plummet of share prices, I sought to pick companies likely to be worthwhile after falling at least 20% in price. Those chosen are in the table. In my view, each of these corporations is ably led by a CEO willing to accept less than average pay, at least in relation to company profits. These five, then, AAPL, BRK/B; INTU; KMI; and ORCL, would for me be good companies to own and merit share accumulation once a big market drop is well underway.

Best of luck with your own investing researches and post-bull selections.