7 ‘Strong Buy’ Dividend Kings to Grab Now in Case We Have a Total Market Meltdown

Altria also owns over 10% of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer. In March 2008, it spun off its international cigarette business. In December 2018 it acquired 35% of Juul Labs, but the stock was pounded this summer when the FDA announced a ban on all sales of Juul vape pens.

Altria has announced that it is looking to end its noncompete agreement with Juul to compete more aggressively in the vape space. The company is rolling out its own heated and vapor products, such as Marlboro HeatSticks and IQOS, both of which are slowly being expanded across the United States.

Investors receive an 8.76% dividend. The Goldman Sachs target price on Altria stock is $58, while the consensus target is $48.57. Shares ended Thursday trading at $42.99.

Black Hills

This Dividend King is way off the radar for many, but it is among the safest plays now. Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States.

The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 218,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. It owns and operates 1,481.5 megawatts of generation capacity and 8,892 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.

The Gas Utilities segment distributes natural gas to approximately 1,094,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming. It owns and operates 4,732 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines, 41,644 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines, six natural gas storage sites and approximately 50,000 horsepower of compression and 515 miles of gathering lines.

The company also constructs and maintains gas infrastructure facilities for gas transportation customers, and it provides appliance repair services to residential utility customers, as well as electrical system construction services to large industrial customers. In addition, it produces electric power through wind, natural gas and coal-fired generating plants, as well as coal at its coal mine located near Gillette, Wyoming.

Black Hills stock comes with a 3.42% dividend. The $87 BofA Securities target price compares with an $85 consensus target and the most recent close at $65.67 a share.

Coca-Cola

This remains a top Buffet holding, as he owns 400 million shares. Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. It has an incredibly strong worldwide brand, with 40% overseas sales.

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