8 Dividend Aristocrat Leaders to Buy Now With the Stock Market Ready to Blow Up

This utility stock is perfect for conservative investors looking for income. Atmos Energy Corp. (NYSE: ATO) engages in the regulated natural gas distribution and pipeline and storage businesses in the United States.

The Distribution segment is involved in the regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states. This segment distributes natural gas to approximately 3 million residential, commercial, public authority and industrial customers. As of September 30, 2020, it owned 71,558 miles of underground distribution and transmission mains.

The Pipeline and Storage segment transports natural gas for third parties and manages five underground storage reservoirs in Texas. It also provides ancillary services to the pipeline industry, including parking arrangements, lending and inventory sales. As of September 30, 2020, it owned 5,684 miles of gas transmission lines.

Atmos Energy stock investors receive a 2.33% dividend. Morgan Stanley recently lifted the $139 target price to $140. The consensus target is $125, and Friday’s closing print was $113.40.

Coca-Cola

This is a top Warren Buffet holding, and he owns a massive 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.

Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable brands, the company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, it is the number one provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees and juices and juice drinks.

Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy Coca-Cola beverages at a rate of more than 1.9 billion servings a day. Also remember that the company also owns 16.7% of Monster Beverage, which continues to deliver big numbers.

Investors receive a 2.72% dividend. The Truist Financial target price is $75, and the consensus target for Coca-Cola stock is $69.81. Friday’s final trade came in at $64.61.

Essex Property Trust

This is an outstanding way for investors looking to add a real estate position to growth and income portfolios. Essex Property Trust Inc. (NYSE: ESS) is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops and manages apartment communities in selected West Coast markets.

This an S&P 500 company has ownership interests in 246 apartment communities comprising approximately 60,000 homes, with an additional six properties in various stages of active development.

Shareholders receive a 2.55% dividend. The $370 Truist Financial price objective compares with the $369.50 consensus target. Essex Property Trust stock closed amost 5% lower on Friday at $329.27.