The Zacks Analyst Blog Atmos Energy, Brown & Brown and Cintas

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – December 31, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks and featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Atmos Energy Corporation ATO, Brown & Brown, Inc. BRO and Cintas Corporation CTAS.Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:3 Dividend Aristocrat Must-Haves for Your Portfolio in 20252024 has stood out for Wall Street, delivering remarkable gains for investors. The S&P 500 has grown an impressive 26.2%, whereas the Dow Jones Industrial Average has climbed 14.1%, underscoring a robust market rally.Yet, recent market turbulence has reminded investors of the inherent volatility in financial markets. Over the past month, the S&P 500 has edged down 0.7%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average has seen a steeper decline of 4.1%. As we turn the corner into 2025, this heightened uncertainty underscores the importance of resilience in the portfolio strategy.Amid such volatility, dividend aristocrats stand out as prudent choices for investors. For income-focused investors, dividend aristocrats are undeniable cornerstones for building a reliable portfolio. These elite companies have demonstrated unmatched financial discipline by raising dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, underscoring their resilience and commitment to shareholders. The dividends of these stocks are not only consistent but highly secure, making them dependable sources of income even in uncertain economic climates.In 2025, with the possibility of fluctuating interest rates and economic uncertainties, dividend aristocrats remain a must-have for investors prioritizing stability. Those seeking a steady income stream can consider stocks like Atmos Energy Corporation, Brown & Brown, Inc.  and Cintas Corporation for the portfolio.3 Dividend Aristocrats to BuyAtmos Energy: The company is engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage business. It has raised its annual dividend for 40 consecutive years and paid out quarterly dividends for 164 years. Currently, its quarterly dividend is 87 cents per share.ATO continues to benefit from rising demand for natural gas, courtesy of an expanding customer base. Atmos Energy's long-term investment plan should further increase the reliability of its natural gas pipelines. The company gains from industrial customer additions and constructive rate outcomes.Atmos Energy has a dividend yield of 2.5%. ATO’s payout ratio is 47, with a five-year dividend growth rate of 8.4%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its fiscal 2025 earnings has increased 0.3% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected year-over-year earnings growth rate for fiscal 2025 is pegged at 5%. Shares of the Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have gained 20.2% in 2024. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Brown & Brown: The company markets and sells insurance products and services primarily in the United States, as well as London, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. The strong capital and liquidity position enables BRO to distribute wealth to shareholders via dividend increases and share buybacks. The company increased dividends in the last 31 years.Brown & Brown’s compelling portfolio, along with an impressive growth trajectory, driven by organic and inorganic initiatives across all its segments, bodes well. Buyouts and collaborations have enhanced its existing capabilities and extended its geographic foothold.BRO has a dividend yield of 0.6%. The company’s payout ratio is 15, with a five-year dividend growth rate of 10.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 earnings has increased 2.2% over the past 60 days. Brown & Brown’s expected year-over-year earnings growth for 2025 is 9.6%. Shares of the Zacks Rank #2  company have gained 44.7% in 2024.Cintas: The company designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, and first aid and safety products for diversified businesses. Cintas has consistently raised its dividends for 40 straight years.CTAS is well-positioned to benefit from the solid momentum across its segments. The penetration of additional products and services into existing customers is aiding the Uniform Rental and Facility Services segment. Improved demand for AED Rentals and WaterBreak products is driving the First Aid and Safety Services segment.Cintas has a dividend yield of 0.9%. CTAS’s payout ratio is 38, with a five-year dividend growth rate of 21.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its fiscal 2025 earnings has increased 1.9% over the past 30 days. The company’s expected year-over-year earnings growth for fiscal 2025 is 13.7%. Shares of the Zacks Rank #2 company have gained 21.7% in 2024.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                     https://www.zacks.com                                                Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 228 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2023 alone.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Cintas Corporation (CTAS): Free Stock Analysis Report Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO): Free Stock Analysis Report Brown & Brown, Inc. 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