The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Atmos Energy, Colgate-Palmolive and West Pharmaceutical Services

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – March 16, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks 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 Corp. ATO, Colgate-Palmolive Co. CL and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. WST.Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:3 Dividend Aristocrats to Buy Now Amid the Middle East CrisisMarch has historically been a strong month for the stock market. However, the escalating Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has shaken markets, prompting investors to seek safer investment options.Dividend aristocrat stocks like Atmos Energy Corp., Colgate-Palmolive Co. and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. could help provide stability and protect portfolios during periods of market mayhem. Let's take a closer look at why –Rising Oil Prices Fuel Inflation Fears, U.S. Stocks HitOn Thursday, oil prices jumped after Iran unexpectedly struck two oil tankers in Iraqi waters near the key export terminal at Basra. Brent crude has settled above $100 a barrel since Aug. 22, while the West Texas Intermediate crude settled at $95.73 per barrel, according to CNN Business.The International Energy Agency cautioned that oil supply could remain vulnerable if energy infrastructure across the Middle East region is repeatedly targeted. Regrettably, supply disruptions show little sign of easing after Iran's current supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, recently said that the Strait of Hormuz should remain shut to apply tactical pressure on adversaries.The rise in oil prices unnerved investors, as escalating energy costs add to inflationary pressure, threatening economic growth and potentially pushing share prices down. U.S. stock markets continue to face bouts of volatility, particularly affecting airline and travel shares. The Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq each fell more than 1% on Thursday, with the 30-stock Dow closing below the 47,000 level for the first time this year.3 Dividend Aristocrats for Stable Income Amid VolatilityAs the Middle East crisis rattles markets, with no immediate signs of easing, investors should turn to safer options for consistent income. Dividend aristocrats stand out as they have a long track record of raising dividends, reflecting strong financial stability. Their steady payouts and resilient business models can help cushion portfolios during periods of market volatility like the current crisis.Here are three dividend aristocrats, with 25+ years of successive dividend increases:Atmos Energy Atmos Energy operates regulated natural gas distribution, pipeline and storage businesses in the United States.Atmos Energy has a dividend yield of 2.17%. ATO's payout ratio presently sits at 52% of earnings. ATO's payout has advanced by 8.75% in the past five years. Check Atmos Energy's dividend history here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 2.1% over the past 60 days. The company's expected earnings growth for the current year is 10.2%.Colgate-Palmolive Colgate-Palmolive manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and globally.Colgate-Palmolive has a dividend yield of 2.32%. CL's payout ratio presently sits at 56% of earnings. CL's payout has advanced by 3.36% in the past five years. Check Colgate-Palmolive's dividend history here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 1.3% over the past 60 days. The company's expected earnings growth for the current year is 5.7%.West Pharmaceutical Services West Pharmaceutical Services makes containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products worldwide.West Pharmaceutical Services has a dividend yield of 0.37%. WST's payout ratio presently sits at 12% of earnings. WST's payout has advanced by 5.55% in the past five years. Check West Pharmaceutical Services' dividend history here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 2.6% over the past 60 days. The company's expected earnings growth for the current year is 7.8%.All three of them, Atmos Energy, Colgate-Palmolive and West Pharmaceutical Services, currently have a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here.Free: Instant Access to Zacks' Market-Crushing StrategiesSince 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.Today you can tap into those powerful strategies – and the high-potential stocks they uncover – free. No strings attached.Get all the details here >>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.Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>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 Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL): Free Stock Analysis Report Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO): Free Stock Analysis Report West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks