This is a triple net lease real estate investment trust (REIT) that is a solid addition to conservative portfolios. Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE: EPRT) is an internally managed real estate company that acquires, owns and manages primarily single-tenant properties that are net leased on a long-term basis to companies operating service-oriented or experience-based businesses.

As of December 31, 2020, the company had a portfolio of 1,181 properties. Essential Properties qualifies as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. It generally would not be subject to federal corporate income taxes if it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders.

Shareholders receive a 3.65% dividend. BofA Securities has a $34 price target for the shares, and the consensus target is $33.73. The final trade for Friday came in at $27.39.

South Jersey Industries

While hardly a household name, this top company pays among the highest dividends of any utility we cover. South Jersey Industries Inc. (NYSE: SJI) engages in the provision of energy-related products and services.

Its SJG Utility Operations segment consists of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers in southern New Jersey. The ETG Utility Operations segment consists of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers in northern and central New Jersey.

The ELK Utility Operations segment consists of natural gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers in Maryland. The Wholesale Energy Operations segment includes the activities of South Jersey Resources Group and South Jersey Exploration. The Retail Electric Operations segment consists of electricity acquisition and transportation to commercial, industrial and residential customers.

Investors receive a 5.19% dividend, and the stock will go ex-dividend this week, so investors that buy shares prior to that will collect the dividend. The BofA Securities price target is $25, lower than the consensus target of $28.30. The shares closed at $23.90 on Friday.

Sturm Ruger

Gun owners are very familiar with this top company that pays a stellar dividend. Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. (NYSE: RGR) engages in the design, manufacture and sale of firearms to domestic customers.