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Are you looking for reliable income stocks to add to your portfolio this month? Dividend Aristocrats – companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth – offer some of the most compelling opportunities due to their stability and consistent payouts. 

Let's check out three dividend aristocrats, including two real estate investment trusts (REITs), that you could buy today.

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Essex Property Trust

Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS) owns and manages apartment communities across West Coast markets in the United States. As of June 30, its portfolio comprised 255 apartment communities containing over 62,000 apartment units.

Essex pays a quarterly dividend of $2.45 per share, which equates to an annualized dividend of $9.80 per share and gives its stock a yield of about 3.4% at the time of this writing.

Essex has been a Dividend Aristocrat for years. It has raised its annual dividend payment for 29 consecutive years and its 6.1% hike in February puts it on track for 2024, the 30th consecutive year with an increase.

McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's (MCD) is the world's largest food service retailer, with more than 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. The company proudly notes that independent local business owners own and operate approximately 95% of its restaurants. 

McDonald's pays a quarterly dividend of $1.77 per share, which equates to an annualized dividend of $7.08 per share and gives its stock a yield of about 2.3% at the time of this writing.

While its yield may be under 3%, McDonald's makes up for this with its impressive track record of dividend growth. It has raised its annual dividend payment for 47 consecutive years and its 6% hike in September marked the 48th consecutive year with an increase.

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Federal Realty Investment Trust

Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) owns and manages retail and mixed-use properties across major U.S. markets, including Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York City and Philadelphia. As of June 30, its portfolio comprised 102 properties containing approximately 27 million square feet.

Federal Realty pays a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share, which equates to an annualized dividend of $4.40 per share and gives its stock a yield of about 4% at the time of this writing.

Federal Realty has the longest consecutive record of dividend growth in the REIT industry. It has raised its annual dividend payment each of the last 56 years and its 0.9% hike in August marked the 57th consecutive year with an increase.

Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

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• Get ‘em while you can — investing in this asset class may be reaching a high-water mark but you can still make returns right now.

This article Dividend Aristocrats to Buy in October: 3 Stocks for Steady Growth and Income originally appeared on Benzinga.com