With the holidays over, traders and portfolio managers are finally returning to action, while investors are focused on what to own for 2017. One thing is for sure: in less than three weeks everything that was in place from a policy standpoint for the past eight years in Washington is about to change, and that could have big implications for stocks.

Despite the fact the interest rates will be going higher over the next two years, the increases will be small so dividend yielding growth stocks still make sense for total return accounts. We recently focused on the new 2017 Dogs of the Dow.

The 2017 Dividend Aristocrats portfolio is also out, and the list is spectacular. The Dividend Aristocrats are S&P 500 constituents that have increased their dividend payouts for 25 consecutive years or more. We screened the new list against the Merrill Lynch research database and found five top companies from different sectors rated Buy.

AT&T

This company had an incredible run last year and has rallied back smartly from lows printed in November. AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is the world’s largest provider of pay TV, with TV customers in the United States and 11 Latin American countries. In the United States, the AT&T wireless network has the nation’s self-described strongest 4G LTE signal and most reliable 4G LTE. The company also helps businesses worldwide serve their customers better with mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.

With its shares trading at a very cheap 14.3 times estimated 2016 earnings, the company continues to expand its user base, and strong product introductions from smartphone vendors have not only driven traffic but increased device financing plans.

AT&T is in the Merrill Lynch US 1 portfolio and has several major catalysts likely to drive strong network traffic demand: DirecTV Now and Mobile, “Data-Free TV” for DirecTV/U-Verse subscribers and increasing penetration of unlimited data plans. Many on Wall Street believe that the company is well-positioned to address ongoing traffic requirements, with additional LTE capacity available and the ability to leverage small cell deployments.

Other top Wall Street analysts have cited the company’s positive commentary on free cash flow and improving video/broadband trends later this year, with single truck-roll and new converged offerings expected to be coming next month.

AT&T investors receive a 4.61% dividend. The Merrill Lynch price objective is $46. The Wall Street consensus target price is $41.29. Shares closed Friday at $121.72.

Abbott Laboratories

Shares of this top pharmaceutical stock with very solid growth potential are down over 15% since August. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) is a leading diversified global health care company that develops, manufactures and markets branded generics, medical devices, nutritional products and diagnostic solutions.

The company recently agreed to acquire the equity in Minnesota-based Tendyne Holdings that it does not already own for $250 million plus future payments tied to regulatory milestones. Wall Street likes the purchase and the way the company is putting its substantial balance sheet to work.

The company also offers a diversified large cap play as earnings are split between five well-positioned business segments: Nutritionals (31% of revenues), Vascular (13%), Generic Pharmaceuticals (20%) and Diagnostics (25.5%) and Diabetes (10.5%).

Last year, CEO Miles White, who has been at the firm for over three decades, bought a stunning $45.5 million worth of company stock, which added to his already substantial holdings. The purchase made him one of the top 100 shareholders.

Abbott Labs investors receive a 2.76% dividend. Merrill Lynch has a $50 price target. The consensus target is $46.85. The shares closed last Friday at $38.41.

Coca-Cola

This company remains a top Warren Buffet holding and offers not only safety, but an incredible strong worldwide brand. Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.

Led by Coca-Cola, its portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade and Minute Maid. Globally, it is the top 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 its beverages at a rate of more than 1.9 billion servings a day.

The company reported third-quarter results that beat analysts’ estimates, but blamed strong international headwinds and political uncertainty for lower revenue. Revenue was helped by higher prices for sodas and a strong demand for water and sports drinks in North America. This makes seven-straight quarters that the company has surpassed Wall Street’s expectations.

It is also important to remember though that Coca-Cola owns 31.5% of Monster Beverage, which continues to deliver big numbers.

Coca-Cola investors receive a 3.5% dividend. The $45 Merrill Lynch price target is about the same as the consensus target of $45.54. The stock closed Friday at $41.46.

Colgate-Palmolive

This top dividend payer is also a very safe play for investors in consumer staples. Colgate-Palmolive Co. (NYSE: CL) manufactures and sells consumer products worldwide.

The company offers oral care products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes and mouthwashes, as well as pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals; personal care products comprising bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and deodorants and antiperspirants; and home care products, such as laundry and dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners and so on.

Colgate-Palmolive also provides pet nutrition products for everyday nutritional needs, a range of therapeutic products to manage disease conditions and various products with natural ingredients.

Principal global and regional trademarks include Colgate, Palmolive, Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Tom’s of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet and Hill’s Ideal Balance.

Investors now receive a 2.4% dividend. Merrill Lynch has set a $72 price target. The consensus target is $74.31. Shares closed Friday at $65.44.

McDonald’s

The fast-food giant remains a solid pick for investors seeking dividends and a degree of safety. McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD) is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer, with over 36,000 locations serving approximately 69 million customers in over 100 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business persons.

The company reported very solid third-quarter results after a so-so second quarter. Global same-store sales were up a solid 3.5%, including up 1.3% here in the United States. Top analysts around Wall Street have noted that the fast-food giant has continued to execute its restructuring plans, and they are very positive as we head toward 2017.

McDonald’s shareholders receive a 3.09% dividend. The Merrill Lynch price target is $140, and the consensus price objective is listed at $127.96. The shares closed Friday at $121.72.

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These five top companies are rated Buy at Merrill Lynch and also have raised their dividends for 25 consecutive years or longer. For more conservative investors looking for growth and income, these stocks make good sense for 2017 and beyond.

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