With the stock market buffeted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and questions about the durability of the AI rally, income-focused investors may be looking for more stable sources of return. Dividend-paying stocks can offer that cushion, and following the picks of top Wall Street analysts — as tracked by TipRanks — is one way to identify quality names.
Here are three dividend stocks that have recently drawn bullish calls from highly rated analysts.
Phillips 66 (PSX)
Downstream energy giant Phillips 66 is this week’s first pick. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $1.27 per share, translating to an annualized dividend of $5.08 and a yield of 2.25%. Phillips 66 recently reported solid second-quarter earnings, benefiting from the Middle East conflict that disrupted global supplies and pushed refining margins higher.
Following the quarterly results, TD Cowen analyst Jason Gabelman reiterated a buy rating and lifted his price target to $255 from $240, citing higher 2026 earnings expectations and lower interest expense next year. Gabelman also pointed to the quarter-over-quarter reduction in Phillips 66’s net debt, noting management’s optimism about hitting its estimated $15.5 billion net debt target a year ahead of schedule. The analyst projects the company will end 2026 with net debt of $14.6 billion.
“The [balance sheet] improvement could re-establish PSX as a go-to defensive refiner,” Gabelman said.
Management acknowledged that the payout ratio lagged year-to-date but expects buybacks to accelerate in the second half. Gabelman noted that Phillips 66 hinted at the possibility of a larger dividend hike following annual increases of 5% over the past two years.
Gabelman ranks No. 554 among more than 12,400 analysts tracked by TipRanks, with profitable ratings 66% of the time and an average return of 14.9%.
Crescent Energy (CRGY)
Crescent Energy, an exploration and production company with operations in the Eagle Ford, Permian, and Uinta Basins, reported better-than-expected second-quarter results earlier this month. The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on August 31. That works out to an annualized dividend of $0.48 per share and a yield of about 4%.
Evercore analyst Stephen Richardson reaffirmed a buy rating on Crescent with a price target of $18, noting continued operational strength. Second-quarter oil production and cash flow both exceeded Street expectations.
“CRGY’s cash flow exceeded expectations by 10%, reinforcing its trajectory of capital efficiency,” Richardson said.
The 5-star analyst also flagged that Crescent raised its full-year oil production guidance, citing the smooth integration of the Vital Energy acquisition. The company tripled its synergy target from the deal to as much as $300 million, which significantly lowered the effective purchase price. Richardson added that capital spending is trending toward the lower end of management’s prior guidance, reflecting disciplined financial controls.
Richardson ranks No. 579 among the analysts tracked by TipRanks, with successful ratings 65% of the time and an average return of 12.5%.
Viper Energy (VNOM)
Viper Energy, which is effectively controlled by Diamondback Energy, owns and acquires mineral and royalty interests in oil-weighted basins, primarily the Permian in West Texas. The company recently reported its second-quarter 2026 results and declared a 32% increase in its base dividend, effective in the third quarter of 2026. The new base dividend suggests an annualized yield of 4.5%.
Viper also removed its quarterly commitment to return at least 75% of cash available for distribution. Management believes this change will provide more flexibility for opportunistic share repurchases and accretive M&A.
TD Cowen analyst Aaron Bilkoski reiterated a buy rating on Viper and nudged his price target up to $59 from $58. He said the solid second quarter supports his view that stronger oil prices and rising operator activity are boosting production.
“Viper has delivered, and we forecast will continue to deliver, one of the highest production per share growth profiles in our royalty universe” through the end of 2027, Bilkoski said. He argues the stock deserves a premium valuation given its above-average growth.
While the biggest surprise of the quarter was the change to Viper’s shareholder return framework, Bilkoski doesn’t see it as a significant shift in strategy. Under the new approach, a larger share of excess free cash flow is expected to go to buybacks rather than variable dividends.
Bilkoski ranks No. 719 among the analysts tracked by TipRanks, with profitable ratings 57% of the time and an average return of 12%.
Source: www.cnbc.com — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/16/top-wall-street-analysts-like-these-dividend-stocks-for-steady-income.html
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Do your own research and consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
