Top Wall Street analysts are bullish on these 3 dividend stocks

The US stock market remains volatile due to concerns about valuations of technology and AI stocks and the uncertain macroeconomic environment. Given this scenario, investors looking for passive income can add some dividend stocks to their portfolio.

At the same time, investors may have difficulty choosing the right stock from the vast universe of dividend-paying companies. In this regard, recommendations from top Wall Street analysts can help investors choose attractive dividend stocks with strong fundamentals. These experts determine their ratings after an in-depth analysis of a company’s financial health and growth potential.

Here are three dividend-paying stocks highlighted by Wall Street’s top pros tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance.

First on this week’s list Diamondback Energy (FANG) is an independent energy company focused on onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. The company recently reported better-than-expected third-quarter results. Diamondback returned $892 million of capital (50% of adjusted free cash flow) to shareholders in the third quarter through share repurchases and dividends. It declared a basic cash dividend of $1.00 per share for the period, payable on November 20. With an annual dividend of $4 per share, FANG offers a 2.8% yield.

Reacting to the third-quarter pressure, RBC Capital analyst Scott Hanold reiterated his buy rating on Diamondback shares: price estimate $173. Interestingly, TipRanks’ AI Analyst also thinks FANG shares are bullish, with an “outperform” rating and a $156 price target.

Hanold continues to view Diamondback as a fundamental long-term holding in the energy space, given that it stands out with one of the highest core stock durations in the Permian Basin and the lowest breakeven levels (including WTI, unhedged and capitalized costs) of $37 to $38 per barrel.

“FANG continues to be among the most resilient E&P with superior operational, capital and production performance,” Hanold said.

The 5-star analyst expects Diamondback to gain from renewed gas-fired energy opportunities in the Permian Basin, supported by its strong footprint and exposure to natural gas. Hanold noted that FANG is part of the Competitive Power Initiatives project, in which the company has agreed to supply 50 million cubic feet per day of 1,350 megawatts of combined cycle gas turbines. He added that management is optimistic about securing more power/data center deals.

Hanold is ranked 69th out of more than 10,000 analysts tracked by TipRanks. Their ratings were profitable 64% of the time, with an average return of 26.2%.

Hanold is also optimistic about another dividend-paying energy company: Permian Resources (public relations). The independent oil and gas company posted upbeat earnings in the third quarter, citing its dominance in the Delaware Basin. Permian declared a base dividend of 15 cents per share for the fourth quarter, payable on Dec. 31. With an annual dividend rate of 60 cents per share, PR shares offer a 4.5% yield.

Impressed with the results, Hanold reaffirmed his buy rating on Permian Resources stock. price target $18. TipRanks’ AI Analyst has an “outperform” rating on PR stock with a $14.50 price target.

The top-rated analyst noted that continued “satisfactory operational and financial performance has become a hallmark for Permian” and believes the company can continue to do so in the coming years. Hanold highlighted PR’s strong operational performance, reflecting solid growth in organic production without any increases in expenses.

Hanold noted that the implied oil forecast for the fourth quarter rose 2% to 3% from the previous consensus estimate. Accordingly, it currently expects 188 Mb/d (oil) for the fourth quarter, which is 3% above its previous forecast. The analyst added that with the dividend payout supported even at $40 per barrel, management appears confident in keeping capital expenditures steady at current levels while generating solid free cash flow.

Additionally, Hanold sees the possibility of Permian’s fixed dividend increasing in early 2026. He also expects the company to make opportunistic share buybacks. The analyst expects Permian to use its remaining free cash flow to further bolster an already solid balance sheet (0.8x leverage ratios).

Finally, let’s look at this Duke Energy (DUKE) is an energy holding company that produces and distributes electricity and natural gas. The company recently reported better-than-expected adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter, citing increased retail sales volumes as well as the implementation of new rates and riders.

Last month, Duke Energy announced a quarterly cash dividend of $1,065 per share, payable on December 16. With an annual dividend of $4.26 per share, DUK shares offer a 3.4% yield.

Noting the third quarter performance, Evercore analyst Nicholas Amicucci once again confirmed his buy rating on DUK shares. $143 price target. In contrast, TipRanks’ AI Analyst has a “neutral” rating on Duke Energy shares with a $135 price target.

Amicucci noted Duke Energy’s strong third-quarter results and an early look at its updated capital plan, which is expected to be released in February 2026. Specifically, the company talked about a plan of $95 billion to $105 billion for 2026 to 2030, with a target of 30% to 50% equity funding.

In addition, the 5-star analyst emphasized that the management sees that the momentum will continue next year and expects to turn major economic opportunities into concrete projects with signed energy service agreements. Amicucci added that Duke Energy is well positioned to add at least 8.5 gigawatts of new dispatchable generation to its service areas, including approximately 1 GW of upgrades and 7.5 GW of new natural gas assets.

Overall, Amicucci remains optimistic about Duke’s future growth due to Duke’s premium service areas, robust new project portfolio and approximately 90% of electric capital expenditures being eligible for efficient recovery mechanisms, “seemingly mitigating all regulatory delays.”

Amicucci is ranked #693 out of more than 10,000 analysts tracked by TipRanks. Their ratings were successful 79% of the time, with an average return of 48.1%.