Wall Street analysts are recommending three dividend-paying stocks as a way for investors to earn steady income amid AI trade concerns and market volatility.
Viper Energy (VNOM), a subsidiary of Diamondback that owns mineral and royalty interests in the Permian Basin, announced a base cash dividend of 50 cents per share for Q3 2026, yielding 5.7% based on the past 12 months of dividends. TD Cowen analyst Aaron Bilkoski reiterated a buy rating with a $61 price target after the company reported upbeat third-quarter earnings. Bilkoski noted that Viper delivered solid Q3 results with production exceeding estimates and announced two royalty acquisitions for $809 million in cash plus $82 million in newly issued shares. The analyst said Viper trades at a discount to royalty peers despite its above-average growth profile.
Exxon Mobil (XOM) reported robust Q3 profits boosted by U.S. refinery production capitalizing on high diesel prices. The company announced a quarterly dividend of $1.07 per share, up 3.9%, marking its 44th consecutive year of dividend increases. At an annualized $4.28 per share, XOM offers a 2.53% yield. TD Cowen analyst Jason Gabelman reiterated a buy rating and raised his price target to $193 from $180, citing higher downstream earnings and plans to maintain $20 billion in buybacks for 2027.
Williams (WMB), which operates energy infrastructure for natural gas delivery, announced a quarterly dividend of $0.525 per share, or $2.10 annualized, yielding 3.09%. CIBC analyst Robert Catellier reaffirmed a buy rating with an $82 price target after Q3 results showed continued strength across the infrastructure portfolio. Catellier noted that Williams maintained full-year EBITDA guidance of $8.3 billion to $8.5 billion and targets at least 11% long-term EBITDA compound annual growth through 2030.
Investors monitoring VNOM, XOM, and WMB should watch for quarterly earnings reports and dividend announcements to assess whether these companies maintain their growth and payout trajectories.