Top Wall Street Analysts Highlight Dividend Stocks For Reliable Income

November has been highly volatile, with elevated valuations in artificial intelligence stocks and expectations of a December interest rate cut weighing on investor sentiment. Those seeking dependable income in this uncertain environment may consider strengthening their portfolios with dividend-paying stocks.

Given the extensive universe of dividend names, identifying the most attractive options can be challenging. In this context, recommendations from top Wall Street analysts can aid decision-making, as their picks are grounded in detailed analysis and rigorous research.

Here are three dividend-paying stocks spotlighted by leading Wall Street professionals, as tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on historical performance.

MPLX MPLX (MPLX) is a master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets and provides fuel distribution services. The company announced a third-quarter distribution of $1.0765 per common unit, reflecting 12.5% year-over-year growth. At an annualized distribution of $4.31 per unit, MPLX offers a yield of 8.03%.

In a recent research note, RBC Capital analyst Elvira Scotto reiterated a buy rating on MPLX and lifted the price target to $60 from $58. In comparison, TipRanks’ AI Analyst has an “outperform” rating on MPLX with a price target of $59.

“We continue to view MPLX as one of the most compelling income plays among large-cap MLPs with an attractive current yield of ~8% and plans to grow further,” said Scotto.

The top-rated analyst expects MPLX to deliver higher EBITDA growth from 2025 to 2026 versus the prior year, driven by the ramp-up of key projects including the Secretariat processing plant, the Titan sour gas treatment expansion, and the BANGL pipeline system.

Additionally, Scotto is constructive on MPLX generating mid-single-digit EBITDA growth beyond 2026, supported by contributions from the Eiger pipeline and its Gulf Coast fractionation and export facilities, along with potential mergers and acquisitions. While she slightly reduced her 2025 and 2026 adjusted EBITDA estimates following the third-quarter results, she still anticipates MPLX will meet its mid-single-digit annual growth objective.

Meanwhile, Scotto maintained her distribution per unit estimates and projects a 12.5% increase in 2026, followed by another 12.5% raise in 2027, consistent with the company’s distribution growth target.

Scotto ranks No. 333 among more than 10,100 analysts tracked by TipRanks. Her ratings have been profitable 64% of the time, delivering an average return of 11.4%.

ConocoPhillips Another dividend-paying energy name in this week’s list is ConocoPhillips (COP). Earlier this month, the exploration and production company announced an 8% increase in its fourth-quarter dividend to $0.84 per share, payable on December 1. COP offers a dividend yield of 3.65%.

Following meetings with ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance, Piper Sandler analyst Ryan Todd reiterated a buy rating on COP with a price target of $115. TipRanks’ AI Analyst is also positive on ConocoPhillips and assigned an “outperform” rating with a $96 price target.

“In terms of resource depth and diversity, we see COP as better positioned than any company in our coverage universe,” said Todd. He highlighted ConocoPhillips’ industry-leading 22 years of drilling inventory, alongside strong growth from LNG and U.S. conventional projects over the next four years. Todd argued that the market may still be underestimating COP’s prospects beyond 2030, with substantial potential across U.S. L48, Alaska, Norway, and Surmont and Montney in Canada.

Todd is also encouraged by ConocoPhillips’ cost reductions. He noted that COP has lowered adjusted operating costs by 8% or $900 million since 2024, with the 2026 outlook indicating an additional $400 million in savings.

High-quality assets and lower costs are propelling peer-leading free cash flow growth for COP through 2030, with FCF per share projected to grow at a 12% compound annual rate from 2025 to 2030 at $70 per barrel Brent, above the peer average of 8%. While investors worry that most growth occurs after the Willow project contribution begins in 2029, Todd believes near-term catalysts are underappreciated. He estimates pre-Willow FCF per share to rise by 6% annually from 2025 to 2028, still placing COP third among peers.

Todd ranks No. 716 among more than 10,100 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 58% of the time, delivering an average return of 8.4%.

International Business Machines Finally, we consider tech giant IBM (IBM), which returned $1.6 billion to shareholders in the third quarter via dividends. With a quarterly dividend of $1.68 per share — an annualized $6.72 per share — IBM offers a yield of 2.22%.

Following a meeting with management, Evercore analyst Amit Daryanani reiterated a buy rating on IBM with a price target of $315. TipRanks’ AI Analyst has an “outperform” rating on IBM with a $349 price target.

Among the key takeaways, Daryanani noted that despite uncertainties related to tariffs, interest rates, inflation, and geopolitics, management remains optimistic about the broader macro backdrop and expects tech spending to be two to three points ahead of GDP growth. Over the medium term, IBM anticipates sustaining mid-single-digit annual top-line growth, driven by about 10% growth in Software, better-than-market expansion in Consulting, and a 1% to 3% increase in Infrastructure revenue.

The top-rated analyst also highlighted IBM’s transformation over the past five years, including the Red Hat acquisition and the divestiture of GTS and other non-core assets. This evolution has supported consistent growth, solid free cash flow, and expansion in pre-tax income margin.

Furthermore, Daryanani discussed management’s confidence in enterprise AI and a significant opportunity in quantum computing. “We see multiple vectors for growth over the medium term,” concluded Daryanani.

Daryanani ranks No. 187 among more than 10,100 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 61% of the time, delivering an average return of 16.5%.