Wall Street’s Top Dividend Stock Picks for Market Stability

​ Updated june 29, 2025
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As the S&P 500 hits new highs amid macro uncertainties, ​investors seeking⁢ to bolster ⁢returns might⁢ consider dividend-paying stocks. Examining the choices of ⁢top Wall Street analysts can pinpoint appealing ⁤dividend stocks,as these experts thoroughly ​assess a company’s fundamentals and its​ capacity to generate steady cash‌ flow ⁤for consistent dividend payouts.

Hear ‌are three dividend-paying ⁢stocks favored by Wall Street’s leading analysts, according to TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance.

McDonald’s (MCD)

McDonald’s offers​ a quarterly dividend of $1.77 per⁢ share, translating to an annualized dividend of $7.08 per share and a yield of 2.4%. The fast-food chain has increased its annual dividend ⁣for 49 years consecutively, positioning it to ⁤become⁢ a ⁢dividend king.

jefferies analyst Andy Barish reiterated a buy rating on McDonald’s stock with ​a price target of $360, viewing pullbacks ​as buying opportunities. TipRanks’ ⁤AI analyst also gives the stock an ⁢”outperform” rating, with a price target of $342.

Barish anticipates near-term acceleration in​ U.S. same-store sales and medium-term‍ acceleration in unit growth, which could narrow the valuation gap with competitors like‌ Yum Brands and Domino’s. He also noted improved international same-store sales, as McDonald’s benefits from its value ‌proposition‍ and‍ low-price combos.

Barish highlighted McDonald’s brand power,competitive advantages in size,scale,advertising,supply chain,and updated restaurants. He is ⁢optimistic about its defensive⁢ qualities and brand positioning during uncertain times,‍ higher visibility in delivering low-single to‌ mid-single ⁤digit ‌same-store ⁤sales‌ growth, acceleration of⁢ global unit growth​ to 4% to 5%, category-high operating margins, ⁢and significant free cash flow for dividends and repurchases.

“Despite a soft 1Q and well-known pressures on the low-end consumer, MCD is executing well by balancing value, innovation,⁤ and marketing,” said Barish.

EPR Properties (EPR)

EPR Properties, ‍a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in experiential properties like movie theaters, ​amusement parks, and ski ​resorts, recently increased its ‌monthly dividend by 3.5% ​to $0.295 per share. The annualized dividend of $3.54 per share gives EPR stock a dividend yield ⁤of 6.2%.

Stifel analyst Simon Yarmak upgraded EPR stock to buy from hold, raising the price target to $65 from⁣ $52, after visiting EPR’s headquarters and meeting with company teams. TipRanks’ AI analyst also has an “outperform”⁢ rating on EPR, with a price target of $61.

Yarmak’s bullish stance is driven by the stock’s recent ‌rise and improvements in the cost of capital, suggesting the company can “once again return to reasonable external​ growth.”

Yarmak estimates ‌that EPR’s weighted average cost of capital ⁣(WACC) has improved from nearly 9.3% to about 7.85% year-to-date. He believes this​ enables the company to aggressively pursue acquisitions and boost external growth.

Yarmak also emphasized the‍ continued betterment‍ in ⁢the fundamentals of ‌the theater industry and expects percentage ⁣rent to enhance EPR ⁢Properties’ earnings. The improved⁢ cost of capital allows management to explore other external‌ growth opportunities, especially in golf and health and wellness assets.

Halliburton (HAL)

Halliburton, an oilfield​ services company, offers a quarterly dividend of 17 cents per share. With an annualized dividend of 68 cents per ‍share, Halliburton stock’s ⁤dividend yield is 3.3%.

Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta reaffirmed a​ buy rating on Halliburton stock⁤ with a price target of $24, following a virtual investor meeting with management. TipRanks’ AI analyst ⁣also has an “outperform” rating on HAL stock with a price target of $23.

While management acknowledged near-term risks to the North American buisness, Mehta noted that⁢ about 60% of Halliburton’s⁢ revenue comes from international markets, providing resilience not reflected in the stock’s⁢ price. Halliburton anticipates continued softness in regions like mexico,Saudi Arabia,and Iraq. However, most of Halliburton’s international rigs are involved in ⁤unconventional drilling, and management does not expect significant suspensions.

Management expects⁣ “idiosyncratic growth” from unconventional completion opportunities in Argentina and Saudi Arabia, market share ‍growth in directional drilling, intervention opportunities as operators ⁢optimize existing assets, and artificial lift opportunities. Mehta expects these factors to enhance margins and support strong free cash flow conversion, making HAL stock attractive.

Despite expected pricing softness​ in North America, Halliburton expects to maintain a premium due to⁣ its differentiated Zeus technology and⁢ long-term electric contracts, according to⁢ Mehta.

What’s next

Investors should monitor these dividend stocks⁣ and analyst ratings for potential adjustments based on‍ market⁣ conditions and company performance. ⁢These dividend stocks may offer a⁢ blend of income and stability in a fluctuating market.