Analysts recommend three dividend stocks for stable income

Top analysts are recommending three dividend stocks that could provide stable income for investors. With uncertainty in the economy and fluctuations in the stock market, dividend-paying companies may offer some reassurance. The first stock is Vitesse Energy (VTS). This energy company mainly invests in oil and gas wells drilled by major U.S. operators. Recently, Vitesse acquired Lucero Energy, which is expected to boost dividends and increase liquidity. They announced a quarterly dividend of $0.5625 per share, up from the previous quarter. VTS has a dividend yield of 9.3%. Analyst Lloyd Byrne maintains a buy rating on the stock, with a price target of $33. Next is Viper Energy (VNOM), a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy (FANG). Viper focuses on acquiring mineral and royalty interests in oil-heavy areas, primarily the Permian Basin. For the fourth quarter of 2024, Viper announced a total dividend of 65 cents per share. Analyst Arun Jayaram supports VNOM with a buy rating but adjusted the price target down to $51 from $56. He believes Viper's dividend policy of returning 75% of cash flow to shareholders is appealing. The last stock highlighted is ConocoPhillips (COP). Jayaram also rates this stock as a buy but has lowered the price target to $115 from $127 due to potential oil price declines. The company plans to pay a dividend of 78 cents per share for the first quarter of 2025, which gives it a dividend yield of 3.1%. Jayaram notes that ConocoPhillips has strong operational strategies that enhance its portfolio and support cash returns to shareholders.