rewrite this title Top Wall Street analysts prefer these 3 dividend-paying stocks for consistent income

Many pundits are expecting major indices to be volatile due to macro uncertainty. Moreover, on average, September has historically been the worst month for U.S. stocks.

Investors seeking consistent income despite a volatile market can consider adding dividend-paying stocks to their portfolios. To this end, they can rely on the recommendations of top Wall Street analysts, who with their expertise can help select attractive dividend stocks with strong fundamentals.

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

This week’s first dividend pick is Archrock (AROC), an energy infrastructure company with a primary focus on midstream natural gas compression. The company paid a dividend of 21 cents per share for the second quarter, an increase of about 11% over the first-quarter dividend. At an annualized dividend of 84 cents, AROC offers a yield of 3.3%.

In a recent research note, Mizuho analyst Gabriel Moreen updated the models and price targets for master limited partnerships (MLPs) and midstream companies. Moreen reiterated a buy rating on Archrock stock and modestly raised the price forecast to $32 from $31. Interestingly, TipRanks’ AI Analyst has an “outperform” rating on AROC stock with a price target of $27.

Moreen said AROC continues to “distinguish itself with exceptional balance sheet flexibility,” which allows it to deliver not only solid capital returns like its $28.8 million share repurchase in the second quarter, but also supports higher capital spending and dividend expansion.

Notably, the 5-star analyst highlighted that AROC indicated that it expects its dividend to increase consistently with recent dividends per share growth, if the business performs. Consequently, Moreen increased his dividend per share estimates for fiscal 2025, 2026, and 2027 to 83 cents, 93 cents and $1.02, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 20%, 12% and 10%, respectively.

The analyst stated that AROC demonstrated strong operational momentum by raising its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) guidance for the second consecutive quarter, although there were some one-time items. Moreover, Moreen believes that Archrock’s aggressive capex outlook stands out, as it clearly indicates that the company is seeing solid demand for new orders despite the volatility following “liberation day.”

Moreen ranks No. 112 among more than 10,000 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 76% of the time, delivering an average return of 13.9%. See Archrock Ownership Structure on TipRanks.

Next up is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP), a leading global infrastructure company that owns and operates diversified, long-life assets in the utilities, transport, midstream and data sectors. BIP declared a quarterly distribution of 43 cents per unit payable on Sept. 29, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase. BIP stock offers a dividend yield of 5.6%.

Recently, Jefferies analyst Sam Burwell resumed coverage of Brookfield Infrastructure stock with a buy rating and a price target of $35. In comparison, TipRanks’ AI Analyst has a price target of $34 but a “neutral” rating.

Burwell stated that BIP remains a “unique beast” with an expanding footprint. He noted three significant acquisitions since April – the Colonial Pipeline, rail car leasing with GATX, and the Hotwire fiber-to-home business, all of which were U.S.-focused and highly contracted. Additionally, all three have strengthened BIP’s midstream, transport, and data businesses, respectively.

“While BIP’s broad footprint remains complex, we tend to view positively that the YTD acquisitions have been in the US and that most of the divestitures have been ex-North America,” said Burwell.

The top-rated analyst contended that while BIP stock has stagnated over the last few years, its upcoming investor day provides an opportunity to help the market better understand the transactions made in 2025. Burwell expects BIP’s funds from operations (FFO) to grow at a nearly 9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), excluding to-be-announced capital recycling. Burwell also expects solid distribution growth at about 6.5% CAGR through 2027.

Burwell ranks No. 848 among more than 10,000 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 64% of the time, delivering an average return of 15.7%. See Brookfield Infrastructure Statistics on TipRanks.

Another dividend-paying energy stock is Permian Resources (PR). It is an independent oil and natural gas company having assets in the Permian Basin, with a concentration in the core of the Delaware Basin. The company declared a base dividend of 15 cents per share for the third quarter of 2025, payable on Sept. 30. At an annualized dividend per share of 60 cents, PR stock offers a dividend yield of 4.3%.

Recently, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta reaffirmed a buy rating on Permian stock with a price forecast of $17. Likewise, TipRanks’ AI Analyst has an “outperform” rating on PR stock with a price target of $16.50.

Mehta highlighted that Permian Resources continued to ramp its operations in the second quarter across the acquired assets from APA Corp. and other smaller bolt-on acquisitions. Moreover, the company announced new transportation and marketing agreements to enhance oil and natural gas netbacks, which are estimated to drive incremental free cash flow of over $50 million in 2026 compared with 2024.

Despite the uncertainty around oil prices, the 5-star analyst remains bullish on Permian Resources, given its cost optimization efforts and focus on delivering higher free cash flow per share. The analyst noted management’s commentary about PR’s solid balance sheet, which allows it to make strategic investments without disrupting its capital allocation priorities, such as increasing cash on the balance sheet, share repurchases, and debt reduction.

“We believe PR’s focus on opportunistically acquiring high-quality assets along with consistent grassroots acquisitions can drive long-term shareholder value,” said Mehta.

Mehta ranks No. 670 among more than 10,000 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 59% of the time, delivering an average return of 9%. See Permian Resources Insider Trading Activity on TipRanks.