Top Dividend Stocks to Watch in 2025 for Stable Returns

As market volatility continues, investors are increasingly turning to dividend stocks for a blend of income and potential growth. Despite recent economic uncertainty, certain stocks are emerging as attractive dividend plays, backed by robust cash flows and strong financial performance.

According to top Wall Street analysts tracked by TipRanks, here are three dividend stocks poised for stable returns in 2025:

Top dividend stocks for stable returns in 2025

Chord Energy (CHRD)

Chord Energy, a leading independent exploration and production company, has been spotlighted as a promising dividend stock by Siebert Williams Shank analyst Gabriele Sorbara. The company, with assets primarily in the Williston Basin, reported solid Q1 2025 results, driven by better-than-expected well performance, cost management, and improved operational efficiency.

Chord Energy declared a base dividend of $1.30 per share and returned 100% of its adjusted free cash flow to shareholders through share repurchases, resulting in a dividend yield of 6.8% over the past 12 months. Sorbara reiterated a Buy rating, raising the price target to $125. He emphasized the company’s operational flexibility and focus on capital returns, with plans to distribute over 75% of free cash flow to shareholders in 2025.

Chevron (CVX)

Oil and gas giant Chevron continues to attract investor attention with its robust dividend payout. Despite reporting a decline in earnings due to lower oil prices in Q1 2025, the company returned $6.9 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Chevron’s quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share translates to an annualized yield of 4.8%.

Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta maintained a Buy rating on Chevron, citing its strong free cash flow potential from key projects like Tengiz, US Gulf, and the Permian. Mehta adjusted the price target to $174, reflecting a slightly tempered outlook amid macroeconomic challenges. Nonetheless, he underscored Chevron’s commitment to shareholder returns and production growth in the Gulf of Mexico and Permian Basin.

EOG Resources (EOG)

EOG Resources, a crude oil and natural gas exploration firm, also stands out as a high-potential dividend stock. RBC Capital analyst Scott Hanold reaffirmed a Buy rating on EOG with a price target of $145, following the company’s Q1 2025 earnings beat. EOG returned $1.3 billion to shareholders in Q1 through dividends and share repurchases, achieving a dividend yield of 3.4%.

Despite macroeconomic headwinds, EOG’s capital optimization strategy and solid balance sheet provide a strong foundation for continued shareholder returns. Hanold noted that EOG has the potential to exceed 100% free cash flow returns in Q2 2025, driven by cash reserves and balance sheet strength.

Overall, top analysts believe these three stocks are well-positioned to deliver steady income and potential upside for investors amid ongoing market uncertainty.