When it comes to selecting dividend stocks, one of the top picks by Wall Street’s best analysts is Kimberly-Clark (KMB). This consumer products giant, known for brands like Huggies and Kleenex, has a solid track record of returning value to its shareholders. With a quarterly dividend of $1.22 per share, KMB offers a dividend yield of 3.5%. RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi recently upgraded his rating for KMB stock to buy from hold, citing the company’s shift to a growth-oriented enterprise under the leadership of CEO Mike Hsu. Modi is confident about Kimberly-Clark achieving its long-term targets, including a gross margin of 40% and a compound annual growth rate of over 3% in revenue by 2030.
Chord Energy (CHRD)
Another dividend stock worth considering is Chord Energy (CHRD), an oil and gas operator in the Williston Basin. The company recently completed its acquisition of Enerplus, positioning itself for enhanced growth and solid shareholder returns. Mizuho analyst William Janela reaffirmed a buy rating on CHRD stock following the acquisition, highlighting the increased estimate for annualized deal synergies and the company’s above-average cash returns. Janela sees the combined company’s enhanced operational scale as a key factor driving future growth for Chord Energy.
Cisco Systems (CSCO)
Cisco Systems (CSCO) is a leading dividend-paying technology stock that investors should consider adding to their portfolios. With a quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share, CSCO offers a dividend yield of 3.5%. Jefferies analyst George Notter reiterated a buy rating on Cisco stock after the company’s recent investor and analyst day, noting the positive outlook for Cisco’s prospects. With the acquisition of Splunk, a cybersecurity company, Cisco is well-positioned for growth in the tech industry. Notter is optimistic about Cisco’s long-term growth targets and expects the company to deliver solid returns for investors.
Overall, when investing in dividend stocks, it’s essential to consider companies with a proven track record of providing attractive dividend yields and sustainable growth. By following the recommendations of top analysts on platforms like TipRanks, investors can make informed decisions about which dividend stocks to include in their portfolios for long-term success. Investing in companies like Kimberly-Clark, Chord Energy, and Cisco Systems can help investors cushion their portfolios from market volatility and generate attractive returns over time.