Geopolitical tensions, such as the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, have created volatility in global markets, often sending oil prices higher. For investors, this environment can present a compelling case for energy producers, particularly those with a track record of returning capital to shareholders through steady dividends. However, selecting the right names requires a deep dive into financial health and operational strategy.
This is where the analysis of top-performing Wall Street professionals becomes invaluable. Their recommendations, often grounded in comprehensive fundamental research, can help identify companies positioned to benefit from sustained commodity strength while rewarding investors. Using data from TipRanks—a platform that ranks analysts based on the measurable success of their past calls—we highlight three dividend-paying oil stocks that have earned strong endorsements from the Street’s best.
Chord Energy: High Yield in a Premium Basin
Chord Energy (CHRD) operates primarily in the Williston Basin, a region known for its robust production but also higher drilling and completion costs. This operational profile makes the company a significant beneficiary when oil prices rise, as noted by UBS analyst Josh Silverstein. In his latest report, Silverstein reiterated a Buy rating and raised his price target to $142 from $119, citing the current “intense geopolitical risks” supporting energy prices.
The analyst’s thesis is built on Chord’s capital efficiency and inventory growth. He increased his valuation multiple to 3.5x from 3.25x, a modest premium to Chord’s five-year average of 3.0x, arguing it’s justified by improved operational metrics. A key focus is Chord’s balance sheet. Silverstein expects the company to accelerate its plan to reduce net debt to below 0.5x EBITDA, driven by higher cash flow. This financial flexibility should allow Chord to increase its capital returns from 50% to 75% of adjusted free cash flow, significantly boosting future share buybacks.
For income investors, Chord returns value directly. In Q4 2025, it distributed approximately 50% of its adjusted free cash flow via a base dividend and buybacks. With an annualized dividend of $5.20 per share, the stock currently offers a 4.2% yield. TipRanks’ AI Analyst model also aligns with the bullish sentiment, rating CHRD as an Outperform with a $134 price target.
Analyst Credentials: Josh Silverstein ranks No. 419 among over 12,100 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 66% of the time, with an average return of 11.9%.
Permian Resources: Balanced Growth and Yield in the Core Delaware
Permian Resources (PR) is an independent producer with a concentrated footprint in the core of the Delaware Basin, part of the larger Permian Basin play. The company recently initiated a quarterly base dividend of $0.16 per share, translating to an annual yield of approximately 3.2%.
RBC Capital analyst Scott Hanold, a five-star rated analyst, sees strong execution ahead. He reiterated a Buy rating and lifted his price target to $20 from $18. Hanold anticipates Permian will operate near the upper end of its 186,000 to 192,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Mb/d) production guidance for 2026, representing 4% year-over-year growth, while maintaining capital expenditures near the midpoint of its $1.75-$1.95 billion range—a 6% year-over-year decline. He credits this efficiency to “similar well targeting and productive performance along with longer laterals,” calling 2026 a “most capital-efficient year.”
Beyond production, Hanold highlights the company’s strategic move to commercialize more natural gas, which has reduced its exposure to volatile regional gas pricing. Furthermore, he notes Permian’s “balance sheet flexibility,” which provides room for both opportunistic share repurchases and potential acquisitions, adding another layer of shareholder return potential. TipRanks’ AI Analyst concurs with a bullish Outperform rating and a $20.50 price target.
Analyst Credentials: Scott Hanold ranks an impressive No. 19 among TipRanks’ tracked analysts. His ratings have been correct 73% of the time, generating an average return of 27.5%.
EOG Resources: Capital Discipline and High Returns
EOG Resources (EOG) is a large-cap exploration and production giant known for its rigorous capital discipline. In 2025, it generated $4.7 billion in free cash flow and returned
