Riding the Waves of Volatility with Steady Income
Volatility has once again made its presence felt across global markets — testing investors’ patience, confidence, and portfolios. Whether driven by rate fluctuations, inflationary fears, or geopolitical tremors, uncertainty tends to send many investors scrambling for safety.
And while traditional safe havens like bonds or gold serve their purpose, dividend stocks remain one of the most time-tested tools for building long-term wealth through turbulent markets. They not only provide a steady stream of income but often belong to companies with solid fundamentals, reliable cash flow, and disciplined management — the kind of traits that help investors sleep better when markets turn stormy.
However, not every dividend-paying company deserves a spot in your portfolio. The real challenge lies in identifying companies that can sustain — and even grow — their dividends during uncertain times.
That’s why in this article, we’ve screened for stocks that combine three essential qualities:
- Strong financial resilience and consistent profitability.
- Attractive dividend yields above the market average.
- Positive analyst sentiment, signaling Wall Street confidence.
Using Barchart’s Stock Screener, we filtered through hundreds of potential candidates to find the five most compelling dividend opportunities for 2025 — companies that not only pay investors generously today but have the stability and growth potential to keep doing so in the future.
How the List Was Curated
To ensure quality and relevance, these stocks were selected using the following filters:
- Number of Analysts: Minimum of 16 analysts covering the stock — ensuring each company is on Wall Street’s radar.
- Analyst Consensus Rating: 4.5 or higher (equivalent to a “Strong Buy”).
- Forward Annual Dividend Yield: Sorted from highest to lowest for investors seeking top-tier income.
The results yielded five standout names spanning energy, real estate, and materials — sectors known for resilience and predictable cash flows. Let’s break down each of these dividend champions and see why they belong in a defensive income portfolio for 2025.
1. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET) — 8.0% Yield
Industry: Midstream Energy & Infrastructure
Dividend Yield: ~8.0%
Analyst Rating: Strong Buy (17 analysts)
Potential Upside: 48%
Few companies embody energy resilience like Energy Transfer LP (ET). Founded in 1996, the Dallas-based pipeline giant operates one of the most extensive energy networks in North America — with over 125,000 miles of pipelines transporting natural gas, crude oil, and refined products.
In 2025, Energy Transfer continued to expand its strategic footprint, signing a 20-year agreement with Entergy Louisiana to deliver reliable natural gas to key power facilities, including Meta’s upcoming data center in Richland Parish. This underscores ET’s positioning at the intersection of energy infrastructure and digital transformation.
The company currently pays a forward annual dividend of $1.32, translating to an 8% yield — among the highest in its sector. Its payout ratio remains sustainable due to steady cash flow from long-term contracts.
Analysts are notably bullish, maintaining a consistent “Strong Buy” rating over the past three months with a $25 high target price, representing almost 50% upside potential.
Why It Stands Out:
Energy Transfer’s diversified revenue base, predictable cash flows, and shareholder-friendly policies make it a cornerstone holding for dividend investors seeking yield stability through economic cycles.
2. Permian Resources Corp (NYSE: PR) — 4.7% Yield
Industry: Oil & Gas Exploration
Dividend Yield: ~4.7%
Analyst Rating: Strong Buy (23 analysts)
Potential Upside: 71%
Formed from the 2022 merger of Centennial Resource Development and Colgate Energy, Permian Resources Corp (PR) has rapidly become one of the most efficient operators in the Permian Basin — the crown jewel of U.S. oil production.
In Q3 2025, the company hit a record 410,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, while reducing operational costs and expanding development across the Delaware Basin. This operational excellence translates directly into free cash flow, supporting reliable dividend payments and capital returns.
Permian Resources offers a forward annual dividend of $0.60, yielding roughly 4.7%. Its disciplined capital strategy and low leverage give it ample room to increase dividends in the future — a rare trait in the cyclical energy space.
Why It Stands Out:
With oil demand projected to remain robust through the decade, PR combines strong growth potential with a secure dividend, backed by efficient operations and a fortress balance sheet.
3. Smurfit Westrock Plc (NYSE: SW) — 4.8% Yield
Industry: Sustainable Packaging
Dividend Yield: ~4.8%
Analyst Rating: Strong Buy (16 analysts)
Potential Upside: 76%
Sustainability is the future of manufacturing — and Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW) is positioning itself at the forefront. The company was born in 2024 from the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, creating one of the world’s largest sustainable packaging providers.
Today, it operates in 40 countries and employs over 100,000 people, producing more than 200 billion square feet of corrugated packaging annually.
Recently, the company unveiled the world’s first clinical packaging facility near Dublin Airport, a $46 million project supporting global clinical trials. This investment showcases its innovation-driven growth strategy and commitment to expanding into specialized, high-margin markets.
With a forward dividend of $1.72 per share, Smurfit Westrock delivers a 4.8% yield and boasts a 76% upside potential, according to analyst forecasts.
Why It Stands Out:
Smurfit Westrock merges ESG-friendly operations with strong profitability — a rare balance for investors seeking sustainable dividends in a growth-oriented sector.
4. Netstreit Corp (NYSE: NTST) — 4.7% Yield
Industry: Real Estate Investment Trust (Retail Properties)
Dividend Yield: ~4.7%
Analyst Rating: Strong Buy (17 analysts)
Potential Upside: 21%
Netstreit Corp (NTST) is a self-managed REIT focused on single-tenant retail properties anchored by essential businesses like pharmacies, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants. Founded in 2019, the company now owns 695 properties across 26 industries, providing highly predictable rental income.
In 2025, Netstreit secured $450 million in new financing commitments, expanding its credit facilities and funding future acquisitions. The move, led by PNC Bank, will fuel continued portfolio growth and geographic diversification.
Netstreit pays $0.86 per share annually, representing a 4.7% yield. With strong occupancy rates and a recession-resistant tenant mix, it offers stable cash flow even in volatile macro environments.
Why It Stands Out:
Netstreit’s disciplined financial management, consistent rent collections, and exposure to “necessity-based” tenants make it a top-tier REIT for income stability.
5. Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE: EPRT) — 4.0% Yield
Industry: Real Estate Investment Trust (Service-Based Properties)
Dividend Yield: ~4.0%
Analyst Rating: Strong Buy (20 analysts)
The final entry, Essential Properties Realty Trust (EPRT), focuses on acquiring and managing single-tenant, service-oriented properties such as medical offices, car washes, and restaurants. Founded in 2016, EPRT has grown its portfolio to over 500 properties across 42 states.
Recently, the company priced $400 million in senior notes due 2035 at a competitive 5.4% rate, earmarked for debt repayment and strategic expansion. This move strengthens its balance sheet while supporting future dividend sustainability.
EPRT currently offers a forward annual dividend of $1.20, yielding approximately 4.0%, with consistent payout growth over the past three years.
Why It Stands Out:
Essential Properties combines a robust tenant base with strong financial discipline — providing both income security and growth potential, even as rates and real estate valuations fluctuate.
Dividends as a Compass in Uncertain Markets
In times of volatility, it’s tempting to chase momentum or retreat to cash. But history shows that dividend-paying stocks often outperform during uncertain markets by providing steady income and downside protection.
The five companies highlighted here — Energy Transfer, Permian Resources, Smurfit Westrock, Netstreit, and Essential Properties — exemplify the traits every long-term investor should seek:
- Reliable cash flow from strong, diversified operations.
- Attractive yields above the market average.
- Analyst-backed confidence with consistent “Strong Buy” ratings.
As volatility ebbs and flows, these companies offer a combination of stability, resilience, and reward, making them ideal for investors who value income consistency over speculation.
“Volatility may test your patience,” as one seasoned income strategist said, “but dividends pay you to wait.”
In 2025’s uncertain market environment, that patience — and those dividends — may prove more valuable than ever.