3 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now, According to Analysts - September 7, 2025

Wall Street's top picks for income investors just dropped—and these three names are printing money while traditional savings accounts still pay pennies.

The Yield Hunt Intensifies

With bond yields stuck in neutral and inflation refusing to quit, dividend stocks are back in vogue. Analysts are circling three standout names that combine reliable payouts with growth potential—because apparently, 'safe' investments shouldn't feel like watching paint dry.

Cash Flow Machines

These aren't your grandfather's slow-moving utilities. We're talking companies generating serious cash flow while actually understanding what a shareholder return policy looks like—unlike some crypto projects that promise dividends but deliver excuses.

The Contrarian Edge

While everyone chases the next meme stock, smart money's building positions in businesses that pay you to wait. Because let's be real—if your portfolio isn't generating actual cash returns, you're just collecting digital baseball cards.

Elevate Your Investing Strategy:

• Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.

Leveraging TipRanks’ Best Dividend Stocks Screener, we have identified three stocks with Strong Buy ratings from analysts. Further, they boast an Outperform Smart Score (i.e. 8, 9, or 10) on TipRanks. The Smart Score evaluates eight factors to gauge a stock’s potential to outperform the broader market. Additionally, these stocks have a dividend yield of over 5%.

Here are this week’s stocks:

(ARCC) – Ares Capital is a business development company that provides financing to middle-market firms through debt and equity investments. The stock carries a dividend yield of 5.03% and a Smart Score of Eight. Interestingly, 10 out of the 12 Wall Street analysts covering ARCC stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 3.12%. ARCC stock is up 7% year-to-date.

(T) –AT&T is a U.S. telecom giant offering wireless, broadband, and pay-TV services. The stock carries a dividend yield of 5.49% and a Smart Score of “Perfect 10.” Interestingly, 16 out of the 20 Wall Street analysts covering T stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 6.76%. AT&T stock has gained 34% so far in 2025.

(AES) – ​ This is a global power company that generates and distributes electricity, with a growing focus on renewable energy. The stock carries a dividend yield of 5.17% and a Smart Score of Eight. Interestingly, four out of the five Wall Street analysts covering AES stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 28.38%. AES shares are higher by 5.29% this year.

What Is TipRanks’ Smart Dividend Newsletter?

TipRanks Smart Dividends Newsletter delivers a weekly high-quality dividend stock recommendation, backed by detailed analysis and up-to-date market insights. A well-chosen dividend stock can enhance your income investment portfolio and potentially yield long-term returns.

For a complete list of dividend stocks and their payout dates, check out the TipRanks Dividend Calendar.