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Analysts prefer these dividend stocks for boosting portfolio returns
Dividend stocks remain a popular choice for investors seeking steady income and higher portfolio returns. However, with thousands of dividend-paying companies to choose from, identifying the right stocks can be challenging.
In this regard, recommendations from top Wall Street analysts can provide useful insights and help identify dividend stocks backed by solid fundamentals and with attractive upside potential.
Here are three dividend-paying stocks that are highlighted by Wall Street’s top pros, as tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance.
Permian Resources
Independent oil and natural gas company Permian Resources (PR) is this week’s first dividend stock. The company recently paid a quarterly base cash dividend of 16 cents per share. At an annualized dividend of 64 cents per share, PR offers a dividend yield of 3.5%.
Recently, Evercore analyst Chris Baker initiated coverage of Permian Resources stock with a price target of $25. The analyst believes that the company is well positioned to benefit from improving U.S. shale demand after the Iran conflict, thanks to its low-breakeven inventory that can boost free cash flow growth. Baker also noted PR’s disciplined consolidation in the Permian Basin.
Furthermore, the 5-star analyst highlighted the company’s focus on a single basin and management’s efficient capital allocations across expansion efforts, strategic acquisitions, and share buybacks. Baker noted that management focuses investments on the higher-return Northern Delaware Basin, helping boost profitability.
“The key piece of our work here, and the reason we think PR deserves a higher multiple relative to more finite or less flexible shale stories, is that PR runs an acquire and exploit model,” said Baker.
He explained that Permian Resources deserves a premium valuation as it continually acquires and develops new high-quality assets instead of relying on a limited inventory, a strategy that is the market is underappreciating.
Baker ranks No. 862 among more than 12,300 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 75% of the time, delivering an average return of 48.3%. See Permian Resources Ownership Structure on TipRanks.
Valero Energy
Valero Energy (VLO) is a manufacturer and marketer of petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products. At a quarterly dividend of $1.20 per share, or annualized dividend of $4.80 per share, VLO stock offers a yield of about 2%.
Heading into Valero’s second-quarter earnings on July 30, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta reiterated a buy rating on VLO stock and increased the price target to $286 from $283 to reflect updated estimates.
Specifically, the 5-star analyst raised his 2026 and 2027 earnings per share estimates to $31.42 and $23.07 from $29.42 and $21.06, respectively, while leaving the 2028 EPS estimate unchanged at $20.37. Mehta made these revisions based on several factors, including updated commodity price assumptions and changes to refining capture rates.
Despite a strong year-to-date rally in VLO stock, Mehta still finds it compelling due to his more positive refining outlook. Moreover, the analyst sees the possibility of solid estimate revisions, which could drive the stock higher. He believes that Valero is well-positioned to benefit from improving refining market conditions due to its strong position in the Gulf Coast, solid balance sheet strength, and low-cost operations.
“Additionally, we believe the company’s premium asset portfolio and crude slate optionality should support capture rates and stronger cash flow generation in the near-term, ultimately supporting shareholder returns,” said Mehta.
Mehta ranks No. 742 among more than 12,300 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 59% of the time, delivering an average return of 10.2%. See Valero Energy Statistics on TipRanks.
Ovintiv
Moving on to Ovintiv (OVV), a North American oil and natural gas producer. It has solid positions in North America’s premier oil basins – the Permian and the Montney. OVV offers a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share, or an annualized dividend of $1.20 per share, implying a 2.3% yield.
Following meetings with management, RBC Capital analyst Gregory Pardy reaffirmed a buy rating on Ovintiv stock with a price target of $70, highlighting that the stock is on RBC’s Global Energy Best Ideas List.
“In our eyes, the depth of Ovintiv’s Montney position, streamlined portfolio, strong balance sheet and enhanced shareholder returns afford investors with an attractive valuation re-rating opportunity over time,” said Pardy.
The 5-star analyst stated that his meetings with management bolstered his confidence in the company’s outlook and potential to achieve a higher valuation. Pardy noted Ovintiv’s transformation, with the company streamlining its portfolio from six basins (including the Uinta, Bakken and Anadarko) to two – the Montney and Permian – while enhancing the depth of its inventory.
Pardy also emphasized OVV’s improved shareholder returns and solid balance sheet following the recent sale of its assets in the Anadarko Basin for $3 billion.
Pardy ranks No. 169 among more than 12,300 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 64% of the time, delivering an average return of 22.3%. See Ovintiv Options Trading Activity on TipRanks.
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Khadijah Haqq Files for Child and Spousal Support from Estranged Husband Bobby McCray, Claims She’s Had to Take Loans from Family
NEED TO KNOW
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Khadijah Haqq filed for spousal and child support from her estranged husband, Bobby McCray
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She is requesting $2,033 monthly in spousal support and $100,000 for attorney fees from the former NFL player
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The former couple shares three kids: Christina, Celine and Kapri
Khadijah Haqq is requesting child and spousal support from her estranged husband Bobby McCray.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, The Girls star, 43, is seeking child and spousal support from McCray for their three kids — Christian, 15, Celine, 12, and Kapri, 5. She is asking for $2,033 monthly in spousal support and a one-time payment of $100,000 to cover her attorney fees. Haqq is also asking the court to determine how much the former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, 45, should pay in child support.
Haqq claims that her family “primarily relied” on McCray’s income, although she earned “minimal residuals” and was occasionally paid for small projects because she worked in the entertainment industry.

Khadijah Haqq and her kids.
Credit: Khadijah Haqq/Instagram
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Reps for both Haqq and McCray did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
In the documents, the mom of three explains that their family had always lived in a single-family residence and grew up having two cars. They would take their kids on at least one domestic or international vacation per year, and would often go to restaurants for meals or order in. The former couple’s kids went to private school, and Haqq says they “paid significant amounts” for each kid to participate in extracurricular activities.
“We had minimal to no debt and did not need to live off of credit card, which I have to rely upon now to make ends meet,” writes Haqq. She explains that she now is “unable to earn enough money to maintain the marital standard of living.”
Haqq says she has been “primarily responsible” for the care of their kids and claimed that McCray is “neither consistently in California” — where they live — “nor does he have a set schedule to see the children.”

Khadijah Haqq and her kids.
Credit: Khadijah Haqq/Instagram
She claims in the filing that with “little to no help” from McCray, she’s been unable to dedicate time to finding work since she’s been working as a full-time parent. Haqq also says she’s had to take loans from friends and family to make ends meet.
“For example, my sister deposited approximately $8,000 into my bank account,” says Haqq, “in 2025 so that I could pay for our living expenses. I have also had to borrow monies [sic] from friends to pay for same. I am greatly [appreciative] for the support I have received in our time of need, and intend to repay these financial loans.”
Haqq adds in the filing that her ex is “more than capable” of both meeting his own monthly expenses while also contributing to her and the children’s monthly expenses. McCray, who receives “significant income” from the NFL every month due to his disability and annuity payments, also gets monthly SSA derivative payments “for the benefit of the children,” but Haqq has not received them for their youngest child. Haqq says that McCray has an “obligation to support his children” and that he has “failed to do so.”
McCray filed for divorce from Haqq in August 2024, nearly one year after the two first announced their split. The former couple, who tied the knot in 2010 and were married for 13 years.
Read the original article on People
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Large apartment fire burns in Fort Worth, 1 firefighter injured
FORT WORTH, Texas – Fort Worth firefighters battled a large fire at an apartment complex on the west side of the city on Tuesday morning. About 100 people were displaced.
What we know:
The fire broke out around 6 a.m. at a two-story apartment building in the 6700 block of Calmont Avenue, which is near Interstate 30 and Green Oaks Boulevard.
Images from nearby traffic cameras and FOX 4 crews at the scene showed the building fully engulfed in flames. Residents said the flames then jumped from one building to another.
Three alarms were sounded, meaning dozens of firefighters were called to the scene.
At least one firefighter was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but he is already back on the job.
Four residents were also treated after breathing in the thick, black smoke. Two of them were taken to the hospital as a precaution.
What they’re saying:
Firefighters estimate that roughly 50 apartments were impacted, with more than 100 people out of their homes.
“A lot of pain. Our faith and hope has been destroyed today. Our only material things we have can be replaced,” said Billy Johnson, who lives at the complex.
“It’s just crazy because everybody just lost everything,” added another resident. “And we just moved in two weeks ago so we just lost everything. We literally just put all of our eggs in this basket.”
Some residents expressed concerns about an electrical overload causing the fire due to too many people trying to stay cool during this summer’s intense heat.
“The units they gave us did not receive no kind of break because the units are so small to where they couldn’t really cool us off. We kept them going 24-7,” Johnson said.
Guadalupe Jamarillo, another resident displaced by the fires, says the apartment gave out portable air conditioning units.
“They kept saying, ‘it’s getting fixed, getting fixed’. But nothing,” Jamarillo said. “This weekend, Friday, you’d turn on the lights in the restroom, and you’d smell something like a short circuit.”
Trinity Metro buses will reportedly take the residents to a temporary shelter set up by the American Red Cross.
Large fire destroys Fort Worth apartments
An aggressive fire destroyed an apartment complex in west Fort Worth early Tuesday morning. The fire also displaced multiple families and sent at least one firefighter to the hospital.
What we don’t know:
It’s going to be quite a while before investigators can determine the cause of the fire. They are still focused on controlling the hot spots.
“Sometimes you’ll see that dark smoke come back a little bit. We’re trying to figure out in some of these areas if there may be a double roof. And so we’re still working on all of that right now,” said Craig Trojacek, a spokesman for the Fort Worth Fire Department.
Big picture view:
Thick black smoke was visible on Interstate 30 near Green Oaks Road. Traffic reporter Chip Waggoner said the smoke was leading to some backups and traffic delays.
The Source: The information in this story comes from the Fort Worth Fire Department and a FOX 4 crew at the scene of the fire.
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The NYC Marathon 9+1 Program Is Changing, and Runners Aren’t Happy
Changes are coming for the membership program of the New York Road Runners, as well as its 9+1 program. The changes are expected to immediately impact participation in 2027 races and 9+1 entry into the 2028 New York Marathon.
NYRR is making these changes in response to a continued rise in demand for NYRR races, which itself is a result of growing interest in the NYRR’s 9+1 program.
The 9+1 program is the NYRR’s system that grants runners a shot at guaranteed entry to the New York Marathon.
The guaranteed entry is not free, but when you look at the odds of winning entry into the New York Marathon you’ll see why it’s a great thing. Odds of winning entry into the New York Marathon in the most recent drawing dropped to 1%, while as recently as 2022 the odds were around 12%.

In its current form the 9+1 program grants access to non-drawing race registrations up to two days early for Member Plus and Family Plus members. This is the main benefit in addition to the list of benefits for Standard NYRR memberships.
To complete the requirements for the 9+1 Program, a runner must finish nine qualifying NYRR races and one volunteer shift within a single calendar year while maintaining an active membership.
What’s Changing for 9 + 1?
The actual 9 + 1 component remains. Runners still need to complete nine qualifying NYRR races plus one eligible volunteer shift during the calendar year.
- The biggest change is that 9+1 will no longer be open to every NYRR member who wants to complete it. Beginning with runners trying to earn guaranteed entry to the 2028 NYC Marathon, you’ll first need to be selected through a drawing.
- There is no fee to enter the 9+1 drawing. You do need an active NYRR membership to apply.
- If you’re selected, you’ll pay a $99 9+1 Pass fee. That is a new cost and is separate from your NYRR membership, race entry fees and eventual NYC Marathon registration fee.
- Completing 9+1 as a passholder still earns guaranteed entry, not a free marathon bib. Once you qualify, you’ll still need to register for the NYC Marathon and pay the normal race fee.
- Nothing changes for runners currently completing 9+1 in 2026. Those runners are still working toward guaranteed entry to the 2027 NYC Marathon under the existing system.
- The new process starts this fall for the 2027 qualifying year. Runners selected in the 2026 drawing will complete their nine races and volunteer shift in 2027, then use that guaranteed entry for the 2028 NYC Marathon.
Going forward the Member Plus and Family Plus membership tiers are going away, current members of these tiers will get a prorated refund after their memberships are reclassified. The early access to race registration will now be a benefit available to all members, no longer to be reserved only for Member Plus and Family Plus members.
Why The Changes?
According to the NYRR the current system is not adequately built to handle the current level of interest in the 9+1 program, while the new system will improve access to NYRR races for all runners.
Under the new program the 9+1 eligibility drawing will balance out demand for races year-round, as will the $99 annual fee. There will be a limited number of 9+1 Passholders annually. Those members will have a clearer pathway to complete the program.
Under the current program the additional 9+1 Passholders mean less opportunities for program members, as well as the general public. The new program means less runners are competing for the spots in the 9+1 system, both as race participants and volunteers.
But this also means less NYRR members get a chance at better selection odds and they go back into the general lottery.

What’s Your Take?
Many NYRR long time runners are pretty heated about the change. The biggest frustration isn’t just the new $99 fee. For many runners, 9+1 was one of the few NYC Marathon entry paths that felt largely within their control. If you were willing to commit to nine races and a volunteer shift, you could earn your way in.
Under the new system, runners first have to be selected for the program before they can even begin working toward that guaranteed entry. That added layer of luck, plus the extra cost, is what has upset so many longtime participants. While NYRR says the changes should make qualifying races easier to access, some runners feel the program is becoming less accessible overall.
NYRR says they are trying to make the 9+1 path more manageable by limiting how many people can participate. For those who are selected, that could mean less competition for qualifying races and volunteer spots, making it easier to actually complete the requirements and secure guaranteed entry into the NYC Marathon.
But the new drawing and added $99 fee may also change the equation for some runners. Will fewer people decide the 9+1 program is worth pursuing? Will some longtime participants opt out now that getting into the program itself is no longer guaranteed?
We’d love to hear from runners who have used 9+1 in the past or were planning to. Does this new system change whether you’ll participate, or do you think the easier path to completing 9+1 makes the extra step and fee worth it?
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