CNBCยท2025-08-10 12:00Core Viewpoint - The article discusses dividend-paying stocks as a stable income option for investors amid fluctuating trade policies, highlighting recommendations from top Wall Street analysts [1]. Chevron (CVX) - Chevron reported market-beating earnings for Q2, although earnings declined year-over-year due to lower oil prices [2]. - The company returned $5.5 billion to shareholders in Q2 through share repurchases of $2.6 billion and dividends of $2.9 billion, with a dividend yield of 4.4% [3]. - Morgan Stanley analyst Devin McDermott resumed coverage with a buy rating and a price target of $174, while TipRanks' AI Analyst has an "outperform" rating with a price target of $171 [3]. - The recent Hess acquisition is expected to enhance Chevron's growth and portfolio duration, removing a major overhang [4]. - McDermott noted that Chevron's free cash flow yield for 2026 is projected at 8%, compared to Exxon Mobil's 6% and ConocoPhillips' 7% [5]. Rithm Capital (RITM) - Rithm Capital announced better-than-expected Q2 results, paying a dividend of 25 cents per share, resulting in an annualized dividend yield of 8.2% [7]. - RBC Capital analyst Kenneth Lee raised the price forecast for RITM stock to $14 from $13, maintaining a buy rating [8]. - Rithm's Q2 earnings available for distribution (EAD) were 54 cents per share, exceeding estimates, leading to an increase in EAD estimates for 2025 and 2026 [9]. - The company is focusing on growth and return on equity enhancement, with notable cost benefits from AI initiatives [10]. AT&T (T) - AT&T delivered better-than-expected Q2 earnings, driven by strong wireless equipment revenues, and offers a quarterly dividend of $0.2775 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of about 4% [12]. - RBC Capital analyst Jonathan Atkin reiterated a buy rating with a price target of $31, while TipRanks' AI Analyst has a neutral rating with a price target of $30 [13]. - The company's revised 2025 guidance reflects cash tax benefits and an improved trajectory in the Wireline business, with free cash flow outlook adjusted to the low-to-mid $16 billion range [15]. - AT&T's free cash flow outlook for 2026 and 2027 was increased by $1 billion, supporting management's focus on capital investments for long-term growth [16].