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Get ready to smile, dividend hunters. Wall Street analysts are showing some love to income-generating stocks today, hiking price targets on six promising companies. With juicy yields ranging from 2.30% to a whopping 7.57%, these stocks span across various sectors, offering something for every investor’s taste.

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM): Riding the Gold Rush

TD Securities is feeling the gold rush, maintaining a Hold rating on Newmont but raising its price target from $43 to $48. That’s a potential 12.35% upside for this mining giant, which pays a shiny $0.25 per share quarterly with an annual yield of 2.3%. It's worth noting, however, that while the stock technically has a 20.96% five-year dividend growth rate, its payout was slashed from $0.55 per share last year.

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF): Banking on Steady Growth

Piper Sandler is keeping it neutral on Regions Financial but boosting its price target from $20 to $21. That’s a 6.25% upside for this bank holding company, which has been growing its dividend at a healthy 12.52% clip over the past five years. With a 4.90% yield and $0.24 per share paid out quarterly, Regions Financial is a reliable pick for income seekers.

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG): An Overweight Opportunity

Piper Sandler is upgrading Citizens Financial Group from Neutral to Overweight, and for good reason. With a price target hike from $35 to $41, this bank stock could see a 15.75% upside. Add in a 4.80% yield, a $0.42 quarterly payout, and a 9.24% five-year dividend growth rate, and you’ve got a financial heavyweight worth considering.

Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE:JNPR): Connecting the Dots for Dividend Growth

Barclays is keeping Juniper Networks at Equal-Weight but dialing up its price target from $40 to $41. That’s an 18.17% upside for this networking tech player, which offers a 2.52% yield and has grown its dividend at a 3.81% pace over the past five years. With $0.22 per share paid out quarterly, Juniper is connecting the dots for dividend growth.

Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ:COLB): Banking on a High Yield

Barclays is maintaining an Equal-Weight rating on Columbia Banking System but nudging its price target from $20 to $21. That’s a 7.39% upside, but the real story here is the yield. At a jaw-dropping 7.57%, this bank is paying out $0.36 per share quarterly and has delivered a 6.32% dividend growth rate over the past five years. If you’re hunting for high yield, Columbia Banking System is worth a closer look.

Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW): A Chemical Reaction for Dividend Investors

Mizuho is keeping a Neutral rating on Dow but raising its price target from $55 to $62, while JP Morgan is going all-in, upgrading the stock to Overweight and boosting its target from $55 to $61. That’s a potential 7.92% and 6.17% upside, respectively. This chemical company offers a solid 4.96% yield and pays out $0.70 per share quarterly, although its dividend has remained flat since 2019.

Looking Beyond the Stock Market: Alternative Paths to Passive Income

While these dividend stock upgrades are certainly enticing, savvy investors know that putting all your eggs in the stock market basket can be risky. If you’re looking to diversify your income streams and tap into the power of real estate investing, consider these two alternative options:

1. Arrived: Become a Landlord Without the Hassle

Imagine owning a piece of rental property without dealing with 3 a.m. phone calls about leaky faucets. That’s the beauty of Arrived, a platform that lets you invest in shares of rental homes for as little as $100. With an average annual dividend yield of 4.2% and the ability to choose which properties you invest in, Arrived puts you in control of your real estate investments. Plus, with the backing of heavy hitters like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, you know this platform means business. Click here to explore available properties on the platform

2. Cityfunds Yield Fund: Tap into Real Estate Debt for Steady Returns

For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, the Cityfunds Yield Fund offers a tantalizing 8% target annual yield (with a 7% floor) by investing in a diversified mix of real estate loans. With a low $500 minimum investment and quarterly distributions, this fund is an easy way to dip your toes into the real estate debt market without getting in over your head. Click here to learn more about the Yield fund or view other Cityfund offerings.

The Bottom Line: Diversify Your Income Streams for Long-Term Success

Sure, today’s dividend stock upgrades are tempting, but the smartest investors know that true financial freedom comes from diversifying your income streams. By balancing your portfolio with a mix of high-yield stocks, rental property shares, and real estate debt funds, you can build a rock-solid foundation for long-term wealth.

So go ahead and give those upgraded dividend stocks a closer look – but don’t forget to explore alternative income sources like Arrived and Cityfunds. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

This article 6 Dividend Stocks Receive Bullish Analyst Ratings and Price Target Hikes - One Yields 7.57% originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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