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3 Dividend Stocks Defying the Market Downturn Amid the Iran ConflictWritten by Nathan Reiff. Date Posted: 4/3/2026. 
Key Points
- While the S&P has dropped modestly since the start of the Iran war, some individual standouts have risen over the last month or so.
- Crescent Energy and Viper Energy are two lesser-known stocks in the energy sector with potential to stand out thanks to their domestic operations.
- Unum Group is unrelated to the conflict as a disability and life insurer, but it still draws interest for its dividend strength and growth potential.
- Special Report: Elon Musk already made me a “wealthy man”
The S&P 500 has fallen nearly 5% over the past month — roughly the period since the U.S.-Iran conflict began — but some stocks have bucked the trend and moved higher during that time. Certain industries—airlines, for example—have been hit particularly hard by expectations of service disruptions, higher energy costs and price volatility. Still, a number of companies—including dividend-paying firms—may have room to run despite the challenging environment. Investors seeking a momentum play that also provides passive income might consider names such as Crescent Energy Co. (NYSE: CRGY), Viper Energy Partners LP (NASDAQ: VNOM), and Unum Group (NYSE: UNM). Crescent Energy's Domestic Position Wins Analyst Support
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Higher oil prices can benefit parts of the energy sector—the benchmark Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA: XLE) is up more than 3% over the past month—but the Iran conflict doesn't guarantee success for any single energy company. Crescent Energy, a Permian Basin-focused exploration firm, has become a recent Wall Street favorite. Since the conflict began, the company has received a ratings upgrade from JPMorgan Chase, higher price targets from Wells Fargo and Piper Sandler, and reiterated Buy-equivalent ratings from other analysts. That interest likely reflects Crescent's strong domestic shale footprint, which could be important for U.S. supply if Middle East shipments decline. Its fiscal position and favorable geopolitical exposure help it stand out during turbulent markets. Those gains would add to Crescent's recent operational progress. In the most recent quarter, production reached about 268,000 BOE/d and the company generated roughly $239 million in levered free cash flow. With annual cash flow from its new royalties business expected to exceed $160 million, Crescent appears poised to expand its domestic role. Its roughly 2.5% dividend yield is an added benefit that should become easier to sustain as cash flow grows. Viper's Royalty Focus Sets it Apart in the Energy SectorViper Energy is structured as an energy royalties company: it does not operate production directly but holds royalty and mineral-fee interests. Like Crescent, Viper concentrates its assets in the Permian Basin, giving it exposure to U.S. production rather than overseas supply. Recent analyst moves, including several higher price targets, have lifted the company's consensus price target to $52.60, roughly 15% above current trading levels. Viper's royalty model can limit upside tied to direct production but also reduces operational risk, which may be appealing while production costs and commodity prices remain uncertain. Over the past year Viper has bolstered its portfolio and balance sheet: in 2025, the company acquired roughly $8 billion of mineral interests and strengthened its financial position. The result is a dividend yield that has risen to about 3.3%, plus a significant new share repurchase program. Big Growth Possible for an Insurer Separate From the Iran WarThe only non-energy name on this list, Unum Group is a life and disability insurer that has been pushed down with financial stocks amid the Iran war. Because its business isn't directly tied to the conflict, the pullback has made Unum look more attractive relative to peers. Management expects earnings per share (EPS) growth of 8%–12% and core operating growth of 4%–7% year over year for 2026. Combined with sustained profitability and shareholder returns—including a 2.49% dividend yield and nearly two decades of consecutive dividend increases—it's clear why analysts favor the company. Analysts also see roughly 30% upside potential, which may appeal to investors looking for growth that isn't directly linked to the geopolitical situation. |
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