Over the past month, interest rates have bounced off of their 2013 lows, with the U.S. 10-year yield quickly rising from 1.66% to more than 2.20%. This has been a negative for dividend-paying stocks as they became less attractive relative to bonds, and profit taking also played in. Given the increased uncertainty regarding Federal Reserve’s policy and the direction of rates, the equity strategists at UBS A.G. (NYSE: UBS) believe dividend strategies that focus on underlying growth fundamentals should outperform.

UBS has just released a list of stocks that have a dividend yield of at least 2.5%, have increased their payout ratio by more than 5% during the past year and have positive consensus earnings per share growth over the next 12-months. All the stocks on the list have Buy ratings at UBS.

Williams Companies Inc. (NYSE: WMB) is one of the leading energy infrastructure companies in North America. It owns interests in or operates 15,000 miles of interstate gas pipelines, 1,000 miles of natural gas liquids transportation pipelines, and more than 10,000 miles of oil and gas gathering pipelines. UBS has a $41 price target. The Thomson/First Call consensus estimate is also at $41. Investors are paid a solid 4.0% dividend.

Ensco PLC (NYSE: ESV) saw a big jump in its revenue in fiscal 2012 after completing a merger with Pride International in May 2011. In addition to strong sales growth last year, Ensco also recorded a rebound in its operating efficiency, with margins rising for the first time since 2008. The UBS target for the offshore-driller is $64, while the consensus is at $70. Investors are paid a 3.3% dividend.

Nucor Corp. (NYSE: NUE) is one of the few steel companies that has not struggled with overcapacity issues. The UBS target for the stock and the street consensus are both $52. Shareholders are paid a 3.3% dividend.

Johnson & Johnson‘s (NYSE: JNJ) pharmaceutical business generated $2.6 billion in sales outside the United States alone last year. UBS has a $97 target for this top name, while the consensus is at $90.50. Investors are paid a 3.1% dividend.

ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE: CAG) has an above-average rank, in the top 50% of the Wall Street coverage universe, which suggests it is among the top most “interesting” ideas that merit further research by investors. UBS has placed a $39 target on the stock. The consensus estimate is at $40. Shareholders are paid a 3.% dividend.

KLA-Tencor Corp. (NASDAQ: KLAC) is a top technology stock to buy with strong dividend growth. UBS has a $58 price target on the semiconductor equipment giant, while the consensus is at $60. Investors are paid a 2.8% dividend.

Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is another quality large cap tech name to make the list. As demand for super-networks increase, Cisco looks to be a prime beneficiary of huge carrier build-outs. UBS has a $26 price target, which is the same as the consensus target. Investors receive a 2.8% dividend.

BB&T Corp. (NYSE: BBT) is one of the largest financial services holding companies in the United States, with $181 billion in assets and market capitalization of $22.0 billion, as of March 31, 2013. UBS has a $37 target, and the consensus is at $35. Shareholders are paid a 2.8% dividend.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has gone from hero to zero in the eyes of many on Wall Street. With a music streaming service and the iPhone 6 on the horizon, the company still has legs. UBS has a $500 target for the stock, but the consensus is higher at $535. Investors are paid a 2.8% dividend.

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) develops, manufactures and markets products for people with hemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions. The UBS target is $77, and the consensus for the stock is also at $77. Investors receive a 2.8% dividend.

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) is expected to grow at close to 12% each year over the next five years, with the bulk of growth coming from emerging markets such as China and India. UBS has a $15 price target for the iconic automaker. The consensus target is higher at $16.50. Investors receive a 2.5% dividend.

Companies that are growing their dividends are growing their earnings. Companies that grow earnings usually see appreciation in the stock price. The UBS stocks to buy offer an investor a solid portfolio of diversified names. The key to the game is always total return, and the UBS stocks offer that possibility.

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