Core Insights - 'Friendly fraud' is projected to increase by 25% between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, with significant implications for retailers [1][2] - The average transaction value for items affected by friendly fraud is expected to reach $291, a 21% year-over-year increase [2] Industry Overview - Friendly fraud, often confused with true fraud, is anticipated to cost retailers $103 billion in 2024 [2] - The transactional volume during Black Friday to Cyber Monday is expected to see a 27% year-over-year increase [5] Company Strategy - ACI Worldwide's Payments Intelligence approach aims to provide complete journey protection against friendly fraud and chargeback abuse in real time, achieving a 98% fraud approval rate during the holiday season [1][4] - The company leverages AI and machine learning for real-time detection and prevention of fraud, utilizing digital identities to differentiate between trusted customers and potential threats [6] Technological Advancements - ACI's platform incorporates five key elements to optimize decision-making across the customer journey, enhancing profitability while maintaining customer experience [4] - The company emphasizes the importance of secure data-sharing across merchant networks to identify and combat fraudulent activities [6]

Nov 17, 2025 7:33 AM Eastern Standard Time ACI Worldwide to Discuss Payments Modernization and Fraud Trends at Three Investor Conferences Share OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), a global leader in real-time payments software serving thousands of financial institutions and merchants worldwide, will participate in three major investor conferences where executives will discuss payment modernization trends, fraud management evolution, and digital transformation across the global paymen ...

Core Insights - Javelin Strategy & Research released its 2025 KYC and KYB Solution Scorecard, evaluating 17 vendors for identity verification and compliance solutions in the U.S. financial sector, focusing on Capabilities, Use Cases, and Functionality [1][7] Vendor Performance - ACI Worldwide, Inc. received the Best in Class ranking for its comprehensive KYC and KYB solution, featuring customizations, automated SAR filing, dark web scanning, and human trafficking detection [2] - Sumsub and LexisNexis Risk Solutions were recognized as overall Leaders, with Sumsub noted for its advanced verification features and LexisNexis for its functionality and analytics depth [4] Industry Trends - The integration of individual and business identities necessitates financial institutions to partner with vendors that support both KYC and KYB, emphasizing the need for automation and intelligence in risk detection [3] - A significant gap exists in the detection of human trafficking, with only 41% of vendors offering such capabilities, which is critical for combating money laundering and fraud [5][6] Recommendations for Financial Institutions - The scorecard provides insights into vendor compliance progress, helping institutions identify innovation leaders and areas needing improvement in risk management [7]

Core Insights - ACI Worldwide reported strong third-quarter and year-to-date results, indicating continued growth in its Payment Software and Biller segments [1] - The company raised its full-year 2025 outlook for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, reflecting positive momentum in its financial performance [1] - An updated share repurchase authorization was announced, signaling confidence in the company's future prospects [1] Financial Performance - The third-quarter results showed strong revenue growth, with significant increases in adjusted EBITDA and bookings [1] - The company’s performance in Q3 is characterized by continued positive momentum, as stated by CEO Thomas Warsop [1]

Core Viewpoint - The focus on dividend stocks is increasing as the U.S. Federal Reserve announced another rate cut, prompting investors to consider stocks that offer dividends and potential capital appreciation for enhanced total returns [1] Valero Energy (VLO) - Valero Energy returned $1.3 billion to stockholders in Q3 2025, comprising $351 million in dividends and $931 million in share repurchases [3] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.13 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $4.52 and a yield of 2.7% [3] - Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta reiterated a buy rating on VLO and raised the price target to $197 from $180, citing strong refining margins and a constructive refining outlook [4] - Management's focus on capital returns and excess free cash flow allocation is expected to support approximately $4.6 billion in capital returns in 2026, implying a 9% capital return yield [6] Albertsons Companies (ACI) - Albertsons reported strong second-quarter results for fiscal 2025, driven by robust pharmacy sales and digital business [7] - The company announced a quarterly dividend of 15 cents per share, with an annualized dividend of 60 cents per share, yielding 3.3% [7] - Tigress Financial analyst Ivan Feinseth reiterated a buy rating on ACI and increased the price target to $29 from $28, highlighting growth through AI-powered digital sales and a high-margin retail media platform [8] - ACI's loyalty program, For U, saw membership increase by over 13% year-over-year, enhancing digital engagement and spending growth [10] - Albertsons is enhancing shareholder returns through ongoing dividend increases and a $750 million accelerated share repurchase authorization [11] Williams Companies (WMB) - Williams announced a quarterly cash dividend of 50 cents per share, reflecting a 5.3% year-over-year increase, with an annualized dividend of $2 per share and a yield of 3.5% [12] - RBC Capital analyst Elvira Scotto reiterated a buy rating on WMB with a price forecast of $75, citing the need for more energy infrastructure driven by rising power demand [13] - Scotto expects WMB to achieve a CAGR of about 10% in EBITDA from 2025 through 2030, with significant growth anticipated in Q3 2025 across all business segments [14] - The upcoming February analyst day is viewed as a potential catalyst for WMB, with expectations of an increase in EBITDA growth targets [15]

Core Viewpoint - Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) is recognized as one of the top stocks under $20 to buy, with analysts highlighting its strong Q2 fiscal year 2025 results and growth potential driven by digital transformation and AI initiatives [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Albertsons reported steady sales growth and improved profitability in Q2 fiscal year 2025, prompting Tigress Financial Partners to raise its price target from $28 to $29 while maintaining a Buy rating [1]. - JPMorgan also maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $24 following the same quarterly results [4]. Group 2: Growth Drivers - The company is leveraging AI-powered digital sales and has a high-margin retail media platform, which are key factors contributing to the increased price target [2]. - The Media Collective is identified as a significant long-term growth driver, expected to enhance both revenue and margins over the next three years [3]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Albertsons has initiated a $750 million accelerated share repurchase agreement and is investing in digital growth initiatives, new store openings, and store upgrades [3].

Core Insights - Longleaf Partners Fund reported a return of -0.33% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's 8.12% and the Russell 1000 Value's 5.33% [1] - The fund focuses on investments in real assets and brands that generate growing free cash flow (FCF) per share, with an expectation that the FCF multiple could rise from ~10x to the mid-teens [1] Company Overview: Albertsons Companies, Inc. - Albertsons Companies, Inc. is a US-based supermarket operator with a market capitalization of $10.385 billion and a stock price of $19.06 per share as of October 23, 2025 [2] - The stock experienced a one-month return of 7.72% and a 52-week gain of 2.74% [2] Investment Strategy and Performance - Longleaf Partners Fund increased its position in Albertsons during Q3 2025 after a quarterly earnings report that met expectations but did not excite the market [3] - The company has been actively repurchasing shares at a high single-digit annualized pace, which is viewed positively by the fund [3] - Despite competitive pressures from Amazon's grocery initiatives, Albertsons maintains a strong market position due to its real estate, brand recognition, and alignment with owners [3] - Following the quarter, Albertsons reported solid results and announced a significant accelerated share repurchase, enhancing value per share [3]

Group 1 - Albertsons Companies Inc. is considered one of the best large-cap stocks to buy under $20 [1] - Bank of America analyst Robert Ohmes lowered the price target on Albertsons to $22 from $24 while maintaining a Neutral rating [1][2] - The adjusted EPS forecast for FY2026 was raised by $0.03 to $2.13, aligning with updated guidance after Q2 2025 earnings exceeded forecasts [1] Group 2 - The price target reduction was influenced by a lower multiple applied to the FY2027 adjusted EPS forecast, which was increased by $0.05 [2] - Wells Fargo analyst Edward Kelly maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $23.00, while RBC Capital analyst Steven Shemesh also reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of $21.00 [2] - The company operates in the food and drug retail industry in the US [3]

Core Insights - Visory Health has announced a collaboration with Albertsons Companies to enhance access to affordable healthcare for veterans, families, and caregivers through its prescription discount card [1][2] - The partnership aims to address the rising costs of healthcare and medication, with over 9 million Americans reportedly skipping medication doses to save costs [2][3] - Customers can save up to 80% on medications by using the Visory Health discount card at participating Albertsons pharmacies [3] Company Overview - Visory Health is a health tech platform focused on providing affordable healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations, including veterans and families [5] - The company operates a network of over 37,000 pharmacy partners nationwide, including major retailers like Walgreens and Kroger, and offers a free-to-use model for customers [5] Partnership Details - The collaboration with Albertsons expands Visory Health's network of retail and pharmacy partners, which already includes Kroger and Food Lion [1] - Albertsons pharmacies provide various services, including vaccinations and health screenings, enhancing the convenience for customers using the Visory Health discount card [3] Accessibility Features - Customers can access their digital discount card through the Visory Health app available on the App Store and Google Play Store, or download it from the Visory Health website [4]

Core Insights - When corporate insiders, such as executives, directors, or major shareholders, sell significant portions of their holdings, it is often perceived by investors as a warning sign [1] Group 1 - Corporate insiders include executives, directors, and major shareholders [1] - Large sales of holdings by these insiders can trigger negative perceptions among investors [1]