CNBCยท2025-07-27 11:17Core Insights - Investors are focusing on dividend stocks for regular income amid market volatility [1][2] Group 1: EOG Resources - EOG Resources announced the acquisition of Encino Acquisition Partners for $5.6 billion, leading to a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.02 per share, with an annualized dividend of $4.08, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.4% [3][4] - Analyst Gabriele Sorbara maintains a buy rating on EOG with a price target of $155, expecting strong quarterly results and significant expansion in the Utica shale due to the acquisition [4][5] - EOG is projected to return at least 70% of its free cash flow to shareholders annually, with an estimated $976.6 million in capital returns, representing 107.7% of free cash flow and a 6.0% capital returns yield [6] Group 2: Williams Companies - Williams Companies offers a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, with an annualized dividend of $2.00, reflecting a yield of 3.5% [8] - Analyst Elvira Scotto reaffirmed a buy rating on WMB with a price target of $63, while adjusting Q2 projections due to seasonal factors and commodity price changes [9][11] - Scotto is optimistic about WMB's long-term growth potential, supported by a robust backlog of projects and expected benefits from additional projects and pipeline revivals [12][13] Group 3: Verizon Communications - Verizon Communications reported solid Q2 results, raising its annual profit guidance and announcing a quarterly dividend of $0.6775 per share, with an annualized dividend of $2.71, resulting in a dividend yield of 6.3% [14][15] - Analyst Michael Rollins reiterated a buy rating on Verizon with a price target of $48, noting the company's strong performance and upgraded full-year guidance [15][16] - Despite mixed key performance indicators and increased promotional costs, Rollins believes Verizon is well-positioned to meet its full-year guidance and sustain financial growth [16][17]