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]