Total Wealth Planning & Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO – Free Report) during the fourth quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund purchased 3,239 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock, valued at approximately $527,000.
Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. JPL Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Torren Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. AXS Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 32.9% during the 4th quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 206 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Triumph Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 3rd quarter valued at about $35,000. Institutional investors own 78.69% of the company’s stock.
Key Stories Impacting Valero Energy
Here are the key news stories impacting Valero Energy this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Valero was named to Zacks’ #1 (Strong Buy) growth stocks list, which may be helping investor sentiment by signaling improving momentum and favorable analyst-style rankings. Best Growth Stocks to Buy for June 4th
- Positive Sentiment: Zacks said high oil prices may not fully derail Valero’s refining strength, pointing to tight global capacity and low fuel inventories that can keep refining margins supported. Why High Oil Prices Won’t Fully Derail VLO’s Refining Strength
- Positive Sentiment: Another Zacks note reiterated Valero as a strong value stock, adding to the case that the company remains attractive on fundamentals despite the recent run-up. Here’s Why Valero Energy (VLO) is a Strong Value Stock
- Neutral Sentiment: Coverage focused on whether VLO can extend its move after hitting a 52-week high; this reflects strong performance, but also suggests the stock may need continued fundamental support to keep rising. Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?
- Negative Sentiment: One article flagged insider stock sales over the past year, which can be viewed as a cautious signal even though it does not necessarily change the company’s operating outlook. Possible Bearish Signals With Valero Energy Insiders Disposing Stock
Valero Energy Stock Down 0.9%
Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 30th. The oil and gas company reported $4.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.16 by $1.06. The firm had revenue of $32.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $31.38 billion. Valero Energy had a net margin of 3.37% and a return on equity of 15.94%. The business’s revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.89 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Corporation will post 26.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Valero Energy Dividend Announcement
The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 23rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 21st will be given a dividend of $1.20 per share. This represents a $4.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 21st. Valero Energy’s dividend payout ratio is currently 34.88%.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
Several research analysts have commented on VLO shares. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $178.00 to $226.00 and gave the company a “sector outperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, April 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $220.00 to $292.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, March 31st. Wolfe Research reissued an “underperform” rating and set a $203.00 price objective on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Tuesday, April 21st. Raymond James Financial increased their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $215.00 to $290.00 and gave the company a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, March 25th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $246.00 to $259.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday, May 1st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Valero Energy presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $243.65.
Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on VLO
Insider Activity
In other news, SVP Eric A. Fisher sold 400 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.60, for a total transaction of $95,440.00. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.36% of the company’s stock.
About Valero Energy
Valero Energy Corporation is a San Antonio, Texas–based integrated downstream energy company that manufactures and markets transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks and other industrial products. The company’s operations focus on refining crude oil into finished fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, as well as producing asphalt and other refined product streams for commercial and industrial customers.
In addition to refining, Valero has significant operations in renewable fuels, including the production of ethanol and other biofuels, and it manages an extensive logistics network of pipelines, terminals, rail and marine assets to move feedstocks and finished products.
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