Hsbc Holdings PLC Increases Position in Valero Energy Corporation $VLO

Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its holdings in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 743,997 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after purchasing an additional 20,234 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC’s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $194,174,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $1,111,542,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership acquired a new position in Valero Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at $275,239,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Valero Energy by 2,635.7% in the 4th quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 950,527 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $154,736,000 after purchasing an additional 915,782 shares during the last quarter. Amundi lifted its holdings in Valero Energy by 45.3% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 2,584,976 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $638,695,000 after purchasing an additional 806,018 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 49.3% during the fourth quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,696,811 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $276,224,000 after buying an additional 560,116 shares in the last quarter. 78.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Transactions at Valero Energy

In related news, SVP Eric A. Fisher sold 7,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $268.17, for a total transaction of $2,011,275.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 19,742 shares in the company, valued at $5,294,212.14. This trade represents a 27.53% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.36% of the company’s stock.

Valero Energy News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Valero Energy this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Wall Street analysts collectively rate VLO a Buy. While the article cautions that brokerage recommendations can be overly optimistic, the favorable consensus may continue to support investor demand. Wall Street Analysts See Valero Energy as a Buy
• Positive Sentiment: Valero was included in Zacks’ list of Rank #1, or Strong Buy, growth stocks. Its growth, value and momentum characteristics are being highlighted as reasons for long-term investor interest. Best Growth Stocks to Buy
• Positive Sentiment: In a comparison with Marathon Petroleum, Valero receives the edge because of its stronger balance sheet and share-price momentum, despite Marathon offering a cheaper valuation. This reinforces VLO’s positioning among large refiners. Marathon Versus Valero
• Positive Sentiment: Valero is also identified as a relatively low-beta stock, potentially appealing to investors seeking refining exposure with less market volatility. Low-Beta Stocks
• Neutral Sentiment: An article discusses whether Valero, along with other refiners, could afford to acquire Delek US Holdings. No transaction was announced, so the potential deal is not an immediate catalyst. Could Valero Afford Delek US Holdings
• Negative Sentiment: Valero shares have risen sharply—about 14% over the past month, 43% over three months and more than 100% year to date—while recently easing slightly. Analysts examining fair value suggest the stock may be fully valued or trading above intrinsic value, increasing the risk of profit-taking. Is Valero Fully Valued

Valero Energy Trading Down 1.6%

VLO opened at $340.61 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $98.07 billion, a PE ratio of 14.13, a P/E/G ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 0.55. Valero Energy Corporation has a one year low of $145.14 and a one year high of $353.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.64. The business’s 50 day moving average price is $296.84 and its 200 day moving average price is $256.30.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The oil and gas company reported $12.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.11 by $2.43. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 26.74% and a net margin of 5.17%.The company had revenue of $44.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $39.47 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.28 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 48.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Valero Energy Corporation will post 40.62 EPS for the current year.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 31st. Investors of record on Friday, July 31st will be issued a $1.20 dividend. This represents a $4.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 31st. Valero Energy’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 19.92%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently weighed in on VLO. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $289.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Valero Energy from $286.00 to $357.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group set a $350.00 price target on Valero Energy in a report on Monday, August 3rd. Barclays boosted their price objective on Valero Energy from $279.00 to $323.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, July 31st. Finally, Citigroup upped their target price on Valero Energy from $259.00 to $302.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $288.00.

Valero Energy Company Profile

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.