Empowered Funds LLC Acquires New Holdings in Valero Energy Corporation $VLO

Key Points

• Empowered Funds LLC acquired 231,804 Valero shares worth approximately $60.4 million, giving it a 0.08% stake; institutional investors collectively own 78.69% of the company.
• Analysts maintain a generally positive view, with Valero receiving a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating and an average price target of $288, despite shares opening near their 52-week high at $346.90.
• Valero reported quarterly EPS of $12.54, well above the $10.11 consensus estimate, while revenue rose 48.8% year over year to $44.48 billion. The company also declared a $1.20 quarterly dividend, or $4.80 annually.

Empowered Funds LLC bought a new position in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO - Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 231,804 shares of the oil and gas company's stock, valued at approximately $60,371,000. Empowered Funds LLC owned about 0.08% of Valero Energy as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in VLO. Whipplewood Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Valero Energy by 3,400.0% in the 1st quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 105 shares of the oil and gas company's stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares during the period. JPL Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Valero Energy during the third quarter valued at about $27,000. Financial Life Planners acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 134.0% in the first quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 117 shares of the oil and gas company's stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares during the period. Finally, Torren Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Institutional investors own 78.69% of the company's stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have issued reports on VLO shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Valero Energy from $292.00 to $356.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Friday, July 31st. Weiss Ratings raised Valero Energy from a "buy (b-)" rating to a "buy (b)" rating in a research report on Thursday, August 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $286.00 to $357.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group set a $350.00 target price on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Monday, August 3rd. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $279.00 to $323.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research note on Friday, July 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $288.00.

Valero Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:VLO opened at $346.90 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $99.88 billion, a PE ratio of 14.39, a PEG ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Valero Energy Corporation has a 1-year low of $149.52 and a 1-year high of $353.00. The business's 50 day moving average is $301.22 and its 200-day moving average is $258.41.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The oil and gas company reported $12.54 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $10.11 by $2.43. The business had revenue of $44.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $39.47 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 26.74% and a net margin of 5.17%.During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.28 earnings per share. Valero Energy's revenue was up 48.8% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 40.62 earnings per share for the current year.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 31st will be paid a $1.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 31st. This represents a $4.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Valero Energy's dividend payout ratio is currently 19.92%.

Insider Activity at Valero Energy

In other news, SVP Eric A. Fisher sold 7,500 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 29th. The shares were 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 of the company's stock, valued at approximately $5,294,212.14. This trade represents a 27.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.36% of the company's stock.

Key Valero Energy News

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

• Positive Sentiment: Tight global refining capacity, low light-product inventories and supply disruptions are supporting stronger refining margins. Valero’s flexible coastal refinery network is positioned to benefit if these conditions persist. Is Valero Energy Poised to Benefit From a Tight Refining Market?
• Positive Sentiment: Valero was included in a Zacks list of Rank #1 “Strong Buy” growth stocks, reflecting favorable earnings momentum and growth characteristics. Best Growth Stocks to Buy for August 27th
• Positive Sentiment: The company’s approximately $7.9 billion cash balance, low leverage and established capital-return program provide financial flexibility. Refinery upgrades could further improve cash generation and shareholder returns. Will Valero’s Excess Cash Translate Into Higher Shareholder Returns?
• Positive Sentiment: Coverage also points to falling Treasury yields, strong earnings trends and low debt as potential supports for VLO, while Barron’s sees additional upside after the shares more than doubled in 2026 on surging refining margins. 3 Growth Stocks to Buy as Treasury Yields Fall
• Neutral Sentiment: Valero was highlighted in several investment screens and value-oriented articles, increasing visibility but adding limited new company-specific information.
• Negative Sentiment: Erste Group Bank AG downgraded Valero from “buy” to “hold.” The move may temper enthusiasm, particularly with the stock trading close to its 52-week high after a substantial rally. Finviz Valero Energy coverage

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.

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