Valero Energy Corporation $VLO Stock Sold by Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Key Points

• Oppenheimer reduced its Valero stake by 10.4% in the third quarter, selling 4,409 shares and retaining 38,010 shares valued at approximately $14.7 million.
• Institutional ownership remains substantial at 78.69%, with several major investors—including Bank of America, Amundi and UBS— increasing their positions.
• Valero reported strong quarterly results, earning $23.90 per share on $46.10 billion in revenue, beating analyst estimates; analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” consensus with an average price target of $379.94, though refining-cycle and margin risks remain.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. lowered its stake in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO - Free Report) by 10.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 38,010 shares of the oil and gas company's stock after selling 4,409 shares during the quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.'s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $14,733,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of Valero Energy by 11.4% during the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 5,033,310 shares of the oil and gas company's stock worth $1,243,630,000 after acquiring an additional 516,975 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 9.4% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,969,320 shares of the oil and gas company's stock worth $733,660,000 after acquiring an additional 254,604 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in Valero Energy by 18.4% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 2,842,339 shares of the oil and gas company's stock valued at $702,285,000 after acquiring an additional 442,177 shares in the last quarter. Amundi lifted its position 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 acquiring an additional 806,018 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its stake in Valero Energy by 33.9% in the 2nd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 2,058,341 shares of the oil and gas company's stock worth $536,074,000 after purchasing an additional 520,642 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 78.69% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

VLO has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings upgraded Valero Energy from a "buy (b)" rating to a "buy (b+)" rating in a report on Thursday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Valero Energy from $255.00 to $411.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a report on Monday, September 14th. Raymond James Financial upped their price objective on Valero Energy from $350.00 to $450.00 and gave the stock a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday, September 14th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on Valero Energy from $401.00 to $394.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 8th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on Valero Energy from $485.00 to $490.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Friday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $379.94.

Valero Energy Stock Performance

VLO opened at $426.23 on Tuesday. Valero Energy Corporation has a 52-week low of $159.90 and a 52-week high of $461.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $122.72 billion, a PE ratio of 9.59, a PEG ratio of 0.24 and a beta of 0.59. 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 simple moving average is $392.44 and its 200 day simple moving average is $279.72.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 22nd. The oil and gas company reported $23.90 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $21.17 by $2.73. The firm had revenue of $46.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $42.71 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 47.50% and a net margin of 8.44%. The business's quarterly revenue was up 43.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.66 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Valero Energy Corporation will post 54.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Valero Energy News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: Positive earnings momentum: Recent coverage says Valero is well positioned for a potential near-term surge because analysts have been revising earnings estimates higher. The company’s latest reported quarter also substantially exceeded consensus EPS and revenue expectations, supported by strong refining margins. Why Valero Energy Might Be Well Poised for a Surge
• Positive Sentiment: Growth and valuation appeal: Zacks characterizes VLO as having several solid growth attributes that could help it outperform the broader market. The stock’s strong profitability, recent earnings growth and relatively low valuation may be attracting investors. Is Valero Energy a Solid Growth Stock?
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst support: Wall Street coverage remains mixed but includes a “Moderate Buy” consensus, with Citigroup and Barclays analysts expecting additional appreciation. Valero Stock Rated Moderate Buy
• Neutral Sentiment: Potential defensive characteristics: Commentary presents Valero as a possible hedge during periods of market or energy-sector uncertainty, while emphasizing that the strategy involves trade-offs and remains exposed to cyclical refining conditions. Valero: A Potential Hedge, But Not Without Trade-Offs
• Negative Sentiment: Downside risks remain: Valero’s record quarter was accompanied by lighter fourth-quarter guidance, while potential Russian diesel imports, crude-price pressure and weaker refining margins could reduce future earnings. Valero’s Windfall Quarter Meets Washington’s Push for Cheaper Diesel
• Negative Sentiment: Profit-taking risk: Investor Michael Burry is considering selling, reducing or donating some long-held positions, including Valero, because he views valuations as stretched. Freedom Broker also issued a sell rating, creating a counterweight to the more bullish analyst forecasts. Michael Burry Eyes the Exit on Valero

Valero Energy Company Profile

Valero Energy Corporation is an international energy company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company's primary business is refining and marketing transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other products used by commercial, industrial and consumer customers.

Valero operates refineries in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Its refining operations also produce asphalt, petrochemical feedstocks and other petroleum-based products. The company markets fuel through wholesale channels and branded retail networks, including Valero, Beacon and Shamrock-branded locations.

In addition to conventional refining, Valero has businesses focused on renewable fuels.

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