Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO) Shares Sold by Central Bank & Trust Co.

Central Bank & Trust Co. lowered its holdings in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO) by 3.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 37,860 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after selling 1,152 shares during the period. Central Bank & Trust Co.’s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $5,000,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ameriflex Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Tobam purchased a new position in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth $30,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth $38,000. OFI Invest Asset Management purchased a new position in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Finally, Creative Capital Management Investments LLC raised its position in Valero Energy by 122.0% during the 4th quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC now owns 333 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.69% of the company’s stock.

Valero Energy Price Performance

NYSE VLO opened at $128.35 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Valero Energy Co. has a 12-month low of $99.00 and a 12-month high of $167.78. The company has a market capitalization of $40.20 billion, a PE ratio of 15.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.99. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $120.32 and its 200-day moving average is $127.75.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The oil and gas company reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.16 by ($0.27). The company had revenue of $28.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $28.54 billion. Valero Energy had a net margin of 2.13% and a return on equity of 9.58%. Valero Energy’s revenue for the quarter was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.82 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Co. will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 18th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 20th will be paid a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.52%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, May 20th. Valero Energy’s payout ratio is 159.72%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on VLO shares. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $140.00 to $141.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Monday, May 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $152.00 to $147.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 28th. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $160.00 to $150.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 28th. Scotiabank decreased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $156.00 to $136.00 and set a “sector outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $151.93.

Valero Energy Company Profile

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.