Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO) Shares Purchased by Westbourne Investment Advisors Inc.

Westbourne Investment Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO) by 14.6% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 55,045 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after purchasing an additional 7,014 shares during the quarter. Valero Energy comprises approximately 2.3% of Westbourne Investment Advisors Inc.’s holdings, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Westbourne Investment Advisors Inc.’s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $6,748,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in VLO. New Wave Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Valero Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Tobam purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA purchased a new position in Valero Energy in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC raised its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 196.8% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 276 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the period. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Valero Energy Stock Performance

VLO opened at $133.05 on Friday. Valero Energy Co. has a twelve month low of $116.84 and a twelve month high of $184.79. The stock has a market cap of $42.12 billion, a PE ratio of 15.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 1.42. The business’s 50 day moving average is $130.78 and its 200-day moving average is $137.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.50. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 9.58% and a net margin of 2.13%. On average, analysts predict that Valero Energy Co. will post 7.86 earnings per share for the current year.

Valero Energy Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 30th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 30th. This is a boost from Valero Energy’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.40%. Valero Energy’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.30%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently issued reports on VLO. TD Cowen dropped their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $145.00 to $140.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on Valero Energy from $192.00 to $176.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $160.00 to $159.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 31st. Bank of America began coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Thursday, October 17th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $150.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $165.00 to $158.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $154.46.

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.