MQS Management LLC Takes Position in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO)

MQS Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO - Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 6,714 shares of the oil and gas company's stock, valued at approximately $907,000. Valero Energy accounts for 0.5% of MQS Management LLC's investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest holding.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. EdgeRock Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Lynx Investment Advisory acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $33,000. Summit Securities Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, First Foundation Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Valero Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.69% of the company's stock.

Valero Energy Price Performance

Valero Energy stock traded up $2.54 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $139.56. The company's stock had a trading volume of 1,919,096 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,952,547. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The stock's 50-day moving average price is $135.63 and its 200-day moving average price is $146.80. Valero Energy Co. has a 12 month low of $120.21 and a 12 month high of $184.79. The company has a market capitalization of $44.18 billion, a PE ratio of 12.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.39.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 24th. The oil and gas company reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $32.88 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $31.04 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 13.07% and a net margin of 2.74%. The business's revenue for the quarter was down 14.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $7.49 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Co. will post 9.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 20th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 20th will be issued a dividend of $1.07 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 20th. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.07%. Valero Energy's payout ratio is presently 38.39%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have weighed in on VLO shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Valero Energy from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and reduced their price target for the company from $172.00 to $165.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 9th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $146.00 to $140.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a report on Monday. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $192.00 to $176.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 25th. Scotiabank reduced their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $173.00 to $141.00 and set a "sector outperform" rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 10th. Finally, 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 objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $155.86.

About Valero Energy

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.