Freedom Broker Rates Valero Energy (VLO) Sell, $276 Price Target

Freedom Broker lowered its rating on Valero Energy Corporation VLO to Sell on October 23, 2026, setting a price target of $276.00. The research note arrived as analysts weighed the refiner's financial outlook against broader energy sector trends.

VLO Valero Energy Corporation

$419.28 ▲ +157.38% year to date

1M 3M YTD

Daily close · Oct 23, 2026

Freedom Broker's Call on Valero Energy

On October 23, 2026, Freedom Broker updated its stance on the stock, issuing a Sell rating alongside a $276.00 price target. The forward-looking rating represents the firm's outlook on the company's valuation and market position.

Other Institutional Activity in Valero Energy

Franklin Resources, Inc. reduced its holdings by 83,358 shares, ending with 6,328,819 shares worth about $2.65 billion. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. cut its position by 1,314,837 shares, leaving it with 5,223,386 shares valued at roughly $2.19 billion.

Valero Energy Corporation Stock Down 2.4%

Valero closed at $419.28 on October 23, 2026, and recently traded around $426.28, which is up about 1.7% since that close. The shares sit 7.6% below their 52-week high of $461.52 and well above their 200-day moving average of $279.22.

Recent Earnings

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures and sells transportation fuels and petrochemical products across three main segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company reported trailing-twelve-month revenue of $146.58 billion and basic earnings of $43.97 per share. Profitability metrics show a net margin of 8.8% alongside a year-over-year revenue growth rate of 51.9%. Investors watch for the next earnings report scheduled for January 28, 2027.

Dividend

The company pays an annual dividend rate of $4.80 per share, delivering a dividend yield of 1.13% with a payout ratio of 19.4%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Valero Energy Corporation

Officer Eric A Fisher completed four transactions between March 12, 2026, and June 29, 2026. The sales included 8,711 shares on March 12, 2026, valued at $1,987,772.00; 7,500 shares on May 18, 2026, at $251.61 per share for $1,887,064.00; 7,500 shares on June 18, 2026, at $236.90 per share for $1,776,781.00; and 7,500 shares on June 29, 2026, at $268.17 per share for $2,011,307.00.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

On October 22, 2026, TD Cowen maintained its Hold rating and raised its target from $375.00 to $400.00. On October 23, 2026, Citigroup maintained a Neutral rating while lifting its target from $485.00 to $490.00, Wells Fargo kept an Overweight rating and raised its target from $485.00 to $489.00, and Barclays reiterated its Overweight rating with a target moving from $441.00 to $443.00. Across Wall Street, 19 analysts track the stock, resulting in a consensus buy recommendation and a mean price target of $418.79.

About Valero Energy

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Valero operates refining and low-carbon fuel facilities globally, converting crude oil and feedstocks into essential transportation products.

Bottom Line

Freedom Broker's Sell rating introduces a cautious note as the stock trades near its mean analyst target. Market participants will monitor upcoming earnings results on January 28, 2027, for further indicators of refining profitability.