On the stock market since 1982, it operates in the world of energy. It has 9,811 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
That much dependence is a risk in itself: if this one line weakens, the whole company feels it directly.
No real growth (2% a year).
We compared this company with its own sector across five subjects.
A score of 50 means class average.
Clearly above the class average — a step short of the very top.
A solid grade overall — yet the debt outweighs the cash. The strength here comes from earnings power.
The price looks reasonable next to what the company earns.
There is growth, but not at top-of-the-class tempo.
The stock has been running stronger than the market lately.
No real weak spot in any of the five subjects — a balanced report card.
The stock trades near its peak today. For long-term holders the ride has paid off so far — though past performance guarantees nothing about the future.
It met or beat analyst expectations in 8 of the last 8 quarters — consistency is a promise kept.
It pays out $4.66 per share each year — regular cash for whoever holds the stock.
Over the last 3 years, sales fell about 11% a year on average. Profit is holding up, but a shrinking business is a risk worth watching.
The company’s market value is 39 times its annual profit. Even a small disappointment could hit the price hard.
On our five-subject report card, VLO sits near the top of the class. A high grade doesn’t mean “guaranteed win” — it means “the evidence looks strong for now.”
The takeaway: VLO is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate here isn’t the price — it’s whether the company can keep up this pace.
The total grade weighs these five subjects against the sector — it isn’t a simple average of the five.