Valero Energy (VLO) Expected to Beat Earnings Estimates: Can the Stock Move Higher?

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates a year-over-year decline in Valero Energy's earnings due to lower revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates impacting stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - Valero Energy is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 35.1% [3]. - Revenues are projected to be $27.84 billion, down 19.3% from the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 3.01% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - A positive Earnings ESP of +1.22% suggests analysts have recently become more optimistic about Valero's earnings prospects [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [10]. - Valero currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Valero was expected to post earnings of $0.43 per share but delivered $0.89, resulting in a surprise of +106.98% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, Valero has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Conclusion - Valero Energy is positioned as a compelling earnings-beat candidate, but investors should consider other factors influencing stock performance beyond earnings results [17].