10-KPeriod: FY2011

VALERO ENERGY CORP/TX Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2011

Filed February 24, 2012For Securities:VLO

Summary

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) reported strong financial performance in 2011, driven primarily by its refining segment. Net income attributable to stockholders more than doubled year-over-year, reaching $2.1 billion, or $3.69 per share. This significant improvement was largely fueled by favorable crude oil differentials, particularly the discount on WTI-type crude oil compared to LLS and Brent crude oils, which benefited refineries in the U.S. Mid-Continent region. The company also made strategic acquisitions, adding two refineries (Pembroke and Meraux) to its portfolio, expanding its operational footprint. The company's refining segment saw a substantial increase in operating income due to improved refining margins, especially in the Mid-Continent region. The ethanol segment also performed well with increased production volumes and improved operating margins. The retail segment experienced modest growth in operating income, driven by higher fuel margins and volumes in Canadian operations. Valero continues to manage its operations with a focus on efficiency and strategic growth, while navigating the volatile energy markets.

Financial Highlights

51 data points
Beta

Net Income

$2.09B

EPS (Diluted)

$3.68

Total Assets

$42.78B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.02B

Free Cash Flow

$1.68B

Financial Statements
Beta
Operating Expenses$122.31B
Operating Income$3.68B
Interest Expense$401.00M
Net Income$2.09B
EPS (Basic)$3.69
EPS (Diluted)$3.68
Shares Outstanding (Basic)563.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)569.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Valero reported a significant increase in net income attributable to stockholders, reaching $2.1 billion ($3.69 per share) in 2011, up from $923 million ($1.62 per share) in 2010.
  • 2The refining segment was the primary driver of this performance, with operating income nearly doubling to $3.5 billion, largely due to favorable crude oil price differentials (WTI vs. LLS/Brent) boosting Mid-Continent refinery margins.
  • 3The company completed two strategic refinery acquisitions during 2011: the Pembroke Refinery (U.K.) in August for $1.7 billion and the Meraux Refinery (Louisiana) in October for $547 million.
  • 4Ethanol segment operating income increased by 90% to $396 million, driven by improved margins and higher production volumes.
  • 5Retail segment operating income saw a modest increase to $381 million, supported by stronger fuel margins and volumes in Canada and a favorable Canadian dollar.
  • 6Valero's total throughput volumes averaged 2.4 million barrels per day in 2011, an increase from 2.1 million barrels per day in 2010.
  • 7The company maintained a strong liquidity position, with $1.024 billion in cash and temporary cash investments as of December 31, 2011, and had $3.5 billion remaining under its common stock purchase programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Valero's significantly improved financial performance in 2011 was the strong performance of its refining segment. This was largely due to a favorable differential between the price of WTI-type crude oil and benchmark sweet crude oils like LLS and Brent. This discount allowed Valero's U.S. Mid-Continent refineries to process cheaper feedstock, leading to substantially higher refining margins and operating income for the segment.

Yes, Valero made two significant refinery acquisitions in 2011. In August, it acquired the Pembroke Refinery in the U.K. for approximately $1.7 billion. In October, it acquired the Meraux Refinery in Louisiana for $547 million. These acquisitions expanded Valero's refining capacity and geographic reach.

Valero's ethanol segment showed strong performance in 2011, with operating income increasing to $396 million from $209 million in 2010. This growth was attributed to improved operating margins and an increase in production volumes, with the company's ethanol plants averaging 3.4 million gallons per day.

Valero highlighted several key risks, including the volatility of refining margins dependent on crude oil prices and market demand, the potential impact of economic turmoil and political unrest on energy consumption, and the risk of increased competition from new refinery capacity. They also noted the potential adverse effects of environmental regulations, including those related to greenhouse gas emissions, and risks associated with disruptions in crude oil supply or transportation.