10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

VALERO ENERGY CORP/TX Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 13, 2001For Securities:VLO

Summary

Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) reported its financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2001. The company experienced significant growth, with operating revenues increasing by 15% year-over-year, driven by a 23% rise in sales volumes. This growth was substantially fueled by strategic acquisitions, including the Benicia Refinery and related assets (completed in 2000), and the Huntway Refining Company and El Paso Corpus Christi refinery (both acquired in the second quarter of 2001). Net income more than doubled, reaching $512 million ($7.96 per diluted share) compared to $246 million ($4.12 per diluted share) in the prior year's period. This strong performance was attributed to improved refining margins, particularly favorable sour crude oil discounts, and increased throughput volumes from acquired assets. The company also announced a significant pending merger with Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation (UDS), expected to close by year-end 2001, which will further expand its refining and marketing footprint.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the first nine months of 2001 surged to $512 million, a significant increase from $246 million in the same period of 2000.
  • 2Operating revenues grew by 15% to $12.1 billion year-over-year, largely due to a 23% increase in sales volumes.
  • 3Valero completed the acquisition of Huntway Refining Company and El Paso's Corpus Christi refinery and logistics business in the second quarter of 2001, contributing to increased throughput and sales volumes.
  • 4The company is actively pursuing a merger with Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation (UDS), which has been approved by shareholders and is expected to close by the end of 2001, creating a larger integrated downstream energy company.
  • 5Average throughput margins improved significantly, up 38% to $6.82 per barrel for the first nine months of 2001 compared to the prior year.
  • 6The company experienced substantial benefits from wider sour crude oil discounts, which contributed to improved profitability.
  • 7Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2001 were $344 million, with expectations for total capital investments of approximately $510 million for the full year, including environmental projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, Valero reported a net income of $512 million, a substantial increase from $246 million in the same period of 2000. Operating revenues rose by 15% to $12.1 billion, driven by a 23% increase in sales volumes. Key drivers for this performance included improved refining margins, wider sour crude oil discounts, and contributions from recent acquisitions.

Valero is undertaking a significant strategic expansion through acquisitions and is also pursuing a major merger with Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation (UDS). The company has completed the acquisitions of Huntway Refining Company and El Paso's Corpus Christi refinery and logistics business. The proposed merger with UDS, announced in May 2001 and approved by shareholders, is expected to close by the end of 2001 and will create a larger, integrated downstream energy company.

Acquisitions played a crucial role in Valero's performance. The Benicia acquisition (completed in 2000) contributed a full year of operations in 2001, while the acquisitions of Huntway and El Paso's Corpus Christi refinery in the second quarter of 2001 significantly increased throughput volumes and sales. These acquisitions have been instrumental in driving revenue growth and improving operating income.

Valero's outlook for the fourth quarter of 2001 indicated some softening due to a weakening global economy, particularly after the September 11th events. Gasoline margins were expected to be lower seasonally and compared to the prior year due to higher inventories. However, distillate margins were projected to be higher, and lube oil margins remained strong. The company anticipated continued benefits from its ability to utilize sour crude oil feedstocks. The pending UDS merger is a major focus for future growth and integration.