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Valero Energy (VLO)
NYSE:VLO

Valero Energy (VLO) AI Stock Analysis

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VLO

Valero Energy

(NYSE:VLO)

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Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$190.00
â–²(17.33% Upside)
Valero Energy's overall stock score reflects a balance of strengths and challenges. The company's strong cash flow and operational efficiency are significant positives, while high valuation and profitability pressures pose risks. The earnings call provided a positive outlook, but technical indicators suggest a lack of strong momentum. Investors should weigh the robust cash generation against valuation concerns.
Positive Factors
Cash Generation
Strong cash generation enhances financial flexibility, allowing Valero to invest in growth opportunities and return value to shareholders.
Operational Efficiency
High utilization rates indicate efficient operations, maximizing output and profitability, and strengthening Valero's competitive position.
Leadership Transition
A planned leadership transition supports strategic continuity and financial strength, ensuring effective management and execution of corporate objectives.
Negative Factors
Revenue Decline
Declining revenue growth can hinder long-term expansion and profitability, potentially impacting Valero's market position and financial health.
Renewable Diesel Segment Loss
Losses in the Renewable Diesel segment could affect Valero's ability to capitalize on the growing sustainable fuels market, impacting future growth.
Profitability Pressures
Decreasing profit margins suggest limited pricing power and operational challenges, which may affect Valero's ability to sustain earnings growth.

Valero Energy (VLO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Valero Energy Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionValero Energy Corporation (VLO) is a publicly traded international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels and petrochemical products. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Valero operates a diverse portfolio of refineries, primarily in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The company’s core products include gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and various petrochemical products used in the production of plastics and other materials. Valero is also a leading producer of renewable diesel and ethanol, positioning itself in the growing market for sustainable fuels.
How the Company Makes MoneyValero Energy generates revenue primarily through the refining of crude oil into finished petroleum products, which is its largest revenue stream. The company operates a network of refineries that process a variety of crude oil types, allowing it to maximize margins based on market conditions. In addition to traditional fuels, Valero also produces renewable fuels, including biodiesel and ethanol, which contribute to its revenue, especially as demand for green energy increases. Another significant revenue source is the sale of petrochemical products, which are derived from the refining process and used in various industries. Valero's strategic partnerships with suppliers and customers, along with its investments in technology and optimization of refining processes, further enhance its profitability. The company also engages in marketing and logistics, which support its distribution of fuels and chemicals, adding to its revenue diversification.

Valero Energy Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Refining Operating Income by Geography
Refining Operating Income by Geography
Highlights the profitability of refining operations in different regions, indicating where Valero Energy is most efficient and where it might face challenges or opportunities due to regional market dynamics.
Chart InsightsValero Energy's refining operating income has shown significant volatility across regions. The US Gulf Coast, after peaking in 2022, is experiencing a notable decline, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining high margins. The US Mid Continent and North Atlantic regions have stabilized but at lower levels than their 2022 highs. The US West Coast, however, faces a concerning downturn, with recent quarters showing negative income, indicating operational or market challenges. Investors should monitor these regional shifts, as they may impact Valero's overall profitability and strategic focus.
Data provided by:The Fly

Valero Energy Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Valero's earnings call highlighted strong financial performance, record throughput utilization, and substantial returns to shareholders. However, challenges were noted in the Renewable Diesel segment and costs associated with the Benicia Refinery closure.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Valero reported net income attributable to stockholders of $1.1 billion or $3.53 per share, significantly higher than $364 million or $1.14 per share from the previous year.
Record Throughput Utilization
Refinery throughput utilization reached 97%, with the Gulf Coast and North Atlantic regions setting new all-time highs.
Ethanol Segment Record
The Ethanol segment achieved record production with an operating income of $183 million, compared to $153 million in the previous year.
Strong Shareholder Returns
Valero returned $1.3 billion to shareholders in Q3 2025, including $931 million in stock buybacks, resulting in a payout ratio of 78% for the quarter.
Negative Updates
Renewable Diesel Segment Loss
The Renewable Diesel segment reported an operating loss of $28 million, compared to an operating income of $35 million in the previous year.
Benicia Refinery Closure Costs
There was an incremental depreciation expense of approximately $100 million related to the planned cessation of refining operations at the Benicia Refinery.
Company Guidance
During Valero Energy Corp.'s third quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided guidance for its operations and financial expectations. The capital investments attributable to Valero for the year 2025 are projected to be approximately $1.9 billion, with $1.6 billion allocated for sustaining the business and the remainder for growth. In terms of refining operations, the company expects fourth-quarter throughput volumes to range between 1.78 million to 1.83 million barrels per day on the Gulf Coast, 420,000 to 440,000 barrels per day in the Mid-Continent, 240,000 to 260,000 barrels per day on the West Coast, and 485,000 to 505,000 barrels per day in the North Atlantic. Refining cash operating expenses are anticipated to be about $4.80 per barrel. For the Renewable Diesel segment, sales volumes are projected at approximately 258 million gallons, with operating expenses around $0.52 per gallon. The Ethanol segment is expected to maintain production at 4.6 million gallons per day, with operating expenses averaging $0.40 per gallon. Additionally, net interest expense for the fourth quarter is forecasted at approximately $135 million, and depreciation and amortization are expected to be around $815 million.

Valero Energy Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Valero Energy's financial statements present a mixed picture. The company faces challenges with declining revenue growth and profitability pressures, as seen in the income statement. However, the balance sheet remains stable with manageable leverage, and the cash flow statement indicates strong cash generation capabilities. While there are areas of concern, particularly in profitability, the company's financial position is supported by solid cash flow performance.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Valero Energy's income statement shows a mixed performance. The company has experienced a decline in revenue growth, with a negative growth rate in the TTM period. Profit margins have also decreased compared to previous years, indicating pressure on profitability. However, the company maintains positive net profit and EBIT margins, suggesting some level of operational efficiency. The gross profit margin remains low, which is typical for the industry but indicates limited pricing power.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a moderate financial position. Valero Energy has a manageable debt-to-equity ratio, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging. The return on equity has decreased significantly from previous years, suggesting reduced profitability for shareholders. The equity ratio is stable, reflecting a solid asset base. Overall, the balance sheet shows stability but highlights potential risks if profitability does not improve.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Valero Energy's cash flow statement shows a positive trend in free cash flow growth in the TTM period, indicating improved cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, suggesting efficient cash conversion from earnings. The free cash flow to net income ratio is strong, reflecting effective cash management. Despite past fluctuations, the current cash flow position is robust, supporting financial flexibility.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue123.07B129.88B144.77B176.38B113.98B64.91B
Gross Profit4.11B4.76B12.89B16.75B3.08B-788.00M
EBITDA5.39B7.03B14.66B18.34B4.55B904.00M
Net Income1.50B2.77B8.84B11.53B930.00M-1.43B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets58.62B60.14B63.06B60.98B57.89B51.77B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.76B4.66B5.42B4.86B4.12B3.31B
Total Debt10.58B11.54B12.64B12.72B15.13B15.85B
Total Liabilities31.87B32.62B34.53B35.51B38.07B32.13B
Stockholders Equity23.75B24.51B26.35B23.56B18.43B18.80B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.36B5.78B8.32B10.89B4.19B-840.00M
Operating Cash Flow4.84B6.68B9.23B12.57B5.86B948.00M
Investing Cash Flow-1.97B-1.98B-1.86B-2.81B-2.16B-2.42B
Financing Cash Flow-3.21B-5.05B-6.94B-8.85B-2.85B2.08B

Valero Energy Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price161.94
Price Trends
50DMA
170.32
Negative
100DMA
160.58
Positive
200DMA
143.91
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.64
Positive
RSI
35.58
Neutral
STOCH
12.21
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For VLO, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 161.94 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 173.36, below the 50-day MA of 170.32, and above the 200-day MA of 143.91, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -1.64 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 35.58 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 12.21 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for VLO.

Valero Energy Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$53.18B36.075.38%3.60%-10.56%-53.06%
70
Outperform
$53.14B18.8515.98%2.22%-6.37%-25.83%
69
Neutral
$49.69B33.916.07%2.77%-8.48%-56.92%
68
Neutral
$8.73B22.834.07%4.22%-9.55%27.65%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
55
Neutral
$3.08B-5.58-9.47%4.23%-15.35%-81.94%
49
Neutral
$1.89B-3.76-115.95%3.24%-22.37%-27.22%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
VLO
Valero Energy
161.94
46.97
40.85%
DK
Delek US Holdings
30.72
15.57
102.77%
DINO
HF Sinclair Corporation
46.85
14.72
45.81%
MPC
Marathon Petroleum
168.11
37.63
28.84%
PSX
Phillips 66
129.13
21.85
20.37%
PBF
PBF Energy
26.02
1.96
8.15%

Valero Energy Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Valero Energy Appoints New CFO Amid Leadership Transition
Neutral
Oct 29, 2025

On October 28, 2025, Valero Energy Corporation announced the appointment of Homer Bhullar as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Bhullar, who has been with Valero since 2014 and served in various leadership roles, will succeed Jason Fraser, who is set to retire at the end of 2025 after over 25 years with the company. This transition is part of Valero’s succession planning and is expected to support the company’s strategic objectives and financial strength.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Valero Energy Amends Credit Agreement for Flexibility
Positive
Oct 16, 2025

On October 16, 2025, Valero Energy Corporation amended its revolving credit agreement, extending the maturity date to October 16, 2030, and increasing the potential revolving commitment to $5.5 billion. This move is aimed at enhancing the company’s financial flexibility for general corporate purposes, potentially impacting its operational capabilities and market positioning.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Valero Energy Expands Board with New Director
Positive
Sep 19, 2025

On September 18, 2025, Valero Energy Corporation expanded its board of directors to 10 members by electing Robert L. Reymond as an independent director. Mr. Reymond, who has extensive experience in the energy industry, particularly in refining and low-carbon fuels, will serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. This strategic appointment is expected to enhance Valero’s expertise in the energy sector, potentially impacting its operations and market positioning positively.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 09, 2025