Valero Energy

VLO · NYSE

$433.42+$0.11 (+0.03%)TodayMarket closed · Oct 20, 7:59 PM ET

Prev close $433.31

VLO analyst rating

BuyConsensus of 18 analysts over the last 12 months. 56% rate it a buy.

Strong buy1
Buy9
Hold7
Underperform1
Sell0

12-month price target · 22 analysts

Average $351.30 (−18.9% downside)

Low: $195.38
Now: $433.42
High: $472.50

Upgrades and downgrades

The latest rating actions, newest first

VLO analyst upgrades, downgrades and rating actions
Firm	Date	Action	Rating	Price target	Hit rate
Wells Fargo	Oct 14, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$389.00 → $485.00	78%
Citigroup	Oct 13, 2026	Maintains	Neutral	$302.00 → $485.00	35%
Evercore ISI Group	Oct 12, 2026	Maintains	In-Line	$325.00 → $385.00	61%
Jefferies	Oct 8, 2026	Maintains	Hold	$401.00 → $394.00	58%
Mizuho	Oct 8, 2026	Maintains	Neutral	$300.00 → $434.00	60%
Barclays	Oct 6, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$323.00 → $441.00	71%
B of A Securities	Oct 2, 2026	Maintains	Neutral	$395.00 → $414.00	58%
Goldman Sachs	Sep 23, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$365.00 → $457.00	60%
Jefferies	Sep 22, 2026	Downgrade	Buy → Hold	$401.00	58%
Raymond James	Sep 14, 2026	Maintains	Strong Buy	$350.00 → $450.00	72%

The case for and against

Updated Sep 30, 2026

Bull case

Valero Energy is well-positioned to outperform its peers in the refining sector due to its solid operational track record, high exposure to the Gulf Coast refining market, and a strong balance sheet with low leverage. Its heavy Gulf Coast exposure and high refinery complexity result in a clean product yield of over 85%, which is expected to benefit from the current global tightness and high product cracks. Additionally, Valero's commitment to returning cash to shareholders and its first mover advantage in Renewable Diesel production through its joint venture, Diamond Green Diesel, provide further upside potential.

Bear case

Valero Energy is currently outperforming its peers in the large cap refiner group due to its exposure to attractive Gulf Coast fundamentals and renewable diesel, but this performance may not be sustainable. With increasing tensions in global markets and fluctuating diesel and RIN credit prices, the company's profitability could be at risk. Additionally, Valero's sizable ethanol business, while complementary to its traditional fuels business, may not be enough to offset the potential financial impact of these market conditions.

Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Market data is delayed at least 15 minutes and is provided without warranty. Analyst ratings, price targets and company data come from third-party sources. Past performance does not guarantee future results.