Valero Posts Higher-Than-Expected Profit Despite Sharp Refining Margin Decline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 24 2025
0mins
Should l Buy VLO?
Source: Benzinga
Valero Energy Corporation's Financial Performance: Valero reported first-quarter sales of $30.26 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, but saw a decline in adjusted operating income across its refining and ethanol segments compared to the previous year. The Renewable Diesel segment experienced an operating loss of $141 million.
Stockholder Returns and Market Reaction: Despite the mixed financial results, Valero returned $633 million to stockholders through dividends and share repurchases, and announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend. However, shares traded lower by 0.4% premarket following the report.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy VLO?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on VLO
Wall Street analysts forecast VLO stock price to fall
17 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 231.050
Low
149.00
Averages
186.56
High
223.00
Current: 231.050
Low
149.00
Averages
186.56
High
223.00
About VLO
Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products. The Company sells its products primarily in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Latin America. Its segments include Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The Refining segment includes the operations of its petroleum refineries, the associated activities to market its refined petroleum products, and the logistics assets that support its refining operations. The Renewable Diesel segment represents the operations of Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), and the associated activities to market renewable diesel, renewable naphtha, and neat SAF. The Ethanol segment includes the operations of its ethanol plants and the associated activities to market its ethanol and co-products. It owns 15 petroleum refineries located in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Oil Price Surge Triggers Market Volatility
- Market Volatility Intensifies: On Thursday, the Dow plunged over 500 points as Iran's new Supreme Leader announced the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed, causing Brent crude to briefly exceed $100 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate to hover around $90, leading to a bearish market sentiment as investors refrained from buying amid rising oil prices.
- Linde Stock Rises: Linde's shares increased as investors see the company benefiting from potential helium shortages linked to the Iran conflict, with Linde stating that the Middle East turmoil is neutral to net positive, allowing for price increases amid supply constraints, highlighting its strong market position.
- Corning Shares Decline: Despite Bank of America raising Corning's price target from $120 to $144, the stock fell 2%, as analysts revealed that the scale-out opportunities in data centers are much larger than previously thought, indicating a disconnect between market perception and underlying value, with Jim emphasizing its importance in their portfolio.
- Rapid Stock Review: Stocks mentioned in Wednesday's rapid review included Dicks Sporting Goods, Dollar General, and CVS Health, with Jim Cramer's charitable trust holding positions in Linde, Q, and Corning, reflecting ongoing confidence in these companies amidst market fluctuations.
See More
Surge in Gas Prices Impacts Gig Economy Workers
- Gas Price Surge: The average price of unleaded gasoline has jumped 22% over the past month to about $3.59 per gallon, marking the highest level since May 2024, which directly impacts gig economy workers reliant on their vehicles for income.
- Gig Economy Adaptation: Many gig workers, including Uber and DoorDash drivers, are adjusting their strategies to cope with high fuel prices, with some seeking additional income sources or reducing personal vehicle use to mitigate costs and ensure profitability.
- Call for Policy Changes: Gig workers are urging platform companies to implement additional gas surcharges to alleviate the burden of soaring fuel prices, similar to measures taken after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for policy support.
- Increased Economic Instability: As fuel prices continue to rise, the economic instability faced by gig workers intensifies, particularly in the current tight labor market where finding alternative employment opportunities is challenging, further exacerbating the vulnerability of this workforce.
See More
IEA Releases Emergency Oil Reserves Amid Supply Shock
- Emergency Oil Release: The IEA member countries are releasing 400 million barrels of oil in response to the Strait of Hormuz supply shock, with the U.S. contributing 172 million barrels, which may increase household expenses as oil prices rally again.
- Market Reaction: Stock futures are lower this morning due to rising oil prices, reflecting market concerns about the ongoing Iran conflict, and until there is evidence of resolution, the risk of elevated oil prices remains.
- Layoffs and Investment: Atlassian announced a 10% workforce reduction, equating to about 1,600 employees, with the CEO stating this will help self-fund further investments in AI and enterprise sales, highlighting challenges in the traditional software model.
- Private Fund Restrictions: Morgan Stanley and Cliffwater have restricted withdrawals on private credit funds, with Morgan Stanley fulfilling less than half of an 11% redemption request on an $8 billion fund, indicating liquidity issues in the private credit market.
See More
U.S. Not Ready to Escort Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz Yet
- Escort Capability Lacking: Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that while the Navy is expected to be ready to escort tankers by the end of the month, it is currently unprepared as military assets are focused on dismantling Iran's offensive capabilities, indicating ongoing challenges in U.S. military strategy in the region.
- Severe Oil Price Fluctuations: Brent crude prices surged to $100 per barrel due to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, despite Wright's erroneous social media post causing a more than 17% drop in prices on Tuesday, reflecting the market's heightened sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Historic Oil Release: In response to the supply disruption, over 30 countries agreed to inject 400 million barrels of oil into the market, with the U.S. releasing 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, marking the largest emergency stockpile release in history; however, the market remains unresponsive, indicating uncertainty about future developments.
- Warfare's Far-Reaching Impact: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history, with about 20% of global petroleum consumption passing through this waterway, and while Wright emphasized that the operation will take weeks rather than months, Iran has warned of pushing oil prices to $200 per barrel, further unsettling the market.
See More
Atlassian Cuts 10% Workforce to Fund AI Investments
- Layoff Announcement: Atlassian has announced a 10% workforce reduction, aimed at self-funding further investments in AI, reflecting a strategic shift in response to market challenges that may impact employee morale and company culture.
- IEA Oil Release: The International Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from its reserves, marking the largest emergency stockpile release in history; however, despite a 5% rise in oil prices, it failed to alleviate market concerns over supply disruptions, highlighting the market's sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Inflation Data: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% month-over-month and 2.4% year-over-year in February, aligning with expectations but failing to move the stock market, indicating investor focus on the impending impacts of the Iran war.
- Trade Investigations: The Trump administration has launched new trade investigations against countries including Mexico, China, and the EU to replace tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court, reflecting a desire to improve fiscal conditions as the budget deficit reaches $1 trillion.
See More
Airlines Adjust Fares Amid Soaring Fuel Prices
- Fuel Surcharge Increase: Cathay Pacific announced it would nearly double fuel surcharges starting March 18, reflecting the pressure on airlines from soaring fuel prices due to the U.S. and Israel's attacks on Iran, which may impact consumer travel choices.
- Flight Adjustment Risks: Air New Zealand stated it would suspend its financial outlook and make initial fare adjustments if fuel markets and operating conditions remain unstable, highlighting the vulnerability of airlines in a high fuel price environment, potentially affecting profitability.
- Demand and Pricing Power: Despite rising fuel prices, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby noted that travel demand remains strong, and if this trend continues, airlines may gain more pricing power; however, this will depend on the duration of the conflict.
- Delayed Market Response: Analysts expect airlines to face the most acute financial impact in the next 30-90 days, as they booked yields for flights assuming lower fuel prices, making it difficult to adjust fares quickly, which could lead to earnings hits in the first quarter.
See More
Oil Price Surge Triggers Market Volatility
- Market Volatility Intensifies: On Thursday, the Dow plunged over 500 points as Iran's new Supreme Leader announced the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed, causing Brent crude to briefly exceed $100 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate to hover around $90, leading to a bearish market sentiment as investors refrained from buying amid rising oil prices.
- Linde Stock Rises: Linde's shares increased as investors see the company benefiting from potential helium shortages linked to the Iran conflict, with Linde stating that the Middle East turmoil is neutral to net positive, allowing for price increases amid supply constraints, highlighting its strong market position.
- Corning Shares Decline: Despite Bank of America raising Corning's price target from $120 to $144, the stock fell 2%, as analysts revealed that the scale-out opportunities in data centers are much larger than previously thought, indicating a disconnect between market perception and underlying value, with Jim emphasizing its importance in their portfolio.
- Rapid Stock Review: Stocks mentioned in Wednesday's rapid review included Dicks Sporting Goods, Dollar General, and CVS Health, with Jim Cramer's charitable trust holding positions in Linde, Q, and Corning, reflecting ongoing confidence in these companies amidst market fluctuations.
See More
Surge in Gas Prices Impacts Gig Economy Workers
- Gas Price Surge: The average price of unleaded gasoline has jumped 22% over the past month to about $3.59 per gallon, marking the highest level since May 2024, which directly impacts gig economy workers reliant on their vehicles for income.
- Gig Economy Adaptation: Many gig workers, including Uber and DoorDash drivers, are adjusting their strategies to cope with high fuel prices, with some seeking additional income sources or reducing personal vehicle use to mitigate costs and ensure profitability.
- Call for Policy Changes: Gig workers are urging platform companies to implement additional gas surcharges to alleviate the burden of soaring fuel prices, similar to measures taken after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for policy support.
- Increased Economic Instability: As fuel prices continue to rise, the economic instability faced by gig workers intensifies, particularly in the current tight labor market where finding alternative employment opportunities is challenging, further exacerbating the vulnerability of this workforce.
See More
IEA Releases Emergency Oil Reserves Amid Supply Shock
- Emergency Oil Release: The IEA member countries are releasing 400 million barrels of oil in response to the Strait of Hormuz supply shock, with the U.S. contributing 172 million barrels, which may increase household expenses as oil prices rally again.
- Market Reaction: Stock futures are lower this morning due to rising oil prices, reflecting market concerns about the ongoing Iran conflict, and until there is evidence of resolution, the risk of elevated oil prices remains.
- Layoffs and Investment: Atlassian announced a 10% workforce reduction, equating to about 1,600 employees, with the CEO stating this will help self-fund further investments in AI and enterprise sales, highlighting challenges in the traditional software model.
- Private Fund Restrictions: Morgan Stanley and Cliffwater have restricted withdrawals on private credit funds, with Morgan Stanley fulfilling less than half of an 11% redemption request on an $8 billion fund, indicating liquidity issues in the private credit market.
See More
U.S. Not Ready to Escort Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz Yet
- Escort Capability Lacking: Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that while the Navy is expected to be ready to escort tankers by the end of the month, it is currently unprepared as military assets are focused on dismantling Iran's offensive capabilities, indicating ongoing challenges in U.S. military strategy in the region.
- Severe Oil Price Fluctuations: Brent crude prices surged to $100 per barrel due to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, despite Wright's erroneous social media post causing a more than 17% drop in prices on Tuesday, reflecting the market's heightened sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Historic Oil Release: In response to the supply disruption, over 30 countries agreed to inject 400 million barrels of oil into the market, with the U.S. releasing 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, marking the largest emergency stockpile release in history; however, the market remains unresponsive, indicating uncertainty about future developments.
- Warfare's Far-Reaching Impact: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history, with about 20% of global petroleum consumption passing through this waterway, and while Wright emphasized that the operation will take weeks rather than months, Iran has warned of pushing oil prices to $200 per barrel, further unsettling the market.
See More
Atlassian Cuts 10% Workforce to Fund AI Investments
- Layoff Announcement: Atlassian has announced a 10% workforce reduction, aimed at self-funding further investments in AI, reflecting a strategic shift in response to market challenges that may impact employee morale and company culture.
- IEA Oil Release: The International Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from its reserves, marking the largest emergency stockpile release in history; however, despite a 5% rise in oil prices, it failed to alleviate market concerns over supply disruptions, highlighting the market's sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Inflation Data: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% month-over-month and 2.4% year-over-year in February, aligning with expectations but failing to move the stock market, indicating investor focus on the impending impacts of the Iran war.
- Trade Investigations: The Trump administration has launched new trade investigations against countries including Mexico, China, and the EU to replace tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court, reflecting a desire to improve fiscal conditions as the budget deficit reaches $1 trillion.
See More
Airlines Adjust Fares Amid Soaring Fuel Prices
- Fuel Surcharge Increase: Cathay Pacific announced it would nearly double fuel surcharges starting March 18, reflecting the pressure on airlines from soaring fuel prices due to the U.S. and Israel's attacks on Iran, which may impact consumer travel choices.
- Flight Adjustment Risks: Air New Zealand stated it would suspend its financial outlook and make initial fare adjustments if fuel markets and operating conditions remain unstable, highlighting the vulnerability of airlines in a high fuel price environment, potentially affecting profitability.
- Demand and Pricing Power: Despite rising fuel prices, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby noted that travel demand remains strong, and if this trend continues, airlines may gain more pricing power; however, this will depend on the duration of the conflict.
- Delayed Market Response: Analysts expect airlines to face the most acute financial impact in the next 30-90 days, as they booked yields for flights assuming lower fuel prices, making it difficult to adjust fares quickly, which could lead to earnings hits in the first quarter.
See More
