valero energy stock — VLO Stock Overview

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) — Stock Overview

Overview: This article provides a thorough investor‑oriented summary of valero energy stock, the publicly traded shares of Valero Energy Corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker VLO. It covers the company background, market identifiers, key price and valuation metrics, historical performance, financial fundamentals, dividends and capital allocation, analyst coverage, trading market structure, ownership, corporate events that affect the stock, risks to consider, and practical sources for research and trading. Readers will gain a clear map of where to find authoritative data, which metrics matter for an energy/refining company, and how operational events and commodity prices can drive the valero energy stock price.

Market context: As of Jan 23, 2026, per Barchart market reporting, the broader U.S. market recovered from early losses—S&P 500 up +0.25% and Nasdaq 100 up +0.62%—and energy names broadly rallied with WTI crude oil rising more than +2% intraday. Valero Energy (VLO) traded higher on that session, rising more than +1% as commodity and refining peers gained. This article keeps market drivers and data sourcing explicit so you can verify facts via company filings and major data providers.

Company background

Valero Energy Corporation is an integrated energy company primarily known for fuel refining, renewable diesel production, and ethanol manufacturing. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Valero grew through refining asset acquisitions and a focus on downstream refining and fuel marketing. The company operates an integrated platform spanning refining, renewable fuels (including renewable diesel), and ethanol production, with branded and unbranded marketing in North America and select international markets.

Key aspects of Valero's profile:

• Founded: 1980
• Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
• Core businesses: Refining, Renewable Diesel, Ethanol
• Markets: Primarily U.S., Canada, Latin America, and select global fuel markets
• Typical end products: Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, renewable diesel, ethanol, petrochemical feedstocks

Valero reports operational and financial information on its investor relations pages and in SEC filings. The company's transition initiatives in renewable diesel and low‑carbon fuels have become material to its strategy and investor communications in recent years.

Stock identification and listing

Ticker and exchange

Valero trades under the ticker VLO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Investors commonly use identifiers such as ISIN and CUSIP when working with custodians or cross‑border data feeds. The primary equity identifiers for Valero are listed in the appendix of this article for convenience.

Trading hours and trading venues

VLO trades during regular U.S. equity market hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with pre‑market and after‑hours trading available on many broker platforms. The stock is accessible through major retail brokers, institutional trading desks, and market data providers; for those using Web3 wallets or crypto trading services for tokenized equity or derivative access, Bitget and Bitget Wallet are highlighted platforms in this article for users of Bitget’s ecosystem. Quotes and trades are distributed across U.S. market venues and consolidated tape providers in standard market data feeds.

Key market data and metrics

Real-time / delayed price data

Financial portals (and broker platforms) typically show a standard set of quote fields for valero energy stock, including:

• Last trade price and timestamp
• Net change and percentage change vs. previous close
• Bid and ask prices and sizes
• Day range (low/high) and 52‑week low/high
• Volume and average daily volume
• Intraday price chart with timeframes (1‑day to multi‑year)

Most free websites display delayed quotes (commonly 15–20 minutes delayed) while broker platforms provide real‑time quotes to account holders. When reviewing quotes, confirm whether the feed is real‑time or delayed.

Market capitalization, shares outstanding and float

• Market capitalization (market cap) = share price × shares outstanding. Market cap categorizes a company’s size and is updated each trading day as VLO’s share price moves.
• Shares outstanding are the total issued shares; float is the portion freely tradable by public investors (excludes restricted shares held by insiders or the company).

These numbers are reported in Valero's periodic filings and summarized on investor pages and data providers. For precise values at a point in time, use the company’s latest 10‑Q or 10‑K and the consolidated data on the exchange or a reliable market‑data vendor.

Valuation metrics

Commonly referenced valuation statistics for valero energy stock include:

• Price‑to‑Earnings (P/E) ratio — market price divided by trailing‑12‑month (TTM) EPS
• Earnings Per Share (EPS) — TTM and quarterly EPS figures
• Forward P/E — based on consensus analyst forward EPS estimates
• Enterprise Value / EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) — incorporates debt and cash, useful for capital‑intensive businesses like refiners

These metrics are available on financial portals and in analyst reports. EV/EBITDA is often preferred for energy and refining companies because it adjusts for capital structure differences and the commodity‑sensitive earnings profiles.

Dividend and yield

Valero has historically paid regular dividends. Dividend information investors look for includes:

• Dividend amount per share and payment frequency (typically quarterly for many U.S. companies)
• Ex‑dividend date, record date and payment date
• Trailing‑12‑month dividend yield = annualized dividends ÷ current share price

Dividend history and upcoming ex‑dividend dates are published by the company in press releases and in dividend tables on investor pages; market data providers also maintain dividend histories for valero energy stock.

Historical price performance

Long-term price chart and milestones

To interpret long‑term performance of valero energy stock, investors examine multi‑year charts to track trends, cyclical peaks and troughs tied to commodity cycles (crude oil, refined product margins), and key corporate milestones (M&A, capital investments, major operational changes). Important reference points include:

• All‑time high and all‑time low prices
• 52‑week high and low
• Major inflection events (e.g., commodity shocks, significant refinery outages, changes in dividend policy)

Historical price data is available from exchange archives, SEC filings (which also display historic share counts and corporate actions), and financial data providers that offer downloadable series for research.

Recent performance trends

Shorter‑term movements in valero energy stock often reflect the change in crude oil prices, refining crack spreads, seasonal demand patterns (driving season, winter heating demand), and company‑specific news such as outages or earnings surprises. Volatility metrics—average true range (ATR), implied volatility from options, and beta vs. the market—help quantify recent movement and risk. As noted in the market context above, on Jan 23, 2026 energy stocks rallied with crude rising; VLO participated in that move by trading higher on the session.

Financial results and fundamentals

Revenue, profitability and margins

Valero reports consolidated revenue and net income in its quarterly (10‑Q) and annual (10‑K) reports. For refining companies, key profitability metrics include:

• Gross margin and refining margins (often analyzed via crack spreads such as the gasoline and diesel crack)
• Operating margin and adjusted operating results
• Net income and diluted EPS

Investors should review trends in revenue volumes (barrels refined, gallons of ethanol, gallons of renewable diesel), product mix, and realized product margins. Management’s MD&A in the 10‑Q/10‑K explains margin drivers.

Balance sheet and cash flow

Important balance sheet and cash‑flow items for valero energy stock analysis include:

• Total debt and net debt (debt minus cash and equivalents)
• Liquidity measures (cash on hand, credit facilities availability)
• Free cash flow (operating cash flow minus capital expenditures)

Refiners are capital intensive and exposed to cyclical working capital swings (inventory valuations change with oil prices). Analysts commonly track leverage ratios (net debt/EBITDA) and interest coverage to assess balance sheet resilience.

Segment reporting

Valero typically reports segment results by key business lines—Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol—providing revenue, operating income and other segment metrics. Segment disclosures show which parts of the business are driving earnings and how shifts (for example, growth in renewable diesel) alter the company’s risk/return profile. Segment performance matters because renewable fuels often have different margin dynamics, capital needs and regulatory exposures than traditional refining.

Dividends, shareholder returns and capital allocation

Dividend history

Valero’s dividend history, payout amounts, and the ex‑dividend dates are published on the company’s investor relations pages and summarized by market data services. When evaluating dividend sustainability, investors compare free cash flow generation and payout ratios (dividends ÷ net income or dividends ÷ free cash flow). Dividend yield varies with share price and is often cited in stock summaries for valero energy stock.

Share buybacks and other returns

Valero has historically conducted share repurchase programs in addition to regular dividend payments. Buybacks reduce shares outstanding and can improve EPS on a per‑share basis if done at accretive prices. The company discloses repurchase authorizations, repurchase activity and timing in quarterly filings. Corporate actions such as special dividends, if any, are also announced publicly and affect share count and shareholder yield.

Analysts, ratings and price targets

Consensus ratings and price targets

Sell‑side analysts publish Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations and price targets for valero energy stock. Consensus ratings and median price targets are compiled by data providers and serve as a summary of analyst sentiment. Revisions to consensus estimates or price targets often move the stock, especially around earnings or major operational news.

Notable analyst coverage and research notes

Valero typically receives coverage from large energy analysts at major brokerages and independent research firms. Research notes (earnings previews, result summaries, upgrade/downgrade actions) are circulated by those firms and summarized by financial news outlets. When consulting analyst coverage, check the date of the report and the underlying assumptions (crude price, refining margins, capex) to understand drivers behind a recommendation.

Trading information and market structure

Liquidity and volume

Liquidity measures for valero energy stock include average daily trading volume and bid/ask spreads. High average volume means a more liquid stock, which lowers trading friction for large orders. Institutional investors monitor intraday liquidity, block trade activity and dark pool participation when executing large trades.

Options market and derivatives

VLO options are listed on standardized options exchanges and used for hedging, income generation (covered calls) and directional trades. Option activity—open interest, volume, and implied volatility—provides information on market positioning and expectations for future price moves. Options data is available through broker platforms and market data vendors.

Volatility and beta

Historical volatility (measured on daily returns over set lookbacks) and beta (correlation‑adjusted measure vs. a market index) are common risk metrics. For valero energy stock, beta vs. the S&P 500 may be elevated due to commodity exposure; historical volatility tends to rise with swings in crude oil and refining margins.

Ownership and insider activity

Institutional ownership

Institutional ownership indicates the proportion of shares held by mutual funds, pension funds and other large entities. High institutional ownership is normal for a large, liquid company like Valero. Ownership filings and summaries (13F filings in the U.S.) show which institutions hold meaningful stakes and changes in positions over time.

Insider transactions

Company insiders (executives, directors) must report open‑market purchases and sales. Insider buys can be perceived as a vote of confidence, while sales may reflect diversification or other personal liquidity needs. Insider transactions are filed with regulators and aggregated by data services; they are one of many signals investors consider but should not be over‑interpreted alone.

Corporate events and operational news affecting the stock

Earnings releases and guidance

Quarterly earnings releases and management guidance are primary catalysts for valero energy stock. Investors focus on results vs. consensus, management commentary on refining margins and utilization, and forward outlooks for volumes, capex and renewable projects. Earnings conference calls and slides provide additional color on operational plans and risk factors.

Operational incidents and regulatory matters

Refinery outages, unplanned shutdowns, safety incidents, environmental events or regulatory actions can materially affect production and margins—and therefore the stock price. Valero discloses material operational events in SEC filings and press releases. Market participants monitor industry news services and company statements for timely information.

Strategic initiatives

Strategic initiatives that may influence the valuation of valero energy stock include capital investments in renewable diesel projects, asset turnarounds, modernization of facilities, portfolio optimization (asset sales or acquisitions), and decarbonization programs. These initiatives change the company’s risk profile and future cash‑flow expectations and are covered in annual strategic updates and investor presentations.

Risks and considerations

Industry and commodity risks

Valero’s earnings are sensitive to crude oil prices, refined product spreads (crack spreads), and global fuel demand. Refining is cyclical—rising crude tends to squeeze margins unless product prices increase proportionately. Macro factors such as economic growth, transportation demand, and regulatory shifts (e.g., renewable fuel mandates) materially affect the industry.

Company-specific risks

Company‑level risks for valero energy stock include operational risks (equipment failures, outages), execution risk for large capital projects (renewable diesel facilities), regulatory and environmental liabilities, and counterparty or market access risks. Management’s ability to manage these operational and strategic risks is discussed in the MD&A and risk factor disclosures.

Market risks

General equity market risk, interest rate moves, and sector rotation can affect valero energy stock independent of company fundamentals. Rising interest rates may impact discount rates used in valuations; market sentiment swings may reprice cyclical stocks quickly.

How to research and trade the stock

Primary sources of company information

Authoritative sources for valero energy stock information include:

• Valero Investor Relations materials (earnings releases, quarterly and annual reports, investor presentations)
• SEC filings: Form 10‑Q (quarterly), Form 10‑K (annual), 8‑K (material events)
• Official press releases and regulatory disclosures

Always cross‑check secondary summaries against primary filings when precise figures or legal disclosures matter.

Market data and research platforms

Common data providers and platforms for quotes, charts and analysis include major finance portals, market‑data vendors and broker research platforms. For users within the Bitget ecosystem, consider Bitget for trading access and Bitget Wallet for Web3 wallet needs. These platforms provide quotes, charts, option chains, and often aggregated analyst data. Remember to confirm whether displayed quotes are real‑time or delayed on any platform.

Practical considerations before investing

Before acting on information about valero energy stock, undertake basic due diligence steps:

• Read the latest 10‑K/10‑Q and earnings call transcript to understand recent performance and management commentary.
• Review segment dynamics—especially refining vs. renewable diesel—to see how the business mix is evolving.
• Assess dividend history and payout coverage relative to free cash flow.
• Consider commodity exposure and scenario analysis for different oil price levels.

This article is informational and not investment advice. Investors should consult licensed financial professionals for personalized guidance.

See also

• Refining margins (crack spread) — how crude oil converts to refined product margins
• Peer companies: Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66
• Renewable diesel sector and policy drivers impacting renewable fuels

References and data sources

Primary data and company information referenced in this article are available from Valero’s investor relations materials and SEC filings. Market context and intraday market moves cited are from Barchart market reporting. Other commonly used data providers for valero energy stock include major financial portals and market data vendors that publish market cap, volume, dividend history and analyst consensus. For primary documents, always consult the company’s SEC filings and official press releases.

Note on market context used above: As of Jan 23, 2026, per Barchart market reporting, the S&P 500 was up +0.25% and the Nasdaq 100 was up +0.62% on the session; energy stocks, including Valero (VLO), advanced as WTI crude oil rose more than +2% intraday and commodity‑sensitive names gained. This snapshot is provided for time‑stamped context; investors should verify live data when making decisions.

Appendix

Historical dividend table (summary)

A full historical dividend table for valero energy stock is maintained on Valero’s investor relations site and in financial data services. Typical entries include: ex‑dividend date, record date, payment date and dividend per share. For a concise historical view, consult the company’s published dividend history in the investor relations section.

Key identifiers

• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
• Common ticker: VLO
• ISIN: (see company/market data provider for the exact ISIN at time of lookup)
• CUSIP: (see company/market data provider for the exact CUSIP at time of lookup)

(Identifiers can change in format between vendors—confirm the exact codes in primary filings or with your broker.)

Want to continue researching valero energy stock? Use official Valero filings and reliable market data providers for updated price, volume and corporate disclosure. For trading access or Web3‑enabled tools, consider Bitget and Bitget Wallet as part of your research and execution toolkit. Explore more features on Bitget to access market data and order execution tools.