Here is Why Valero Energy (VLO) Fell This Week

The share price of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) fell by 7.44% between December 10 and December 17, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Lost the Most This Week.

Valero Energy (VLO) Downgraded by Analysts, Price Targets Reduced

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is the world’s premier independent petroleum refiner and a leading producer of low-carbon transportation fuels.

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) took a hit on December 12 when Mizuho analyst Nitin Kumar downgraded it from ‘Outperform’ to ‘Neutral’, driven by the stock’s ‘above peer valuation’ and the potential for weaker refining cracks. That said, the analyst increased VLO’s price target from $190 to $192, representing an upside potential of almost 18% from its current share price. Mizuho expects a ‘more muted’ outlook for the refining sector next year, with weaker margins, as many projects that should have been finished this year have been delayed till 2026.

Earlier on December 11, BofA also downgraded Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) from ‘Buy’ to ‘Neutral’, and also reduced its price target from $198 to $195.

While we acknowledge the potential of VLO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VLO and that has a 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None.