Why These Energy Stocks are Gaining This Week

7. Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) 

Share Price Gains Between Feb. 2 and Feb. 9: 11.74%

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) posted strong results for its Q4 2025 on January 29, driven primarily by a rebound in margins and higher throughput volume. The company’s refining margin grew by over 61% YoY to $13.61 per ​barrel during the quarter, while its average throughput volume came in at 3.1 million barrels per day, up from 2.9 million bpd a year earlier. As a result, Valero posted adjusted earnings of $3.82 per share for Q4, beating estimates by $0.55. The company’s revenue of $30.37 billion also topped forecasts by over $2.4 billion.

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) remains well-positioned to capitalize on US action in Venezuela, as its refineries are designed to process heavier crude, such as that from the South American country. The company announced that it has engaged three authorized sellers of Venezuelan crude and will purchase barrels from all three.

Following the impressive Q4 earnings beat, UBS analyst Manav Gupta significantly increased the firm’s price target on Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) from $190 to $215 on January 30, while keeping a ‘Buy’ rating on the shares. Similarly, analysts at Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Piper Sandler have raised their price targets on VLO over the past few days.