Valero Energy shares surge 6.23% after-hours on $1.20 dividend increase and analyst price target upgrades.

Valero Energy (VLO) surged 6.23% in after-hours trading following the release of strong Q4 results, including a record refining margin of $13.61 per barrel and an adjusted EPS of $3.82 that exceeded expectations. The company also announced a $1.20 per share dividend in March, signaling robust financial health. Analyst activity further bolstered sentiment, with BMO Capital upgrading the stock to Buy with a $200.00 price target and TipRanks upgrading to Buy with a $202.00 target. Additional catalysts included a $2.5 billion share repurchase authorization and multiple price target increases from firms like Raymond James ($164.00) and Mizuho ($174.00). These developments collectively reinforced confidence in Valero’s operational performance and shareholder returns, driving the post-market rally.