Why Valero Energy (VLO) Outpaced the Stock Market Today

Valero Energy (VLO) closed at $235.96 in the latest trading session, marking a +1.46% move from the prior day. This change outpaced the S&P 500's 0.25% gain on the day. At the same time, the Dow added 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.47%.

The stock of oil refiner has risen by 16.19% in the past month, leading the Oils-Energy sector's gain of 7.67% and the S&P 500's loss of 1.88%.

Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Valero Energy in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to go public on April 30, 2026. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $2.33, marking a 161.8% rise compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, the latest consensus estimate predicts the revenue to be $27.85 billion, indicating a 7.97% decrease compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $12.97 per share and a revenue of $113.05 billion, demonstrating changes of +22.24% and -7.85%, respectively, from the preceding year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Valero Energy. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.

Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 1.97% upward. Valero Energy is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Valero Energy has a Forward P/E ratio of 17.93 right now. This indicates a premium in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 15.84.

Investors should also note that VLO has a PEG ratio of 1.19 right now. The PEG ratio is akin to the commonly utilized P/E ratio, but this measure also incorporates the company's anticipated earnings growth rate. The Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.37 as trading concluded yesterday.

The Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 148, this industry ranks in the bottom 40% of all industries, numbering over 250.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.

5 Stocks Set to Double

Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include

Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience

Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip

Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market

Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth

Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring

Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.

See Our Newest 5 Stocks Set to Double Picks >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research