VLO Maintained by Wells Fargo -- Price Target Raised to $389

President Trump announced 100-year concessions on 17 Venezuelan oil fields with 65 billion barrels of reserves. Gulf Coast refiners, like Valero Energy (VLO), highlight challenges in production, infrastructure, and refining capacity. Chevron (CVX) is negotiating in Venezuela, while Exxon Mobil (XOM) has no role. Energy stocks have risen due to global supply shocks, not Venezuelan deals.

Valero Energy (VLO) shares rose 16.7% in the past month, hitting a 52-week high of $362.79. The company has beaten earnings estimates for four consecutive quarters. Analysts expect $40.7 EPS on $146.63B revenue for the current year. VLO has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of A. Marathon Petroleum (MPC) is also highlighted as a strong performer in the industry.

President Donald Trump's investment accounts traded oil, gas, and defense stocks during the US-Iran war in 2026, per OGE filings. Holdings in ExxonMobil, Chevron, and others surged in value, with portfolio growth of up to 39%. The White House denies Trump's involvement in trades, citing third-party management. Critics cite potential conflicts of interest.

U.S. companies gain majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves, boosting U.S. accessible reserves to 7.1% of global supply. Chevron (CVX) is positioned as a primary beneficiary, with potential for increased production and investment. However, infrastructure repairs and specialized refining needs mean production gains will take years. Other companies like SLB (SLB), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), and Valero Energy (VLO) may also benefit. The deal aims to improve long-term energy

Valero Energy (VLO) held $7.9B in cash as of June 2026, exceeding its $4-$5B target. It returned $3.6B to shareholders in H1 2026 via buybacks and dividends. VLO authorized a $5B buyback in July 2026 and increased its quarterly dividend. Marathon Petroleum (MPC) and HF Sinclair (DINO) also boosted shareholder returns. VLO's shares rose 131.1% over the past year, trading at a 7.2X EV/EBITDA.

Marathon Petroleum (MPC) and Valero Energy (VLO) have more than doubled in value in 2026 due to strong refining margins. Both companies reported combined profits of $8.8 billion in Q2 2026, exceeding expectations. Barron's suggests further upside potential, citing persistent global refining capacity constraints and strong shareholder returns. However, risks include potential normalization of margins and significant stock rallies (111% for VLO, 118% for MPC).