Valero Energy (VLO) has seen a strong start to the year, with shares hitting new 52-week highs in January. Analysts are reassessing the downstream petroleum industry in light of geopolitical shifts impacting heavy crude oil supplies. Valero is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners, owning 15 refineries with a capacity of 3.2 million barrels per day. The company has outperformed the market, with its stock trading at the high end of its range over the past year. Valero pays dividends and buys back stocks, while recent earnings show a significant increase in net income and refining earnings. Analysts have a “Moderate Buy” rating on Valero, with a mean target price of $186.72.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Should You Buy Valero Stock in January 2026? The Bull Case for Oil Stocks in the New Year.