Valero Outperforms Dow on Strong Fuel Demand

Valero Energy reached an all-time high of $375.11 on September 3, 2026. The stock is down 1.2% from that peak, but it has gained 43.2% over the past three months. That easily tops the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which rose 3.6% in the same period.

For 2026, Valero shares have surged 127.7% year-to-date and 138.6% over the past 52 weeks. In comparison, the Dow returned 11.1% and 17.1% over those respective periods. However, competitor PBF Energy has outpaced Valero, gaining 174.1% year-to-date and 163.2% over 52 weeks.

The rally has been supported by tight fuel markets, record diesel prices, and solid earnings. On July 30, the stock rose 3.5% after the company reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $12.54 per share on revenue of $44.5 billion, beating Wall Street estimates. Valero operates 14 refineries across the United States, Canada, and Peru with a daily throughput capacity of about 3 million barrels and a Nelson Complexity Index of 11.5.

Valero now holds a market capitalization of roughly $106.7 billion and has traded above its 50-day moving average since August and its 200-day moving average since June. Among 21 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is Moderate Buy. While shares trade above the average target price of $331.25, the highest target on Wall Street of $435 points to an upside potential of 17.3%.