247Wallst·2026-03-06 11:25Group 1: Market Impact - The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has increased the probability of the Strait of Hormuz closure to 85.2%, impacting global energy markets significantly [1] - Brent crude prices have risen to $77.24 per barrel, while WTI has surged to over $80 per barrel, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions [1] - The market is not fully pricing in worst-case scenarios for oil, as Brent remains below the peak of $80.37 seen in June 2025 [2] Group 2: Company Analysis - Valero Energy (VLO): Shares increased by 25.95% to $225.60, benefiting from a tightening supply environment with record refining throughput of 3.1 million barrels per day in Q4 2025. Operating income for the refining segment rose to $1.69 billion from $437 million year-over-year [1] - Exxon Mobil (XOM): Shares rose 9% to $149.82, with record production of 4.7 million oil-equivalent barrels per day in 2025. The company is positioned to benefit from higher crude prices and wider crack spreads [1] - Baker Hughes (BKR): The company has a backlog of $32.4 billion, primarily in LNG infrastructure, and is up 34.2% year-to-date. However, shares have pulled back 6.09% since March 2 due to concerns over Middle East operational risks [1] - Halliburton (HAL): Shares are currently at $34.43, with a forward P/E of 15x, the lowest among the four companies. International revenue grew 7% in Q4 2025, indicating strong performance outside North America [1]