Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 29, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBrian Donovan - Head of Investor RelationsEric Fisher - EVP ana CCOGary Simmons - EVP and COOHomer Bhullar - VP Investor Relations and FinanceR. Lane Riggs - Chairman, CEO and PresidentRichard Walsh - EVP and General CounselSam Margolin - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsDouglas George Blyth Leggate - AnalystJason Daniel Gabelman - AnalystJean Ann Salisbury - AnalystJoseph Gregory Laetsch - AnalystMat ...

Group 1: Company Performance - Valero Energy has had a strong start to the year, with shares climbing to new 52-week highs due to solid performance in refining margins and cash returns [1] - The stock has gained more than 70% from its low levels last year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index [4] - Current valuation multiples for Valero Energy are lower than market averages, indicating it is not overly pricey in comparison to its peers in the refining sector [5] Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The refining sector is experiencing a positive shift, with analysts re-evaluating the downstream petroleum industry amid changing geopolitical conditions affecting heavy crude oil supplies [1] - Venezuela's oil industry is under scrutiny due to U.S. sanctions and potential involvement in rebuilding its energy infrastructure, which could impact global oil prices but favor U.S. Gulf Coast refiners like Valero Energy [2] - Valero Energy is well-positioned to process discounted heavy sour barrels, benefiting from any reliable flows of Venezuelan heavy crude [2][3]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call primarily discusses the **oil refining industry** and **crude shipping** dynamics, particularly focusing on the **Chinese market** and **geopolitical influences** affecting refining margins and shipping rates. Key Insights and Arguments 1. **Volatility in Refining Margins**: - Overseas refining margins have experienced significant fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions, with the UBS European Composite Refining Margin increasing from approximately **US$14/bbl** in late October to **US$20/bbl** in November, before dropping to **US$12.69/bbl** due to reduced risk premiums from Russia/Ukraine discussions [2][4][27]. 2. **Refinery Utilization Rates**: - Major refineries in China saw a **4.16 percentage point** month-over-month decrease in utilization, dropping to **79.22%** in November, attributed to maintenance and nearing completion of annual production plans. In contrast, utilization at teapot refineries increased by **3.79 percentage points** to **62.28%** [3][27]. 3. **Oil Product Prices and Exports**: - Brent crude futures remained stable at **US$64/bbl** in November. Domestic retail price ceilings for gasoline and diesel were raised by **Rmb55/t**. Year-over-year exports of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene increased by **12%**, **56%**, and **18%** respectively in October [3][27]. 4. **Crude Import Quotas**: - The first batch of China's crude import quota for 2026 expanded by **29% year-over-year**, while the total import quota for non-state-owned crude trade remained stable at **260 million tonnes** for 2026 [3][27]. 5. **VLCC Rates and Shipping Dynamics**: - Current Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) rates are between **US$130,000 and US$140,000 per day**, supported by seasonal demand and limited supply. The shadow fleet is estimated to consist of over **1,400 tankers**, with about **500** not on the sanctions list [4][27]. 6. **Geopolitical Risks and Future Uncertainties**: - Potential easing of geopolitical conflicts, OPEC+ output decisions, and the profitability of Chinese refineries are highlighted as uncertainties that could impact VLCC rates and overall demand [4][27]. Additional Important Information - **Regulatory Environment**: The refining and retail oil product marketing industries in China are currently in oversupply, which poses risks related to competitive pressures and government policy changes, including potential windfall profit taxes and price controls [27]. - **Market Dynamics**: The report emphasizes the seasonal nature of oil prices and refining margins, which can lead to volatile earnings in the sector from quarter to quarter [27]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call, focusing on the oil refining industry and its dynamics influenced by geopolitical factors and market conditions.