Valero Energy Upgraded to Strong Buy by Wall Street Zen

Several other analysts also raised their price targets on the oil and gas company's stock.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:38am

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Saturday morning. Several other brokerages have also weighed in on VLO, with Scotiabank, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Argus all upgrading the stock or raising their price targets.

Why it matters

Valero Energy is one of the largest independent oil refiners in the United States, with a focus on manufacturing and marketing transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks, and other industrial products. The positive analyst sentiment and upgrades suggest growing confidence in the company's financial performance and future growth prospects.

The details

Wall Street Zen upgraded Valero Energy from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating, while Scotiabank, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Argus also issued positive ratings and price target increases for the stock. The analysts cited Valero's strong refining operations, diversified product portfolio, and ability to navigate market conditions as reasons for the upgrades.

  • The Wall Street Zen report was issued on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Scotiabank upgraded Valero to a 'strong-buy' rating on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • Goldman Sachs raised their price target on Valero from $203 to $237 on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • Wells Fargo increased their price target on Valero from $220 to $292 on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Argus upgraded Valero to a 'hold' rating on Monday, February 2, 2026.

The players

Wall Street Zen

A financial research and analysis firm that covers the oil and gas industry.

Valero Energy Corporation

A San Antonio, Texas-based integrated downstream energy company that manufactures and markets transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks, and other industrial products.

Scotiabank

A Canadian multinational banking and financial services company.

The Goldman Sachs Group

A leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm.

Wells Fargo & Company

A diversified, community-based financial services company with operations across the United States.

Argus

An independent research and advisory firm that provides investment research, data, and analysis.

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What they’re saying

“Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Saturday morning.”

— Wall Street Zen, Research Analyst

“Scotiabank upgraded shares of Valero Energy to a 'strong-buy' rating in a report on Friday, March 27th.”

— Scotiabank, Equity Research Analyst

“The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on Valero Energy from $203.00 to $237.00 and gave the company a 'buy' rating in a research note on Thursday, March 12th.”

— The Goldman Sachs Group, Equity Research Analyst

“Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Valero Energy from $220.00 to $292.00 and gave the stock an 'overweight' rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 31st.”

— Wells Fargo & Company, Equity Research Analyst

“Argus upgraded Valero Energy to a 'hold' rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd.”

— Argus, Equity Research Analyst

The takeaway

The positive analyst sentiment and upgrades for Valero Energy suggest the company is well-positioned to navigate the evolving energy market and capitalize on growth opportunities. The diversified product portfolio and strong refining operations appear to be driving confidence in Valero's future performance.