ValeroDiamondback Energy
Live Report Β· Updated February 16, 2026

Valero vs Diamondback Energy

This page compares Valero and Diamondback Energy, examining how their business models, financial performance, and market context differ. It presents neutral, accessible information to help readers und...

Why It's Moving

Valero

VLO Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -5% Downside Risk

  • Citigroup hiked its price target to $212 from $190 but kept a neutral stance, fueling a brief 52-week high of $204.14 before the pullback.
  • Q4 earnings crushed expectations with EPS of $3.82 versus $3.27 forecast and revenue of $30.37B topping $28.20B estimates, underscoring refining strength.
  • Board approved a dividend increase to $1.20 quarterly ($4.80 annualized, 2.4% yield), signaling management confidence in cash flow amid sector volatility.
Sentiment:
🐻Bearish
Diamondback Energy

Diamondback Energy Showcases Q2 Strength Amid Oil Price Headwinds, Sparking Mixed Investor Signals.

  • Q2 oil output hit 496 MBO/d with $1.7B operating cash flow and $1.2B free cash flow, signaling strong execution and cost discipline.
  • Returned $691M to shareholders via dividends and buybacks, while boosting share repurchase authorization by $2.0B to $8.0B total, reinforcing capital return commitment.
  • Recent SEC filing warns of Q4 earnings pressure from falling oil and gas prices, reflecting U.S. shale sector strain amid oversupply concerns.
Sentiment:
βš–οΈNeutral

Investment Analysis

Pros

  • Valero Energy has a diverse business model including refining, renewable diesel, and ethanol segments across multiple international markets.
  • The company has demonstrated strong capital return, distributing $1.3 billion to shareholders in Q3 2025 through dividends and buybacks.
  • Valero's stock has bullish analyst sentiment with average price targets suggesting potential upside around 4-9% in the near term.

Considerations

  • Valero stock price forecasts predict some near-term volatility with potential declines of over 10% by end of 2025 according to technical outlooks.
  • The company's valuation metrics indicate mixed signals, scoring low on certain valuation checks and showing a relatively high trailing PE ratio around 35.
  • Valero faces ongoing supply chain challenges and margin fluctuations due to volatile oil markets and infrastructure concerns.

Pros

  • Diamondback Energy is a pure-play oil exploration and production company benefiting from focused operational strategies.
  • The company has delivered recent earnings beats and revenue growth year-over-year, indicating operational efficiency.
  • Diamondback's market capitalization near $40 billion marks it as a significant mid-cap player in the energy sector with potential growth catalysts.

Considerations

  • As a standalone exploration and production company, Diamondback is more exposed to commodity price risks and industry cyclicality.
  • The company faces execution risks tied to drilling efficiency, reserve replacement, and cost control in a volatile market environment.
  • Diamondback’s stock has less diversified revenue streams compared to integrated energy firms, potentially increasing business risk amid regulatory or market shifts.

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Valero (VLO) Next Earnings Date

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) is scheduled to release its next earnings on April 23, 2026, covering the first quarter of 2026 results. This date aligns with market consensus and the company's historical late-April pattern for Q1 reports. Management will likely host a conference call following the pre-market release to review financial and operational performance.

Diamondback Energy (FANG) Next Earnings Date

Diamondback Energy (FANG) is scheduled to report its Q4 2025 earnings after market close on Monday, February 23, 2026. This release will cover the quarter ending December 2025, with a conference call planned for the following day. Investors should monitor for official confirmation as the date approaches.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Oil & Gas

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