We recently published a list of the 12 Best Energy Stocks To Invest In Now. In this article, we are going to look at where Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) stands against other best energy stocks to invest in now.
The rise of generative AI and quantum computing has sparked a technological revolution, but behind this growth lies an urgent challenge. As AI models grow more advanced, the data centers powering them are consuming unprecedented amounts of energy. Industry leaders are now faced with the dual challenge of meeting soaring demand while minimizing environmental impact. To meet the surging energy demands of AI, tech giants are turning to nuclear energy. Multi-billion-dollar deals have been signed to secure reliable and low-carbon energy sources.
At the same time, energy companies are positioning themselves as pivotal players in the evolving intersection of energy and AI infrastructure, emphasizing their capability to provide reliable, lower-carbon energy solutions. Major Oil and Gas companies are also advancing into the race to supply power for AI data centers, anticipating that tech companies will increasingly rely on natural gas to meet their growing energy demands. Exxon CEO Darren Woods stressed that decarbonized natural gas plants offer a quicker solution to meet tech companies’ energy needs compared to nuclear power, which involves lengthy development timelines.
2025 Oil Market Outlook: Prices to Fall
On December 18, CNBC reported that oil prices in 2025 are expected to decline due to a looming surplus in the global market, rather than any immediate actions by President-elect Donald Trump. As Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, 2025, the U.S., the world’s largest oil producer, continues to pump record amounts of crude, while demand from China, the world’s largest oil importer, slows amid economic headwinds.
Market analysts foresee U.S. crude oil prices averaging around $61 per barrel and Brent crude at $65 per barrel in 2025, according to forecasts from Bank of America and RBC Capital Markets. These projections represent a decline of over $8 from current levels. UBS presents a more moderate outlook, predicting Brent prices to average around $80 per barrel, supported by stronger demand and a narrower surplus.
While Trump has expressed a desire for lower energy prices, geopolitical factors could counteract his goals. If the Trump administration reinstates stricter measures on Iranian and Venezuelan oil exports, prices might rise instead of falling, according to Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy. However, any potential tariffs Trump may impose are unlikely to significantly impact global demand until 2026.
The evolving energy landscape is being shaped by the growing demands of AI infrastructure, advancements in cleaner energy solutions, and shifting global market dynamics. As tech giants increasingly turn to energy companies to meet their energy needs, companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformation.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the 12 best energy stocks to invest in now, we used Finviz and Yahoo stock screeners to find the 30 largest energy companies. Then we used Insider Monkey’s Hedge Fund database to rank 12 stocks according to the largest number of hedge fund holders, as of Q3 2024. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment.
Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO)
Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 49
Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is one of the largest independent petroleum refining and marketing companies in the world. The company owns and operates refineries in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) generates revenue by refining crude oil into petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, and selling these products to wholesale and retail customers.
Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is focusing on expanding its renewable fuels and low-carbon solutions to meet growing environmental demands and regulatory requirements. The company recently completed the Diamond Green Diesel Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project, which is now mechanically complete and in the process of starting up. This project, completed on schedule and under budget, is expected to produce high-quality renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is also actively exploring other renewable projects.
Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is also investing in advanced technologies and process improvements in its refineries to enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs. The company is leveraging digital transformation and automation to optimize refinery operations and improve asset utilization. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) remains a low-cost producer in the industry, which is essential for sustaining profitability during challenging market conditions. The company’s strong market presence in key regions such as the Gulf Coast, Mid-continent, West Coast, and North Atlantic, coupled with robust export capabilities ensures a diversified revenue stream.
Overall, VLO ranks 8th on our list of best energy stocks to invest in now. While we acknowledge the potential of VLO to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VLO but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.