Billionaire’s 15 Favorite Oil and Gas Stocks Right Now

5. Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) 

Number of Billionaire Holders: 14

Ranked at number 5 on our list of the Best Energy Stocks According to Billionaires is Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO), the world’s largest independent petroleum refiner and a leading producer of low-carbon transportation fuels. The company has 15 refineries in the US, Canada, and the UK, with a total throughput capacity of approximately 3.2 million barrels per day.

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) witnessed a 13% YoY decline in its Q4 2024 revenue to $30.76 billion due to the ongoing challenges in the global refining sector. However, the company still managed to top market expectations by over $733 million. The company’s adjusted EPS also fell by a massive 82.1% to $0.64, but remained above analysts’ estimates. The Refining segment was hit particularly hard with $437 million of operating income during the quarter, compared to $1.6 billion for the Q4 of 2023. Despite the difficulties, VLO returned $4.3 billion to stockholders in 2024, consisting of $2.9 billion in stock buybacks and $1.4 billion in dividends, resulting in a payout ratio of 78% for the year. The company increased its quarterly cash dividend by 6%, placing it among the 13 Best Natural Gas and Oil Dividend Stocks To Buy.

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) signaled capital investments of approximately $2 billion in 2025, with a focus on growth and sustainability. Since 2009, the company has invested over $5.4 billion in its low-carbon businesses, making it the world’s largest producer of low-carbon transportation fuels.