Ethic Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) by 248.4% during the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 40,855 shares of the oil and gas company's stock after buying an additional 29,129 shares

Shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO - Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from the twenty research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating

MH, M, VLO, BG and SAIC have been added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List on December 29th, 2025.

CVE, FTI and VLO are three energy stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider for 2026.

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

PSX, VLO and OII stand out heading into 2026, as refining strength, low crude costs and resilient oilfield service demand offset softer oil prices.

Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, Dec. 23:

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?

VLO, PARR and DINO soared over 30% in 2025. Tight supply and strong execution could keep them worth watching into 2026.

JXN, VLO and SU made it to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) income stocks list on Dec. 23, 2025.