U.S. Refiners Soar in 2012 as Increased Access to North American Crude Improves Margins

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 01/31/13 -- The Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing Industry experienced an impressive revival in 2012 as access to large supplies of North American crude have helped improved refiners profit margins. Bloomberg's S&P's Supercomposite Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing Index (S15OILR) has gained nearly 80 percent in the past year. Research Driven Investing examines investing opportunities in the Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing Industry and provides equity research on Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) and Tesoro Corporation (NYSE: TSO).

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The emergence of hydraulic fracturing has unlocked large reserves of oil that were previously inaccessible. Access to these reserves has made North American crude a viable option for refiners. As of last Friday, U.S. West Texas Intermediate at Cushing, Oklahoma was priced at roughly $96 a barrel, nearly $20 less a barrel than the international benchmark Brent crude.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) earlier this month reported that oil production in the U.S. surpassed the 7 million barrels per day mark, which is the highest level in nearly 20 years. The EIA forecasts U.S. oil production will increase an additional 14 percent in 2013.

Research Driven Investing releases regular market updates on the Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.RDInvesting.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Valero and its subsidiaries assets include 15 petroleum refineries with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 2.8 million barrels per day, 10 ethanol plants with a combined production capacity of 1.2 billion gallons per year, and a 50-megawatt wind farm. The company reported a net income of $1 billion or $1.82 per share for the fourth quarter of 2012. Valero's fourth-quarter earnings per share were the highest since 2005.

Tesoro is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products. Tesoro, through its subsidiaries, operates seven refineries in the western United States with a combined capacity of approximately 675,000 barrels per day. The company is scheduled to release its fourth quarter results after market close on Wednesday, February 6th.

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