8-KCorporate ChangesOther EventsExhibits & Filings

VALERO ENERGY CORP/TX 8-K Report, Code of Ethics Amendment (Jan 29, 2021)

Filed January 29, 2021For Securities:VLO

Summary

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) filed an 8-K on January 28, 2021, detailing two significant events. First, the company's Board of Directors approved an amended and restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, effective January 26, 2021. This revision aims to enhance clarity and readability, emphasizing core values, ethical conduct, human rights, data privacy, and external communications. The updated code is accessible on Valero's website. Secondly, and more materially for investors, Valero announced a major expansion in its renewable diesel business through its Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) joint venture. The DGD joint venture's board has approved the construction of a new 470 million gallon per year renewable diesel plant (DGD 3) at Valero's Port Arthur refinery. This expansion, expected to be operational in the second half of 2023, will significantly boost the joint venture's total annual renewable diesel production capacity to approximately 1.2 billion gallons.

Key Highlights

  • 1Valero's Board of Directors approved an updated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, effective January 26, 2021, focusing on enhanced ethical guidance and readability.
  • 2The revised code clarifies key areas such as human rights, data privacy, business partner expectations, and external communications.
  • 3The Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) joint venture will construct a new 470 million gallon per year renewable diesel plant (DGD 3) at Valero's Port Arthur refinery.
  • 4DGD 3 is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2023.
  • 5Upon completion, the DGD joint venture's total annual renewable diesel production capacity will increase to approximately 1.2 billion gallons.
  • 6The expansion also includes an estimated 50 million gallons per year of renewable naphtha production capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, effective January 26, 2021, represents an effort by Valero to reinforce its commitment to ethical operations. It aims to provide clearer guidance on core values, integrity, human rights, data privacy, and external communications, including social media, making it easier for directors, officers, and employees to understand and adhere to ethical standards.

The DGD 3 project is a significant strategic move to expand Valero's presence and capacity in the growing renewable fuels market. By increasing its renewable diesel production capacity by 470 million gallons per year, Valero is enhancing its ability to meet increasing demand for lower-carbon fuels and solidifying its position as a leader in the renewable diesel sector.

The new renewable diesel plant, DGD 3, is anticipated to commence operations in the second half of 2023. This timeline indicates that the full impact of this expansion on Valero's production capacity and potential revenues will not be realized until that period.

Once DGD 3 becomes operational in the second half of 2023, the total annual production capacity of the Diamond Green Diesel joint venture is projected to reach approximately 1.2 billion gallons of renewable diesel, along with 50 million gallons of renewable naphtha.