BUZZ - Valero Energy shares rise due to third-quarter earnings beating expectations

October 22 - ** Shares of U.S. refiner Valero Energy (VLO.N) rose 1.9% in pre-market trading to $444.99

** Driven by supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, Valero (link) posted third-quarter refining margins that soared and exceeded Wall Street expectations

** The company reported third-quarter earnings per share of $23.90, above analysts' estimate of $21.70 — LSEG data

** "This quarter, our refineries operated at near record-high utilization rates, providing a reliable supply of key transportation fuels," said CEO Lane Riggs

** Valero's third-quarter refining margin reached $39.24 per barrel, compared with $13.14 per barrel a year earlier

** As of the previous day's market close, the stock had gained 168.2% year-to-date

(To aid non-English speakers, Reuters offers its reports translated automatically into several other languages. Automated translation may contain inaccuracies or lack the intended context. Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of translated text, which is provided for reader convenience only. Reuters accepts no liability for any damages or losses caused by the use of automated translation.)