Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, independent oil refiner Western Refining (WNR) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Western Refining and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Western Refining facts

Headquarters (founded)

El Paso, Texas (1993)

Market Cap

$2.4 billion

Industry

Oil and gas refining and marketing

Trailing-12-Month Revenue

$9.1 billion

Management

CEO Jeff Stevens (since 2010)

CFO Gary Dalke (since 2005)

Return on Equity (average, past 3 years)

7.7%

Cash/Debt

$509.8 million / $506.0 million

Dividend Yield

1.3%

Competitors

Alon USA Energy (NYSE: ALJ)

ConocoPhillips (COP 0.39%)

Valero Energy (VLO 0.99%)

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 95% of the 1,149 members who have rated Western Refining believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Just yesterday, one of those Fools, 2good2betrue, succinctly summed up the Western Refining bull case for our community:

Several factors trigger this pick, one is the return to profitability, as well as the progress on lowering their debt, but perhaps the biggest is the potential for increased profits in the coming year with the increased interest in US refining. [Marathon Petroleum (MPC 0.71%)] just bought a [T]exas based refining company, that probably isn't the last US refinery bought in the coming year.

If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, Western Refining may not be your top choice.

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Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.