Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE: VLO), the largest independent refiner in the U.S. market, is a well-known and avidly traded name. Despite being a member of the super hot energy sector, Valero has seen its stock price collapse from its 52-week high of $75.75 to Friday’s close at $34.72 (a 54% decline).

Volkswagen AG (PINK: VLKAF), PSA Peugeot Citroen SA (OTC ADR: PEUGY), and Fiat SPA (OTC ADR: FIATY) beat earnings estimates in the last week. At the same time, however, Ford Motor Co. (F), one of the largest industrial companies in America, missed earnings estimates. By a lot.

Q: As a newcomer to the stock market, I hear a lot about such companies as Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Deere & Co. (DE), Komatsu Ltd. (OTC ADR: KMTUY), and others. Yet not much is said about Cummins Inc. (CMI). Do you have any insight, as I own about 2,000 shares?