A catalyst composition and a hydrocarbon conversion process are disclosed. The composition comprises a zeolite and a Group VIII metal. The process comprises contacting a fluid which comprises a hydrocarbon such as fuel oil and optionally a sulfur compound with the catalyst composition under a condition sufficient to effect the conversion of the hydrocarbon to benzene, toluene, a xylene, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed is a process for producing the catalyst composition which comprises contacting a zeolite with a Group VIII compound followed by heating the resulting Group VIII compound-containing zeolite under a reducing atmosphere.