Estee Lauder Companies Inc vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Estee Lauder Companies Inc trades at $82.39 (market cap $29.78B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $303.39 (market cap $86.90B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is far larger — about 2.9× Estee Lauder Companies Inc's market cap, and Estee Lauder Companies Inc pays the higher dividend (1.7%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EL | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $29.78B | $86.90B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Energy |
52-Week High | $119.61 | $301.43 |
52-Week Low | $67.23 | $131.77 |
Enterprise Value | $35.95B | $92.66B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 1.64% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Estée Lauder (EL) trades at $80.86, down 0.36% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and recent earnings beats. The stock shows a high P/E of 147.8 and negative net income margin of -1.67%, though revenue remains substantial at $14.33 billion for 2025. Recent news highlights innovation in beauty trends, but cash flow trends show net outflows over recent years.
Outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $90.60 with 44% buy ratings, but high valuation and profitability challenges pose risks. Recovery depends on margin improvement and sustained revenue growth amid competitive pressures.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $301.43, up 1.91% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving averages. Recent earnings consistently beat estimates, with Q1 2026 EPS of $4.22 versus $3.16 expected. Revenue declined to $122.69B in 2025 but net income margin improved to 3.37%. The stock benefits from elevated refining margins and positive analyst sentiment, with 55.55% recommending Buy.
Outlook remains positive due to robust refining margins and strategic positioning, though risks include volatile energy markets and declining revenue trends. The consensus price target is $276.22, below current levels, suggesting potential near-term consolidation. Investors should weigh strong profitability against cyclical industry headwinds.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Estee Lauder is the world leader in the global prestige beauty market, participating across skincare (56% of fiscal 2022 sales), makeup (26%), fragrance (14%), and haircare (4%) categories, with popular brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, Jo Malone, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Too Faced, Origins, Dr. Jart+, and The Ordinary. The firm operates in 150 countries, with 26% of fiscal 2022 revenue stemming from the Americas, 43% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 31% from Asia-Pacific. The company sells its products through department stores, travel retail, multi-brand specialty beauty stores, brand-dedicated freestanding stores, e-commerce, salons/spas, and perfumeries.
Read more on EL →Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →