FirstEnergy Corp. vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? FirstEnergy Corp. trades at $48.95 (market cap $28.13B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $299.99 (market cap $86.90B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is far larger — about 3.1× FirstEnergy Corp.'s market cap, and FirstEnergy Corp. pays the higher dividend (3.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| FE | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $28.13B | $86.90B |
Sector | Utilities | Energy |
52-Week High | $51.91 | $301.43 |
52-Week Low | $40.30 | $131.77 |
Enterprise Value | $56.14B | $92.66B |
Dividend Yield | 3.82% | 1.64% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) trades at $49.17, down 0.1% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. Recent earnings show mixed quarterly beats, while revenue growth is steady at $15.09 billion for 2025. The company benefits from rising data center demand and a $36 billion investment plan, highlighted by recent news of grid upgrades and leadership appointments to drive operational performance.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $52.00, offering ~6% upside. Key opportunities include infrastructure investments and data center growth, but risks involve high debt levels and regulatory pressures. Institutional sentiment is bullish with no sell ratings, though net cash flow remains negative, requiring careful monitoring of capital expenditures.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $302.33, up 0.3% on the day, with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $4.22 surpassing expectations of $3.16. Revenue trends show a decline from $176.4B in 2022 to $122.7B in 2025, but net income margins remain positive. Analyst sentiment is predominantly bullish, with 20 buy ratings and a consensus price target of $276.22. Recent news highlights refining margin strength and Middle East supply tensions as key drivers.
VLO's outlook is supported by elevated refining margins and strategic positioning, though declining revenue and compressed profit margins pose risks. Investment opportunities include potential upside from continued earnings beats and favorable industry dynamics, while risks involve volatile energy markets and competitive pressures. The stock's current price near resistance at $306 suggests cautious optimism, with fundamental strength balancing macroeconomic uncertainties.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
FirstEnergy is one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the United States with 10 regulated distribution companies across six mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. FirstEnergy also owns and operates one of the nation's largest electric transmission systems with 24,000 miles of lines.
Read more on FE →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 →