W W Grainger Inc vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? W W Grainger Inc trades at $1,400.22 (market cap $64.75B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $300 (market cap $86.90B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Valero Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.64%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GWW | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $64.75B | $86.90B |
Sector | Technology | Energy |
52-Week High | $1.39K | $301.43 |
52-Week Low | $918.18 | $131.77 |
Enterprise Value | $66.84B | $92.66B |
Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 1.64% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GWW trades at $1,391.07, up 1.46% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving averages. The company reported solid Q1 2026 earnings of $11.65 per share, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. With revenue growth to $18.4B and net profit margin improving to 9.69%, fundamentals remain robust despite elevated valuation multiples.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus price target of $1,260 offering modest upside. Key risks include high P/E ratio of 36.88 and competitive pressures in industrial distribution. The stock presents a quality growth opportunity but requires monitoring of valuation sustainability amid economic uncertainties.
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
Grainger is a leading broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products. It serves millions of customers worldwide through an integrated network of branches and digital platforms.
Read more on GWW →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 →