KKR & Co Inc vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? KKR & Co Inc trades at $97.61 (market cap $87.07B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $312.1 (market cap $93.03B). The key difference: KKR & Co Inc and Valero Energy Corporation are close in size by market cap, and Valero Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.53%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| KKR | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $87.07B | $93.03B |
Sector | Financials | Energy |
52-Week High | $152.16 | $313.31 |
52-Week Low | $83.88 | $131.77 |
Enterprise Value | $12.59B | $98.79B |
Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 1.53% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
KKR trades at $96.72, down 4.19% over 24 hours, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $1.39, beating estimates, and maintains strong analyst support with 24 buy ratings. Recent developments include a $1.3 billion renewable energy joint venture in South Korea and the acquisition of EDF Power Solutions' North American operations for $4.2 billion, highlighting strategic expansion.
The outlook for KKR is positive, supported by robust deal activity and a favorable analyst consensus price target of $124.33. Key risks include execution of large acquisitions and market sensitivity to interest rate changes. Revenue is projected to grow to $20.4 billion in 2026, with net income margin improving to 14.51%, offering potential upside if operational targets are met.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $314.81, up 1.67% on the day, with strong technical momentum and bullish moving averages. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $4.22 surpassing expectations of $3.16. Revenue declined to $122.69 billion in 2025, but net income margin held at 3.37%, supported by robust refining margins. Recent news highlights strong fuel demand and elevated crack spreads benefiting Valero's outlook.
The outlook remains positive given earnings beats, analyst buy ratings (55.55%), and refining margin tailwinds. However, declining revenue trends, high RSI levels suggesting overbought conditions, and exposure to volatile energy markets pose risks. The consensus price target of $276.22 implies potential downside from current levels, requiring careful monitoring of Q2 2026 earnings.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
KKR is one of the world's largest alternative asset managers, with $490.7 billion in total assets under management, including $384.5 billion in fee-earning AUM, at the end of June 2022. The company has two core segments: asset management (which includes private markets--private equity, credit, infrastructure, energy and real estate--and public markets--primarily credit and hedge/investment fund platforms) and insurance (following the February 2021 purchase of a 61.5% economic stake in Global Atlantic Financial Group, which is engaged in retirement/annuity and life insurance lines as well as reinsurance). On the asset management side, private markets account for 50% of fee-earning AUM and 70% of base management fees, while public markets account for 50% and 30%, respectively.
Read more on KKR →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 →