MKS Instruments vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? MKS Instruments trades at $268.04 (market cap $17.95B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $389.01 (market cap $110.23B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is far larger — about 6.1× MKS Instruments's market cap, and Valero Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.25%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MKSI | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $17.95B | $110.23B |
Sector | Technology | Energy |
52-Week High | $444.80 | $388.95 |
52-Week Low | $110.60 | $156.39 |
Enterprise Value | $21.53B | $113.71B |
Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.25% |
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Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $382.85, up 3.27% today, reflecting strong momentum amid favorable refining conditions. The stock exhibits a bullish technical trend, with recent earnings beats and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) as of September 9, 2026. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 29.31% ROE, though revenue has declined from $176.4B in 2022 to $122.7B in 2025. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $345.55 price target, and the company maintains a solid balance sheet with $4.66B in cash.
VLO's outlook is supported by tight fuel supplies and healthy demand, with projected 2026 net income of $7.2B. Key risks include volatile energy prices and potential regulatory pressures. The stock offers growth potential but faces headwinds from revenue declines and geopolitical factors affecting the energy sector.
Trailing returns across standard periods
MKS develops instruments, systems, and process control solutions for advanced manufacturing. Its technologies serve semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, photonics, and specialty industrial applications.
Read more on MKSI →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 →