MPLX LP vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? MPLX LP trades at $60.05 (market cap $60.66B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $389.99 (market cap $110.23B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and MPLX LP pays the higher dividend (7.2%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MPLX | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $60.66B | $110.23B |
Sector | Technology | Energy |
52-Week High | $60.51 | $388.95 |
52-Week Low | $47.80 | $156.39 |
Enterprise Value | $85.76B | $113.71B |
Dividend Yield | 7.2% | 1.25% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
MPLX trades at $59.83, up 0.27% with strong technical momentum as moving averages signal bullish conditions. The company demonstrates robust profitability with 40.45% net income margin and 33.95% ROE, though recent Q2 2026 earnings matched expectations without beating. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with 19 buy ratings and a $64.00 price target, representing 7% upside potential. Recent news highlights management's commitment to 12.5% annual distribution growth through 2027.
MPLX offers attractive income with 7%+ yield and distribution growth potential, supported by fee-based midstream operations. Key risks include rising leverage approaching 4x and exposure to energy market volatility. The stock presents a compelling value proposition for income-focused investors seeking energy infrastructure exposure with growth catalysts from ongoing capacity expansions.
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
Latest headlines on both assets
MPLX LP is a Master Limited Partnership (MLP) formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). It is a diversified, growth-oriented company primarily engaged in the gathering, processing, and transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), as well as the transportation, storage, and distribution of crude oil and refined petroleum products. MPLX owns and operates a network of midstream energy infrastructure assets, providing essential services to the energy industry across the United States.
Read more on MPLX →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 →