NextEra Energy, Inc. vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? NextEra Energy, Inc. trades at $82.82 (market cap $174.87B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $389.25 (market cap $110.23B). The key difference: NextEra Energy, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and NextEra Energy, Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.97%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NEE | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $174.87B | $110.23B |
Sector | Utilities | Energy |
52-Week High | $97.88 | $388.95 |
52-Week Low | $69.83 | $156.39 |
Enterprise Value | $282.20B | $113.71B |
Dividend Yield | 2.97% | 1.25% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
NextEra Energy (NEE) trades at $83.83, up 0.48% with a bearish technical signal despite strong analyst support. The company shows solid fundamentals with Q1 and Q2 2026 earnings beats, a 32.4% net income margin, and recent positive developments including a $1.9 billion DOE loan for nuclear plant restart. Cash flow improved to $1.6B net in 2025, though debt-to-asset ratio rose to 47.6%.
Outlook remains positive with 66.7% analyst buy ratings and a $100.20 consensus price target offering 19.5% upside. Key risks include rising leverage, competitive pressures, and execution of growth projects. The stock presents a growth opportunity in renewable energy with institutional backing, balanced by macroeconomic and regulatory uncertainties.
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
NextEra Energy's regulated utility, Florida Power & Light, distributes power to more than 5 million customers in Florida. FP&L contributes more than 60% of the group's operating earnings. The renewable energy segment generates and sells power throughout the United States and Canada. Consolidated generation capacity totals more than 50 gigawatts and includes natural gas, nuclear, wind, and solar assets.
Read more on NEE →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 →