Valero Energy Corporation vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Valero Energy Corporation trades at $325.98 (market cap $93.27B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $227.36 (market cap $90.68B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation and Waste Management, Inc. are close in size by market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| VLO | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $93.27B | $90.68B |
Sector | Energy | Industrials |
52-Week High | $323.92 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $133.38 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $96.74B | $113.47B |
Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 1.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $314.95, up 5.58% in 24 hours, reflecting strong momentum. The stock exhibits bullish technical signals with key support at $307 and resistance at $324. Recent quarterly earnings consistently beat expectations, with Q2 2026 EPS of $12.54 surpassing the $10.11 estimate. Revenue for 2026 is projected to rise to $139.4 billion, with net income margin improving to 5.17%.
Outlook remains positive due to robust refining margins and renewable diesel growth, but risks include volatile oil prices and geopolitical tensions. Analysts maintain a buy consensus with a $324.27 price target, indicating potential upside. Investors should monitor execution on earnings guidance and global energy supply dynamics.
WM trades at $226.6, down 0.47% over 24 hours, with a bullish technical signal and support near $226. The stock shows strong profitability with a 40.6% gross margin and 11.12% net margin, though its P/E of 59.74 is elevated. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations at $2.02 per share, and analyst consensus is a buy with a $263.43 price target. Cash flow from operations grew to $6.04B in 2025, but net cash flow was negative $190M due to investments.
Outlook is positive with revenue growth and margin stability, but risks include high valuation and debt levels. The stock offers upside to the consensus target, supported by institutional confidence and consistent earnings beats, though investors should monitor volume trends and interest rate impacts on borrowing costs.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →