Valero Energy Corporation vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Valero Energy Corporation trades at $313.64 (market cap $93.03B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $233.17 (market cap $96.00B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation and Waste Management, Inc. 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.
| VLO | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $93.03B | $96.00B |
Sector | Energy | Industrials |
52-Week High | $313.31 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $131.77 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $98.79B | $118.73B |
Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.48% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $314.80, up 1.66% today and near its 52-week high, with a bullish technical outlook supported by strong moving averages. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 expected at $10.13 EPS. Revenue declined to $122.69B in 2025, but net income margin improved to 3.37%, while valuation ratios like P/E of 22.89 and P/S of 0.77 reflect moderate pricing relative to peers. Recent news highlights robust refining margins and dividend declarations of $1.20 per share.
VLO's outlook is positive due to elevated crack spreads and strong fuel demand, though revenue declines pose a risk. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $285.38 price target, but high RSI levels suggest potential near-term pullbacks. Investment appeal lies in earnings momentum and shareholder returns, balanced against exposure to volatile energy markets and refining margins.
WM (Waste Management) trades at $233.18, down 2.56% on the day, but remains near its 52-week high of $248.13. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with strong moving averages, while fundamentals reveal steady revenue growth to $25.20 billion in 2025 and a robust 10.99% net income margin. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, though Q3 and Q4 2025 results missed. Analyst sentiment is positive with a consensus buy rating and $263.57 price target, supported by a reliable dividend and strong cash flow from operations of $6.04 billion.
Outlook: WM's dominant market position, pricing power, and renewable energy initiatives support long-term growth, but high debt levels and competitive pressures pose risks. The stock offers value for income and growth investors, with potential upside to analyst targets if execution remains solid amid economic uncertainties.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →