Valero Energy Corporation vs Exxon Mobil Corporation — how do they compare? Valero Energy Corporation trades at $391.21 (market cap $110.23B), while Exxon Mobil Corporation trades at $165 (market cap $660.62B). The key difference: Exxon Mobil Corporation is far larger — about 6× Valero Energy Corporation's market cap, and Exxon Mobil Corporation pays the higher dividend (2.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| VLO | XOM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $110.23B | $660.62B |
Sector | Energy | Energy |
52-Week High | $388.95 | $171.52 |
52-Week Low | $156.39 | $110.64 |
Enterprise Value | $113.71B | $692.40B |
Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 2.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
ExxonMobil (XOM) trades at $164.26, up 3.01% today, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The stock shows solid profitability with a 9.07% net margin and 12.55% ROE, though revenue and net income have declined from 2022 peaks. Recent earnings beat estimates in two of the last three quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending. Analyst consensus is a $168.14 price target, with 39% buy ratings. News highlights Exxon's Permian Basin strength and warnings of potential oil price spikes to $160.
XOM offers value with a P/E of 20.68 and strong cash flow, but faces risks from volatile oil prices and declining margins. The dividend provides income, yet geopolitical tensions and energy transition pressures pose challenges. Upside depends on execution in the Permian and oil market stability.
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 →Exxon Mobil Corporation operates petroleum and petro chemicals businesses. The Company provides operations include exploration and production of oil and gas, electric power generation, and coal and minerals operations. Exxon Mobil also manufactures and markets fuels, lubricants, and chemicals. Exxon Mobil serves customers worldwide.
Read more on XOM →