Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO)

A side-by-side comparison of Canadian Natural Resources Limited and Valero Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCNQ vs VLO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 26y
CNQ +5015.8%VLO +9764.5%VLO compounded faster
02k4k6k8k10kStart $10020052010201520202025$5,116$9,864
CNQ VLO

CNQ vs VLO: by the numbers

  • CNQ is the larger company ($92.17B vs $88.75B market cap).
  • CNQ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.26 vs 22.14 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CNQ converts more revenue to profit (23.94% vs 3.33% net margin).
  • VLO grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.68% vs 14.46% CAGR).
  • CNQ pays the higher dividend yield (3.90% vs 1.53%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNQVLO
P/E ratio13.2622.14
Forward P/E10.938.95
P/S ratio3.180.72
P/B ratio4.073.81
PEG ratio0.115.04
EV / EBITDA7.0010.76
FCF yield4.78%6.52%

Profitability

MetricCNQVLO
Gross margin21.29%7.24%
Operating margin18.62%4.61%
Net margin23.94%3.33%
ROE30.65%17.62%
ROIC7.95%7.12%

Dividends

MetricCNQVLO
Dividend yield3.90%1.53%
Payout ratio46.44%61.56%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNQVLO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.46%14.68%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.65%4.39%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.93%67.44%
Total return CAGR (5Y)28.83%40.65%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNQ or VLO?
CNQ has the lower trailing P/E: CNQ trades at 13.26 and VLO at 22.14. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CNQ or VLO?
Over the past five years, VLO grew revenue faster — CNQ at a 14.46% CAGR versus VLO at 14.68%.
Does CNQ or VLO pay a bigger dividend?
CNQ yields 3.90% and VLO yields 1.53% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNQ or VLO more profitable?
CNQ runs the higher net margin — CNQ at 23.94% versus VLO at 3.33%.
How have CNQ and VLO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CNQ delivered 17.19% and VLO delivered 24.12% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.