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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCNQ vs VLO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CNQ +429.8% (+18.1%/yr)VLO +921.9% (+26.2%/yr)VLO compounded faster over this window
02004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$530$1,022
CNQ VLO

CNQ vs VLO: by the numbers

  • VLO is the larger company ($112.41B vs $104.43B market cap).
  • CNQ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.42 vs 16.19 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CNQ converts more revenue to profit (24.42% vs 5.43% net margin).
  • CNQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.77% vs 10.43% CAGR).
  • CNQ pays the higher dividend yield (3.44% vs 1.22%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNQVLO
P/E ratio12.4216.19
Forward P/EN/A8.91
P/S ratio3.020.85
P/B ratio3.174.50
EV / EBITDA6.438.85
FCF yield6.43%9.00%

Profitability

MetricCNQVLO
Gross margin21.29%11.33%
Operating margin18.62%7.53%
Net margin24.42%5.43%
ROE25.60%28.85%
ROIC13.86%16.52%

Dividends

MetricCNQVLO
Dividend yield3.44%1.22%
Payout ratio43.36%19.62%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNQVLO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.77%10.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.65%4.39%
FCF CAGR (5Y)9.62%75.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)31.28%48.27%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNQ or VLO?
CNQ has the lower trailing P/E: CNQ trades at 12.42 and VLO at 16.19. 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, CNQ grew revenue faster — CNQ at a 13.77% CAGR versus VLO at 10.43%.
Does CNQ or VLO pay a bigger dividend?
CNQ yields 3.44% and VLO yields 1.22% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNQ or VLO more profitable?
CNQ runs the higher net margin — CNQ at 24.42% versus VLO at 5.43%.
How have CNQ and VLO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CNQ delivered 18.31% and VLO delivered 26.44% 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 September 11, 2026.