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.
CNQ
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
$44.19EnergyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
VLO
Valero Energy Corporation
$298.88EnergyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CNQ vs VLO
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 26yCNQ +5015.8%VLO +9764.5%VLO compounded faster
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
| Metric | CNQ | VLO |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 13.26 | 22.14 |
| Forward P/E | 10.93 | 8.95 |
| P/S ratio | 3.18 | 0.72 |
| P/B ratio | 4.07 | 3.81 |
| PEG ratio | 0.11 | 5.04 |
| EV / EBITDA | 7.00 | 10.76 |
| FCF yield | 4.78% | 6.52% |
Profitability
| Metric | CNQ | VLO |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 21.29% | 7.24% |
| Operating margin | 18.62% | 4.61% |
| Net margin | 23.94% | 3.33% |
| ROE | 30.65% | 17.62% |
| ROIC | 7.95% | 7.12% |
Dividends
| Metric | CNQ | VLO |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.90% | 1.53% |
| Payout ratio | 46.44% | 61.56% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNQ | VLO |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Canadian Natural Resources P/E ratioValero Energy P/E ratioCanadian Natural Resources dividend yieldValero Energy dividend yieldCanadian Natural Resources ROEValero Energy ROECanadian Natural Resources operating marginValero Energy operating marginCanadian Natural Resources revenue growthValero Energy revenue growthCanadian Natural Resources free cash flowValero Energy free cash flow
Canadian Natural Resources & Valero Energy appear in these rankings
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.