ConocoPhillips (COP) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO)

A side-by-side comparison of ConocoPhillips 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 returnCOP vs VLO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
COP +327.2% (+15.6%/yr)VLO +903.1% (+25.9%/yr)VLO compounded faster over this window
02004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$427$1,003
COP VLO

COP vs VLO: by the numbers

  • COP is the larger company ($167.33B vs $112.41B market cap).
  • VLO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.19 vs 18.19 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • COP converts more revenue to profit (14.65% vs 5.43% net margin).
  • COP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.71% vs 10.43% CAGR).
  • COP pays the higher dividend yield (2.45% vs 1.22%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCOPVLO
P/E ratio18.1916.19
Forward P/E13.338.91
P/S ratio2.640.85
P/B ratio2.564.50
EV / EBITDA7.118.85
FCF yield3.74%9.00%

Profitability

MetricCOPVLO
Gross margin27.68%11.33%
Operating margin21.92%7.53%
Net margin14.65%5.43%
ROE14.20%28.85%
ROIC7.85%16.52%

Dividends

MetricCOPVLO
Dividend yield2.45%1.22%
Payout ratio44.50%19.62%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCOPVLO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.71%10.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A4.39%
FCF CAGR (5Y)35.98%75.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)24.14%48.27%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, COP or VLO?
VLO has the lower trailing P/E: COP trades at 18.19 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, COP or VLO?
Over the past five years, COP grew revenue faster — COP at a 16.71% CAGR versus VLO at 10.43%.
Does COP or VLO pay a bigger dividend?
COP yields 2.45% and VLO yields 1.22% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is COP or VLO more profitable?
COP runs the higher net margin — COP at 14.65% versus VLO at 5.43%.
How have COP and VLO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, COP delivered 16.08% 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.