Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO)

A side-by-side comparison of Marathon Petroleum Corporation 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 returnMPC vs VLO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MPC +1176.5% (+29.0%/yr)VLO +921.9% (+26.2%/yr)MPC compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,277$1,022
MPC VLO

MPC vs VLO: by the numbers

  • MPC is the larger company ($115.59B vs $112.41B market cap).
  • MPC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.63 vs 16.19 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MPC converts more revenue to profit (5.56% vs 5.43% net margin).
  • MPC grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.91% vs 10.43% CAGR).
  • VLO pays the higher dividend yield (1.22% vs 1.02%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMPCVLO
P/E ratio13.6316.19
Forward P/E7.638.91
P/S ratio0.750.85
P/B ratio6.064.50
EV / EBITDA9.138.85
FCF yield11.16%9.00%

Profitability

MetricMPCVLO
Gross margin11.62%11.33%
Operating margin7.95%7.53%
Net margin5.56%5.43%
ROE44.84%28.85%
ROIC14.33%16.52%

Dividends

MetricMPCVLO
Dividend yield1.02%1.22%
Payout ratio13.77%19.62%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMPCVLO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.91%10.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.12%4.39%
FCF CAGR (5Y)35.87%75.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)50.50%48.27%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MPC or VLO?
MPC has the lower trailing P/E: MPC trades at 13.63 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, MPC or VLO?
Over the past five years, MPC grew revenue faster — MPC at a 11.91% CAGR versus VLO at 10.43%.
Does MPC or VLO pay a bigger dividend?
MPC yields 1.02% and VLO yields 1.22% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MPC or VLO more profitable?
MPC runs the higher net margin — MPC at 5.56% versus VLO at 5.43%.
How have MPC and VLO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MPC delivered 28.77% 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.