Shell plc (SHEL) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO)

A side-by-side comparison of Shell plc and Valero Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 14, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnSHEL vs VLO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
SHEL +186.7% (+11.1%/yr)VLO +815.3% (+24.8%/yr)VLO compounded faster over this window
0200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$287$915
SHEL VLO

SHEL vs VLO: by the numbers

  • SHEL is the larger company ($252.24B vs $98.38B market cap).
  • SHEL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (9.92 vs 14.22 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SHEL converts more revenue to profit (8.76% vs 5.43% net margin).
  • VLO grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.43% vs 7.75% CAGR).
  • SHEL pays the higher dividend yield (4.16% vs 1.38%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricSHELVLO
P/E ratio9.9214.22
Forward P/E8.329.11
P/S ratio0.850.76
P/B ratio1.404.03
EV / EBITDA4.987.97
FCF yield12.45%10.01%

Profitability

MetricSHELVLO
Gross margin17.12%11.33%
Operating margin12.28%7.53%
Net margin8.76%5.43%
ROE14.37%28.85%
ROIC5.65%7.12%

Dividends

MetricSHELVLO
Dividend yield4.16%1.38%
Payout ratio61.69%62.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricSHELVLO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.75%10.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.44%4.39%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.90%75.29%
Total return CAGR (5Y)21.76%43.38%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, SHEL or VLO?
SHEL has the lower trailing P/E: SHEL trades at 9.92 and VLO at 14.22. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, SHEL or VLO?
Over the past five years, VLO grew revenue faster — SHEL at a 7.75% CAGR versus VLO at 10.43%.
Does SHEL or VLO pay a bigger dividend?
SHEL yields 4.16% and VLO yields 1.38% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is SHEL or VLO more profitable?
SHEL runs the higher net margin — SHEL at 8.76% versus VLO at 5.43%.
How have SHEL and VLO total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, SHEL delivered 11.15% and VLO delivered 24.98% 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 August 14, 2026.