Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) vs The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB)

A side-by-side comparison of Valero Energy Corporation and The Williams Companies, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnVLO vs WMB

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
VLO +903.1% (+25.9%/yr)WMB +317.4% (+15.4%/yr)VLO compounded faster over this window
02004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,003$417
VLO WMB

VLO vs WMB: by the numbers

  • VLO is the larger company ($110.26B vs $88.01B market cap).
  • VLO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (15.88 vs 28.55 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • WMB converts more revenue to profit (25.18% vs 5.43% net margin).
  • VLO grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.43% vs 6.47% CAGR).
  • WMB pays the higher dividend yield (2.73% vs 1.22%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricVLOWMB
P/E ratio15.8828.55
Forward P/E8.7429.13
P/S ratio0.837.21
P/B ratio4.416.67
EV / EBITDA8.6916.89
FCF yield9.18%N/A

Profitability

MetricVLOWMB
Gross margin11.33%42.86%
Operating margin7.53%40.31%
Net margin5.43%25.18%
ROE28.85%23.30%
ROIC16.52%6.64%

Dividends

MetricVLOWMB
Dividend yield1.22%2.73%
Payout ratio19.62%81.35%

Growth (annualized)

MetricVLOWMB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)10.43%6.47%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.39%65.97%
FCF CAGR (5Y)75.39%-21.34%
Total return CAGR (5Y)48.27%31.00%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, VLO or WMB?
VLO has the lower trailing P/E: VLO trades at 15.88 and WMB at 28.55. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, VLO or WMB?
Over the past five years, VLO grew revenue faster — VLO at a 10.43% CAGR versus WMB at 6.47%.
Does VLO or WMB pay a bigger dividend?
VLO yields 1.22% and WMB yields 2.73% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is VLO or WMB more profitable?
WMB runs the higher net margin — VLO at 5.43% versus WMB at 25.18%.
How have VLO and WMB total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, VLO delivered 26.44% and WMB delivered 15.35% 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 10, 2026.