BP p.l.c. (BP) vs Valero Energy (VLO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Valero Energy (VLO) has outperformed BP p.l.c. (BP) over the past year, gaining 159.9% versus a gain of 27.3%. Over five years, VLO leads with a +439.2% price change compared with +48.7% for BP. Valero Energy is the larger company by market cap ($122.11 billion vs $114.64 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while BP p.l.c. is growing revenue faster (-1.1% vs -5.5%).
On valuation, BP p.l.c. trades at a lower forward P/E (8.3x vs 10.0x for Valero Energy). Valero Energy offers the higher dividend yield (1.10% vs 0.75%). Valero Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 1.9% versus 0.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BP | VLO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $44.51 | $424.10 |
| Market cap | $114.64B | $122.11B |
| 1-day change | -1.11% | +1.16% |
| YTD return | +28.16% | +160.52% |
| 1-year return | +27.28% | +159.91% |
| 5-year return | +48.71% | +439.16% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.71 | 17.68 |
| Forward P/E | 8.34 | 10.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.05 | $23.99 |
| Dividend yield | 0.75% | 1.10% |
| Annual dividend | $0.336 | $4.66 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $192.55B | $122.69B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.07% | -5.54% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $55.00M | $2.35B |
| Gross margin | — | 4.43% |
| Operating margin | 6.57% | 2.59% |
| Net margin | 0.03% | 1.91% |
| 52-week high | $48.27 | $428.99 |
| 52-week low | $32.72 | $155.29 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -7.79% | -1.14% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +15.52% | -11.64% |
| Average volume | 8.77M | 3.04M |
| Shares outstanding | 2.58B | 287.93M |
| Employees | 93,700 | 9,785 |
| Sector | Energy | Energy |
| Industry | Integrated oil Companies | Integrated oil Companies |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- VLO has outperformed BP by 132.6 percentage points over the past year.
About BP p.l.c.
BP stock →BP p.l.c., an integrated energy company, engages in the oil and gas business worldwide. The company operates through Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Oil Production & Operations, and Customers & Products segments.
Energy · Integrated oil Companies · 93,700 employees
About Valero Energy
VLO stock →Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.
Energy · Integrated oil Companies · 9,785 employees
BP vs VLO FAQ
Which is bigger, BP p.l.c. or Valero Energy?
Valero Energy (VLO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $122.11B compared with $114.64B for BP p.l.c. (BP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BP or VLO?
VLO returned +159.91% over the past 12 months, compared with +27.28% for BP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BP or VLO?
VLO has the lower trailing P/E at 17.7, versus 21.7 for BP. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, BP p.l.c. or Valero Energy?
Valero Energy has the higher yield at 1.10%, compared with 0.75% for BP p.l.c..
Are BP p.l.c. and Valero Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Integrated oil Companies industry within the Energy sector.