ConocoPhillips (COP) vs Valero Energy (VLO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Valero Energy (VLO) has outperformed ConocoPhillips (COP) over the past year, gaining 159.9% versus a gain of 36.3%. Over five years, VLO leads with a +439.2% price change compared with +75.1% for COP. ConocoPhillips is the larger company by market cap ($155.98 billion vs $122.11 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Valero Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (10.0x vs 13.4x for ConocoPhillips). ConocoPhillips offers the higher dividend yield (2.54% vs 1.10%). ConocoPhillips converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.6% versus 1.9%.
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 | COP | VLO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $129.84 | $424.10 |
| Market cap | $155.98B | $122.11B |
| 1-day change | +0.38% | +1.16% |
| YTD return | +38.70% | +160.52% |
| 1-year return | +36.34% | +159.91% |
| 5-year return | +75.13% | +439.16% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.13 | 17.47 |
| Forward P/E | 13.42 | 10.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $7.58 | $24.27 |
| Dividend yield | 2.54% | 1.10% |
| Annual dividend | $3.30 | $4.66 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $58.94B | $122.69B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.67% | -5.54% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $7.99B | $2.35B |
| Gross margin | 62.13% | 4.43% |
| Operating margin | — | 2.59% |
| Net margin | 13.55% | 1.91% |
| 52-week high | $141.62 | $428.99 |
| 52-week low | $85.57 | $155.29 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -8.32% | -1.14% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +13.12% | -11.64% |
| Average volume | 6.62M | 3.04M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.20B | 287.93M |
| Employees | 9,600 | 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 COP by 123.6 percentage points over the past year.
- ConocoPhillips offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.54% vs 1.10%).
- ConocoPhillips is more profitable, keeping 13.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.9 cents for Valero Energy.
- ConocoPhillips grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+7.67% vs -5.54%).
About ConocoPhillips
COP stock →ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids. It operates in five segments: Alaska; Lower 48; Canada; Europe, Middle East and North Africa; and Asia Pacific.
Energy · Integrated oil Companies · 9,600 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
COP vs VLO FAQ
Which is bigger, ConocoPhillips or Valero Energy?
ConocoPhillips (COP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $155.98B compared with $122.11B for Valero Energy (VLO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, COP or VLO?
VLO returned +159.91% over the past 12 months, compared with +36.34% for COP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, COP or VLO?
COP has the lower trailing P/E at 17.1, versus 17.5 for VLO. 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, ConocoPhillips or Valero Energy?
ConocoPhillips has the higher yield at 2.54%, compared with 1.10% for Valero Energy.
Are ConocoPhillips and Valero Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Integrated oil Companies industry within the Energy sector.