Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC)vsValero Energy Corporation (VLO)
MPC
Marathon Petroleum Corp
$262.01
-1.89%
ENERGY · Cap: $73.24B
VLO
Valero Energy Corporation
$258.87
-1.45%
ENERGY · Cap: $73.39B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Marathon Petroleum Corp generates 15% more annual revenue ($135.95B vs $117.84B). VLO leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs 3.4%. MPC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. MPC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
MPC
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
VLO
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-27.6%
Fair Value
$163.47
Current Price
$262.01
$98.54 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VLO.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 350.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 317.9% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
3.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Elevated debt levels
3.6% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MPC
The strongest argument for MPC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : VLO
The strongest argument for VLO centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
Bear Case : MPC
The primary concerns for MPC are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : VLO
The primary concerns for VLO are Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VLO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.
MPC is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
VLO generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MPC scores higher overall (69/100 vs 59/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Marathon Petroleum Corp
ENERGY · OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING · USA
Marathon Petroleum Corporation is an American petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio.
Visit Website →Valero Energy Corporation
ENERGY · OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING · USA
Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels, other petrochemical products, and power. It is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, United States.
Compare with Other OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?