Kinder Morgan vs Valero (KMI vs VLO)
Kinder Morgan (KMI) vs Valero (VLO) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Kinder Morgan (KMI) and Valero (VLO) compete in oil and gas. Here are Kinder Morgan and Valero side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Kinder Morgan or Valero.
Kinder Morgan vs Valero: the figures
| Figure | Kinder Morgan | Valero |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.52 (November 4, 2026) | $365.34 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $70.2 billion | $101.9 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 19.5x | 8.3x |
| Forward P/E | 20.4x | 6.8x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +9.3% | +46.5% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 19.6% | 8.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 4.2x | 0.1x |
| Dividend yield | 3.62% | 1.24% |
| Beta | 0.57 | 0.55 |
Kinder Morgan and Valero figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Kinder Morgan or Valero figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Kinder Morgan and Valero
- Valuation: Kinder Morgan trades at 19.5x its annual earnings and Valero at 8.3x; the market pays more for each dollar of Kinder Morgan profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: Valero grew sales +46.5% year on year in its latest quarter, against +9.3% for Kinder Morgan.
- Debt: Kinder Morgan owes 4.2x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Valero owes 0.1x its EBITDA.
Kinder Morgan or Valero: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Valero is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Kinder Morgan pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Valero has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Valero trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Kinder Morgan nor Valero wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Kinder Morgan and Valero make money
Kinder Morgan (KMI)
Kinder Morgan operates natural gas pipelines, refined products pipelines and storage terminals across the United States. Natural Gas Pipelines is its largest segment, followed by Products Pipelines, Terminals and a carbon dioxide business. Most earnings come from fees for moving and storing energy, which are less tied to commodity prices. Full Kinder Morgan analysis.
Valero (VLO)
Valero Energy refines crude in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, its core business. It also reports Renewable Diesel, through the Diamond Green Diesel venture, and Ethanol, made from corn. Fuel is sold under brands including Valero and, in the U.K., Texaco. Full Valero analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Kinder Morgan vs Valero
Is Kinder Morgan or Valero the better stock?
Choosing between Kinder Morgan and Valero depends on what you are looking for. Valero is growing faster right now, and Valero trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Kinder Morgan or Valero: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Kinder Morgan or Valero?
As of November 4, 2026, Kinder Morgan yields 3.62% and Valero yields 1.24%. Also check how much of their profit Kinder Morgan and Valero pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Kinder Morgan or Valero?
On P/E, Kinder Morgan (19.5x) is more expensive than Valero (8.3x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Kinder Morgan and Valero?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Kinder Morgan and Valero, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Kinder Morgan or Valero.
More comparisons with Kinder Morgan or Valero
More companies like Kinder Morgan and Valero: oil and gas stocks. Educational content about Kinder Morgan and Valero, not investment advice.