Valero vs Williams (VLO vs WMB)

Valero (VLO) vs Williams (WMB) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Valero (VLO) and Williams (WMB) compete in oil and gas. Here are Valero and Williams 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 Valero or Williams.

Valero vs Williams: the figures

Valero and Williams figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Valero or Williams figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Valero and Williams

1. Valuation: Williams trades at 26.7x its annual earnings and Valero at 8.3x; the market pays more for each dollar of Williams profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Growth: Valero grew sales +46.5% year on year in its latest quarter, against +12.3% for Williams.
3. Debt: Williams owes 4.6x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Valero owes 0.1x its EBITDA.

Valero or Williams: 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): Williams 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 Valero nor Williams 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 Valero and Williams make money

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.

Williams (WMB)

Williams Companies moves natural gas through pipelines like Transco, which supplies the U.S. East Coast, and also processes and stores it. Its business spans transmission, gathering and processing in the Northeast and West, and gas marketing. Most revenue comes from regulated or long-term contracted fees with little exposure to gas prices. Full Williams analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Valero vs Williams

Is Valero or Williams the better stock?

Choosing between Valero and Williams 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 Valero or Williams: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Valero or Williams?

As of November 4, 2026, Williams yields 2.90% and Valero yields 1.24%. Also check how much of their profit Valero and Williams pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Valero or Williams?

On P/E, Williams (26.7x) 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 Valero and Williams?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Valero and Williams, 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 Valero or Williams.

More comparisons with Valero or Williams

• Kinder Morgan vs Valero
• Eni vs Valero
• TotalEnergies vs Valero
• Kinder Morgan vs Williams

More companies like Valero and Williams: oil and gas stocks. Educational content about Valero and Williams, not investment advice.