Valero vs Suncor

This page compares business models, financial performance, and market context for Valero Energy Corp. and Suncor Energy Inc., presenting neutral, accessible information to help readers understand how each company operates and fits within the broader energy sector. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares business models, financial performance, and market context for Valero Energy Corp. and Suncor Energy Inc., presenting neutral, accessible information to help readers understand how ...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

VLO

Metric

SU

$61.05B

Market Cap

$66.63B

-6.35%

Potential Profit

-23.99%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Why It's Moving

VLO Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -5% Downside Risk

Citigroup hiked its price target to $212 from $190 but kept a neutral stance, fueling a brief 52-week high of $204.14 before the pullback.
Q4 earnings crushed expectations with EPS of $3.82 versus $3.27 forecast and revenue of $30.37B topping $28.20B estimates, underscoring refining strength.
Board approved a dividend increase to $1.20 quarterly ($4.80 annualized, 2.4% yield), signaling management confidence in cash flow amid sector volatility.

Sentiment:

🐻Bearish

SU Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -23% Downside Risk

Recent 2026 guidance reaffirms upstream focus with steady production outlook, yet signals vulnerability to lower oil prices squeezing profitability.
Q4 2025 earnings on February 5 missed key efficiency benchmarks, raising flags on cost controls amid rising operational expenses.
Broader sector pressures from global demand slowdowns amplify analyst fears of compressed margins for integrated oil majors like Suncor.

Sentiment:

🐻Bearish

VLO Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -5% Downside Risk

Citigroup hiked its price target to $212 from $190 but kept a neutral stance, fueling a brief 52-week high of $204.14 before the pullback.
Q4 earnings crushed expectations with EPS of $3.82 versus $3.27 forecast and revenue of $30.37B topping $28.20B estimates, underscoring refining strength.
Board approved a dividend increase to $1.20 quarterly ($4.80 annualized, 2.4% yield), signaling management confidence in cash flow amid sector volatility.

Sentiment:

🐻Bearish

SU Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -23% Downside Risk

Recent 2026 guidance reaffirms upstream focus with steady production outlook, yet signals vulnerability to lower oil prices squeezing profitability.
Q4 2025 earnings on February 5 missed key efficiency benchmarks, raising flags on cost controls amid rising operational expenses.
Broader sector pressures from global demand slowdowns amplify analyst fears of compressed margins for integrated oil majors like Suncor.

Sentiment:

🐻Bearish

Investment Analysis

Valero

VLO

Pros

Valero Energy benefits from strong refining margins and a diversified product portfolio across North America.
The company has consistently returned significant capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.
Valero maintains a robust balance sheet, supporting resilience during periods of commodity price volatility.

Considerations

Valero's earnings are highly sensitive to fluctuations in crude oil and refined product prices.
The stock's valuation appears stretched relative to historical averages, raising concerns about downside risk.
Operational challenges, including supply chain disruptions and regulatory pressures, could impact profitability.

Suncor

SU

Pros

Suncor Energy operates as an integrated energy company with exposure to both upstream oil production and downstream refining.
The company has a strong presence in Canada's oil sands, providing long-term resource security and scale advantages.
Suncor maintains a disciplined capital allocation strategy, focusing on debt reduction and shareholder returns.

Considerations

Suncor's financial performance is closely tied to volatile oil prices and faces exposure to Canadian regulatory risks.
The company's heavy reliance on oil sands operations increases exposure to environmental scrutiny and carbon transition risks.
Downstream refining margins can be inconsistent, affecting overall profitability during periods of weak demand.

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