VLO vs XOM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, VLO (Valero Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. XOM offers the higher yield at 2.59%, XOM has the higher dividend-safety score, and VLO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: VLO vs XOM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (XOM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.59%, versus 1.37% for Valero Energy Corporation (VLO).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades VLO's dividend safety A (89/100) and XOM's A (95/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, VLO has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and XOM for 24.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, VLO pays out 11% of its earnings as dividends and XOM pays out 42%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, VLO's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price and XOM's fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price, so VLO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "VLO vs XOM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/vlo-vs-xom
| Metric | VLO | XOM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.37% | 2.59% |
| Annual dividend | $4.80 | $4.28 |
| Payout ratio | 11% | 42% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 24 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 497% | 213% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 95 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $356.23 | $83.91 |
| Upside to fair value | +1% | -49% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $98.0B | $674.3B |
| P/E ratio | 8.0 | 17.0 |
Higher yield
XOM
2.59%
Safer dividend
XOM
Grade A
Faster growth
VLO
2.9%
Better value
VLO
+1% upside
VLO vs XOM — FAQ
Is VLO or XOM a better dividend stock?
On the data, VLO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). XOM offers the higher yield (2.59%), while XOM has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, VLO or XOM?
XOM has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.59%, versus 1.37% for VLO.
Is VLO or XOM safer?
XOM has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is VLO or XOM better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, VLO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For XOM, its fair-value estimate is 49% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.