WallStSmart

ARKO Petroleum Corp. (APC)vsValero Energy Corporation (VLO)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Valero Energy Corporation generates 2117% more annual revenue ($132.43B vs $5.97B). VLO leads profitability with a 5.5% profit margin vs 0.6%. VLO trades at a lower P/E of 17.5x. VLO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

APC

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.48

VLO

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.17

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APC1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.4%8/10

Revenue surging 27.4% year-over-year

VLO6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
51.7%10/10

Revenue surging 51.7% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
453.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 453.5% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$120.70B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
28.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

APC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.23B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.8%3/10

ROE of 6.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.6%3/10

0.6% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.3%3/10

Operating margin of 1.3%

VLO2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.854/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
5.5%3/10

5.5% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APC

The strongest argument for APC centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 27.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : VLO

The strongest argument for VLO centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 51.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : APC

The primary concerns for APC are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 3.04 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : VLO

The primary concerns for VLO are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APC profiles as a growth stock while VLO is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

VLO is growing revenue faster at 51.7% — sustainability is the question.

VLO generates stronger free cash flow (5.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

VLO scores higher overall (76/100 vs 50/100) and 51.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

ARKO Petroleum Corp.

ENERGY · OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING · USA

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation is engaged in the exploration, development, production and marketing of oil and gas properties.

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.

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