WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Valero Energy Corporation generates 2012% more annual revenue ($117.84B vs $5.58B). VLO leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs 0.7%. VLO trades at a lower P/E of 18.6x. VLO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

APC

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.48

VLO

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.17

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APC2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
64.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 64 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
51.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 51.8% YoY

VLO4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
317.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 317.9% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$75.74B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.23B8/10

Generating 1.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.53B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.5%3/10

Operating margin of 1.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.2%2/10

Revenue declined 0.2%

VLO2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
4.082/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APC

The strongest argument for APC centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bull Case : VLO

The strongest argument for VLO centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

Bear Case : APC

The primary concerns for APC are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 4.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : VLO

The primary concerns for VLO are Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VLO is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.

VLO generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

VLO scores higher overall (59/100 vs 52/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" 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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