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DK vs VLO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Delek US Holdings (DK) vs. Valero Energy (VLO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both DK and VLO are downstream energy companies focused on petroleum refining and have delivered strong year-to-date returns exceeding 70% amid favorable refining margins.
- DK has shown higher volatility and sharper recent gains, supported by analyst upgrades and operational optimizations, while VLO offers greater scale and consistent dividend payouts.
- Recent market activity highlights refining sector tailwinds for both stocks, with DK benefiting from executive realignments and VLO positioned ahead of its second-quarter earnings release.
- Business models differ in scope: DK operates smaller, regional refineries, whereas VLO maintains a larger, more diversified refining footprint.
- Market sentiment remains constructive for the pair, though DK carries relatively higher risk tied to its smaller size and debt profile compared with VLO.
Introduction
This comparison examines DK and VLO, two publicly traded refining companies operating in the energy sector. Both stocks have experienced notable price appreciation in recent market activity, driven by industry-wide factors such as crude oil dynamics and refining margins. The analysis is relevant for traders and investors seeking to understand relative performance, sector exposure, and positioning within the downstream energy space. It provides factual context on business profiles, recent developments, and observable contrasts to support informed evaluation of these securities.
DK Overview and Recent Performance
DK is Delek US Holdings, Inc., a diversified downstream energy company with refining operations in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, along with logistics and renewable fuels assets. In recent weeks, the stock has posted substantial gains, with year-to-date returns approaching 80% and multiple analyst price target increases reflecting confidence in refining operations. Recent market activity shows momentum following first-quarter results that included adjusted profitability alongside a reported net loss, as well as executive leadership changes effective early July 2026. These developments, combined with broader refining tailwinds, have supported positive sentiment and elevated trading interest.
VLO Overview and Recent Performance
VLO is Valero Energy Corporation, one of the largest independent refiners with extensive operations across North America. The stock has advanced significantly in recent market activity, delivering year-to-date gains near 75% and trading close to 52-week highs. Positive factors include favorable refining margins and index-related developments that have drawn additional investor attention ahead of the scheduled second-quarter 2026 earnings release on July 30. The company maintains a regular dividend program, contributing to its profile as a larger-scale player in the sector amid the same industry environment affecting peers.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
DK and VLO share exposure to the refining segment of the energy sector, where margins and crude feedstock costs serve as primary growth drivers. DK operates a smaller asset base with four refineries, resulting in higher relative volatility and sensitivity to regional factors, while VLO benefits from greater scale and geographic diversification. Recent momentum has favored both amid sector tailwinds, though DK has recorded more pronounced percentage gains from a lower base. Risk considerations include DK’s smaller market capitalization and debt levels versus VLO’s established dividend history and broader operational footprint. Market sentiment appears supportive for the refining group overall, with contrasts centered on size, stability, and upcoming catalysts such as earnings announcements.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative stability, and sector positioning, Tickeron’s AI models would currently assign a probabilistic preference toward VLO. Its larger scale and more consistent operational profile provide a steadier backdrop within the refining environment compared with the higher-volatility trajectory of DK. Both stocks reflect positive recent market activity, yet the AI assessment weighs stability and diversification metrics more heavily in the current context.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is DK is a StrongBuy and VLO is a Buy.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DK’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileVLO’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- DK’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- VLO’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DK’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while VLO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DK’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- VLO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
DK (@Oil Refining/Marketing) experienced а +5.51% price change this week, while VLO (@Oil Refining/Marketing) price change was +4.83% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oil Refining/Marketing industry was +8.23%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +12.77%, and the average quarterly price growth was +34.87%.
Reported Earning Dates
DK is expected to report earnings on Aug 11, 2026.
VLO is expected to report earnings on Jul 30, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Oil Refining/Marketing (+8.23% weekly)The Oil Refining/Marketing segment includes companies that refine crude oil into a number of petroleum products, including gasoline, jet fuel and diesel, and then sell the usable products to the end users. These companies are involved in what’s called downstream operations in the oil business. They also engage in the marketing and distribution of crude oil and natural gas products. In other words, the downstream oil and gas business is focused on post-production processes of crude oil and natural gas. When oil prices slump, downstream businesses are hurt less or in some cases even benefit, since their purchase cost of crude oil goes down. Some of the biggest U.S. oil refining/marketing companies include Phillips 66, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Valero Energy Corp.
| DK | VLO | DK / VLO | |
| Capitalization | 3.56B | 87.8B | 4% |
| EBITDA | 730M | 9.51B | 8% |
| Gain YTD | 97.984 | 83.680 | 117% |
| P/E Ratio | 93.07 | 21.61 | 431% |
| Revenue | 10.7B | 125B | 9% |
| Total Cash | 624M | 5.73B | 11% |
| Total Debt | 3.25B | 11.5B | 28% |
DK | VLO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 95 Overvalued | 84 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 25 | 11 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 99 | 50 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 36 | 6 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 1 | 97 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
VLO's Valuation (84) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as DK (95). This means that VLO’s stock grew similarly to DK’s over the last 12 months.
VLO's Profit vs Risk Rating (11) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as DK (25). This means that VLO’s stock grew similarly to DK’s over the last 12 months.
VLO's SMR Rating (50) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is somewhat better than the same rating for DK (99). This means that VLO’s stock grew somewhat faster than DK’s over the last 12 months.
VLO's Price Growth Rating (6) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as DK (36). This means that VLO’s stock grew similarly to DK’s over the last 12 months.
DK's P/E Growth Rating (1) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is significantly better than the same rating for VLO (97). This means that DK’s stock grew significantly faster than VLO’s over the last 12 months.
| DK | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 71% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 81% | 4 days ago 59% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 82% | 4 days ago 81% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 82% | 4 days ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 79% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 77% | 4 days ago 78% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 81% | 15 days ago 80% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 26 days ago 82% | 4 days ago 63% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 71% | 4 days ago 86% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | N/A | 4 days ago 83% |
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| CRCD | 6.59 | 0.58 | +9.65% |
| T-REX 2X Inverse CRCL Daily Target ETF | |||
| RFEM | 94.36 | N/A | N/A |
| First Trust RiverFront Dyn Em Mkts ETF | |||
| EWU | 46.36 | -0.24 | -0.52% |
| iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF | |||
| BUFY | 23.39 | -0.14 | -0.60% |
| FT Vest Laddered Intl Mod Buffr ETF | |||
| XRT | 87.47 | -0.61 | -0.69% |
| State Street® SPDR® S&P® Retail ETF | |||
DK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DK has been closely correlated with PARR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if DK jumps, then PARR could also see price increases.
VLO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, VLO has been closely correlated with MPC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if VLO jumps, then MPC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To VLO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLO | 100% | +5.38% | ||
| MPC - VLO | 86% Closely correlated | +4.63% | ||
| PSX - VLO | 83% Closely correlated | +5.27% | ||
| DINO - VLO | 78% Closely correlated | +4.65% | ||
| PBF - VLO | 77% Closely correlated | +8.01% | ||
| PARR - VLO | 73% Closely correlated | +7.81% | ||
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