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4 / 10Stock Comparison
NRP vs CVX vs XOM vs ARLP
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Oil & Gas Integrated
Oil & Gas Integrated
Coal
NRP vs CVX vs XOM vs ARLP — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Coal | Oil & Gas Integrated | Oil & Gas Integrated | Coal |
| Market Cap | $1.50B | $364.18B | $620.85B | $3.29B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $185M | $184.43B | $323.90B | $2.17B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $95M | $12.30B | $28.84B | $246M |
| Gross Margin | 69.9% | 30.4% | 21.7% | 23.9% |
| Operating Margin | 67.0% | 9.0% | 10.5% | 14.4% |
| Forward P/E | 23.9x | 15.0x | 14.8x | 11.2x |
| Total Debt | $33M | $46.74B | $43.54B | $480M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $30M | $6.47B | $10.68B | $71M |
NRP vs CVX vs XOM vs ARLP — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resource Pa… (NRP) | 100 | 779.5 | +679.5% |
| Chevron Corporation (CVX) | 100 | 199.0 | +99.0% |
| Exxon Mobil Corpora… (XOM) | 100 | 322.2 | +222.2% |
| Alliance Resource P… (ARLP) | 100 | 806.0 | +706.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: NRP vs CVX vs XOM vs ARLP
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
NRP carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.01, yield 3.8%
- 9.7% 10Y total return vs ARLP's 195.5%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.01, Low D/E 5.2%, current ratio 1.85x
- 51.6% margin vs CVX's 6.7%
CVX lags the leaders in this set but could rank higher in a more targeted comparison.
XOM is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if growth exposure is your priority.
- Rev growth -4.5%, EPS growth -14.5%, 3Y rev CAGR -6.7%
- -4.5% revenue growth vs NRP's -17.4%
- +43.9% vs ARLP's +3.9%
ARLP is the clearest fit if your priority is defensive.
- Beta 0.07, yield 10.3%, current ratio 2.10x
- Lower P/E (11.2x vs 14.8x)
- 10.3% yield, vs XOM's 2.7%
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | -4.5% revenue growth vs NRP's -17.4% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (11.2x vs 14.8x) | |
| Quality / Margins | 51.6% margin vs CVX's 6.7% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 0.01 vs ARLP's 0.07, lower leverage | |
| Dividends | 10.3% yield, vs XOM's 2.7% | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +43.9% vs ARLP's +3.9% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 12.6% ROA vs CVX's 4.2%, ROIC 16.1% vs 6.2% |
NRP vs CVX vs XOM vs ARLP — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
NRP vs CVX vs XOM vs ARLP — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Who Leads Where
NRP leads in 3 of 6 categories
ARLP leads 1 • CVX leads 0 • XOM leads 0 • 2 tied
Explore the data ↓Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
NRP leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
XOM is the larger business by revenue, generating $323.9B annually — 1755.3x NRP's $185M. NRP is the more profitable business, keeping 51.6% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to CVX's 6.7%. On growth, XOM holds the edge at -1.3% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $185M | $184.4B | $323.9B | $2.2B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $142M | $37.1B | $59.9B | $626M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $95M | $12.3B | $28.8B | $246M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $164M | $16.2B | $23.6B | $339M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +69.9% | +30.4% | +21.7% | +23.9% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +67.0% | +9.0% | +10.5% | +14.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +51.6% | +6.7% | +8.9% | +11.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +89.1% | +8.8% | +7.3% | +15.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -29.3% | -5.3% | -1.3% | -4.5% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -100.0% | -24.5% | -11.0% | -87.7% |
Valuation Metrics
ARLP leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 10.6x trailing earnings, ARLP trades at a 62% valuation discount to CVX's 27.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, ARLP's 5.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than XOM's 10.9x.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $1.5B | $364.2B | $620.8B | $3.3B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $1.5B | $404.5B | $653.7B | $3.7B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 11.26x | 27.53x | 21.86x | 10.56x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 23.94x | 15.02x | 14.79x | 11.17x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 9.72x | 10.89x | 10.91x | 5.40x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 7.40x | 1.97x | 1.92x | 1.50x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.37x | 1.76x | 2.37x | 1.76x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 9.03x | 21.95x | 26.29x | 8.48x |
Profitability & Efficiency
NRP leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
NRP delivers a 15.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $15 in annual profit, vs $7 for CVX. NRP carries lower financial leverage with a 0.05x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to ARLP's 0.26x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), NRP scores 5/9 vs XOM's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +15.4% | +7.2% | +10.7% | +13.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +12.6% | +4.2% | +6.4% | +8.6% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +16.1% | +6.2% | +8.6% | +12.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +19.1% | +6.6% | +8.9% | +14.5% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.05x | 0.24x | 0.16x | 0.26x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $3M | $40.3B | $32.9B | $409M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $30M | $6.5B | $10.7B | $71M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $33M | $46.7B | $43.5B | $480M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 23.35x | 17.22x | 69.44x | 7.19x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
NRP leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in NRP five years ago would be worth $73,134 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $19,396 for CVX. Over the past 12 months, XOM leads with a +43.9% total return vs ARLP's +3.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors NRP at 36.3% vs CVX's 8.2% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +9.5% | +18.2% | +20.3% | +12.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +17.8% | +39.5% | +43.9% | +3.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +153.3% | +26.7% | +44.9% | +72.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +631.3% | +94.0% | +164.6% | +519.0% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +971.6% | +135.8% | +105.0% | +195.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +36.3% | +8.2% | +13.2% | +19.9% |
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — NRP and XOM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
XOM is the less volatile stock with a -0.15 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than ARLP's 0.07 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. NRP currently trades 87.9% from its 52-week high vs XOM's 83.0% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.01x | -0.05x | -0.15x | 0.07x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $128.60 | $214.71 | $176.41 | $29.45 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $91.79 | $133.77 | $101.19 | $22.20 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +87.9% | +85.0% | +83.0% | +86.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 39.9 | 42.1 | 42.4 | 44.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 33K | 11.0M | 18.9M | 380K |
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — XOM and ARLP each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: NRP as "Hold", CVX as "Buy", XOM as "Hold", ARLP as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 17.4% upside for ARLP (target: $30) vs 4.6% for CVX (target: $191). For income investors, ARLP offers the higher dividend yield at 10.28% vs XOM's 2.73%.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $190.93 | $160.43 | $30.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 10 | 53 | 55 | 18 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +3.8% | +3.8% | +2.7% | +10.3% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 8 | 26 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $4.25 | $6.87 | $4.00 | $2.63 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +3.3% | +3.3% | 0.0% |
NRP leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). ARLP leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 2 tied.
NRP vs CVX vs XOM vs ARLP: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is the stronger pick with -4.
5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -17. 4% for Natural Resource Partners L. P. (NRP). Alliance Resource Partners, L. P. (ARLP) offers the better valuation at 10. 6x trailing P/E (11. 2x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Chevron Corporation (CVX) a "Buy" — based on 53 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP?
On trailing P/E, Alliance Resource Partners, L.
P. (ARLP) is the cheapest at 10. 6x versus Chevron Corporation at 27. 5x. On forward P/E, Alliance Resource Partners, L. P. is actually cheaper at 11. 2x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP?
Over the past 5 years, Natural Resource Partners L.
P. (NRP) delivered a total return of +631. 3%, compared to +94. 0% for Chevron Corporation (CVX). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: NRP returned +971. 6% versus XOM's +105. 0%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is the lower-risk stock at -0.
15β versus Alliance Resource Partners, L. P. 's 0. 07β — meaning ARLP is approximately -149% more volatile than XOM relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Natural Resource Partners L. P. (NRP) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 5% versus 26% for Alliance Resource Partners, L. P. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is pulling ahead at -4.
5% versus -17. 4% for Natural Resource Partners L. P. (NRP). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Natural Resource Partners L. P. grew EPS -11. 5% year-over-year, compared to -31. 8% for Chevron Corporation. Over a 3-year CAGR, ARLP leads at -3. 2% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP?
Natural Resource Partners L.
P. (NRP) is the more profitable company, earning 66. 0% net margin versus 6. 7% for Chevron Corporation — meaning it keeps 66. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: NRP leads at 68. 9% versus 9. 0% for CVX. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — NRP leads at 81. 2%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Alliance Resource Partners, L.
P. (ARLP) trades at 11. 2x forward P/E versus 23. 9x for Natural Resource Partners L. P. — 12. 8x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for ARLP: 17. 4% to $30. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Alliance Resource Partners, L. P. (ARLP) offers the highest yield at 10. 3%, versus 2. 7% for Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM).
09Is NRP or CVX or XOM or ARLP better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Natural Resource Partners L.
P. (NRP) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 01), 3. 8% yield, +971. 6% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (NRP: +971. 6%, ARLP: +195. 5%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between NRP and CVX and XOM and ARLP?
Both stocks operate in the Energy sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: NRP is a small-cap deep-value stock; CVX is a large-cap income-oriented stock; XOM is a large-cap quality compounder stock; ARLP is a small-cap deep-value stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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