VGZ vs GPOR

Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR) offers the better valuation at 8.

3x trailing P/E (6. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ) a "Buy" — based on 2 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.

Over the past 5 years, Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR) delivered a total return of +145.

1%, compared to +97. 4% for Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: VGZ returned +220. 9% versus GPOR's +144. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.

By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR) is the lower-risk stock at 0.

05β versus Vista Gold Corp. 's 1. 32β — meaning VGZ is approximately 2774% more volatile than GPOR relative to the S&P 500.

On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Gulfport Energy Corporation grew EPS 245.

9% year-over-year, compared to -100. 1% for Vista Gold Corp.. 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.

Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR) is the more profitable company, earning 32.

3% net margin versus 0. 0% for Vista Gold Corp. — meaning it keeps 32. 3% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: GPOR leads at 37. 9% versus 0. 0% for VGZ. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — GPOR leads at 70. 7%, 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.

Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for VGZ: 100.

0% to $4. 50.

None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.

All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.

For long-horizon retirement investors, Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.

05), +144. 4% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (GPOR: +144. 4%, VGZ: +220. 9%), 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.

These companies operate in different sectors (VGZ (Basic Materials) and GPOR (Energy)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.

In terms of investment character: VGZ is a small-cap quality compounder stock; GPOR is a small-cap high-growth 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.