MPC
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
Market Cap$72.38B
5Y Perf.+599.4%
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Try these comparisons:
Stock Comparison
MPC vs MPLX
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MPLX
MPLX Lp
Oil & Gas Midstream
Market Cap$56.51B
5Y Perf.+193.1%
MPC vs MPLX — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MPC | MPLX |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing | Oil & Gas Midstream |
| Market Cap | $72.38B | $56.51B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $135.75B | $12.54B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $4.63B | $4.71B |
| Gross Margin | 8.8% | 60.0% |
| Operating Margin | 5.0% | 44.9% |
| Forward P/E | 11.1x | 12.6x |
| Total Debt | $34.36B | $26.16B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $3.67B | $2.14B |
MPC vs MPLX — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MPC
MPLX
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon Petroleum … (MPC) | 100 | 699.4 | +599.4% |
| MPLX Lp (MPLX) | 100 | 293.1 | +193.1% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MPC vs MPLX
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MPLX leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Marathon Petroleum Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MPC
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
The Long-Run Compounder
MPC is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night.
- 6.5% 10Y total return vs MPLX's 179.5%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.30, current ratio 1.26x
- Lower P/E (11.1x vs 12.6x)
Best for: long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night
MPLX
MPLX Lp
The Income Pick
MPLX carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 3 yrs, beta 0.18, yield 7.1%
- Rev growth 8.4%, EPS growth 14.5%, 3Y rev CAGR 3.9%
- Beta 0.18, yield 7.1%, current ratio 1.23x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | MPLX | 8.4% revenue growth vs MPC's -4.4% |
| Value | MPC | Lower P/E (11.1x vs 12.6x) |
| Quality / Margins | MPLX | 37.5% margin vs MPC's 3.4% |
| Stability / Safety | MPLX | Beta 0.18 vs MPC's 0.30 |
| Dividends | MPC | 1.5% yield, 4-year raise streak, vs MPLX's 7.1% |
| Momentum (1Y) | MPC | +72.7% vs MPLX's +20.0% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MPLX | 11.3% ROA vs MPC's 5.5%, ROIC 9.9% vs 8.3% |
MPC vs MPLX — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
MPC vs MPLX — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLMPCLAGGINGMPLX
MPLXMPLX Lp
2leads
MPCMarathon Petroleum Co…
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MPLXMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
MPLX4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
MPC4/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MPLX6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MPC6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MPLX leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MPC is the larger business by revenue, generating $135.8B annually — 10.8x MPLX's $12.5B. MPLX is the more profitable business, keeping 37.5% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to MPC's 3.4%. On growth, MPC holds the edge at +9.7% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MPCMarathon Petroleu… | MPLXMPLX Lp |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $135.8B | $12.5B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $10.1B | $7.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $4.6B | $4.7B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $5.7B | $5.0B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +8.8% | +60.0% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +5.0% | +44.9% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +3.4% | +37.5% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +4.2% | +39.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +9.7% | +5.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +8.2% | -100.0% |
MPLX leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
MPC leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 11.5x trailing earnings, MPLX trades at a 38% valuation discount to MPC's 18.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, MPC's 11.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than MPLX's 13.2x.
| Metric | MPCMarathon Petroleu… | MPLXMPLX Lp |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $72.4B | $56.5B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $103.1B | $80.5B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 18.52x | 11.55x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 11.07x | 12.57x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 11.43x | 13.17x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.55x | 4.78x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.11x | 3.90x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 15.18x | 13.78x |
MPC leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MPLX leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MPLX delivers a 32.8% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $33 in annual profit, vs $20 for MPC. MPC carries lower financial leverage with a 1.43x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MPLX's 1.80x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), MPC scores 7/9 vs MPLX's 6/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | MPCMarathon Petroleu… | MPLXMPLX Lp |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +19.6% | +32.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +5.5% | +11.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.3% | +9.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +9.3% | +12.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.43x | 1.80x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $30.7B | $24.0B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $3.7B | $2.1B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $34.4B | $26.2B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 6.36x | 5.85x |
MPLX leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MPC leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MPC five years ago would be worth $43,929 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $25,772 for MPLX. Over the past 12 months, MPC leads with a +72.7% total return vs MPLX's +20.0%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors MPC at 33.1% vs MPLX's 24.7% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MPCMarathon Petroleu… | MPLXMPLX Lp |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +49.4% | +5.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +72.7% | +20.0% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +135.7% | +93.9% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +339.3% | +157.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +654.2% | +179.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +33.1% | +24.7% |
MPC leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — MPC and MPLX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MPLX is the less volatile stock with a 0.18 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MPC's 0.30 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | MPCMarathon Petroleu… | MPLXMPLX Lp |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.30x | 0.18x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $261.61 | $59.98 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $141.91 | $47.80 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +93.9% | +92.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 72.0 | 46.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 2.5M | 1.8M |
Evenly matched — MPC and MPLX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — MPC and MPLX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MPC as "Buy" and MPLX as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 8.2% upside for MPLX (target: $60) vs -12.6% for MPC (target: $215). For income investors, MPLX offers the higher dividend yield at 7.08% vs MPC's 1.52%.
| Metric | MPCMarathon Petroleu… | MPLXMPLX Lp |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $214.78 | $60.25 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 33 | 28 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.5% | +7.1% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 4 | 3 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $3.74 | $3.94 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +4.8% | +0.7% |
Evenly matched — MPC and MPLX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
MPLX leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). MPC leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Total Returns). 2 tied.
Best OverallMarathon Petroleum Corporat… (MPC)Leads 2 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
MPC vs MPLX: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MPC or MPLX a better buy right now?
For growth investors, MPLX Lp (MPLX) is the stronger pick with 8.
4% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -4. 4% for Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). MPLX Lp (MPLX) offers the better valuation at 11. 5x trailing P/E (12. 6x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) a "Buy" — based on 33 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 — MPC or MPLX?
On trailing P/E, MPLX Lp (MPLX) is the cheapest at 11.
5x versus Marathon Petroleum Corporation at 18. 5x. On forward P/E, Marathon Petroleum Corporation is actually cheaper at 11. 1x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MPC or MPLX?
Over the past 5 years, Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) delivered a total return of +339.
3%, compared to +157. 7% for MPLX Lp (MPLX). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MPC returned +654. 2% versus MPLX's +179. 5%. 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 — MPC or MPLX?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), MPLX Lp (MPLX) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
18β versus Marathon Petroleum Corporation's 0. 30β — meaning MPC is approximately 65% more volatile than MPLX relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 143% versus 180% for MPLX Lp — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MPC or MPLX?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), MPLX Lp (MPLX) is pulling ahead at 8.
4% versus -4. 4% for Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Marathon Petroleum Corporation grew EPS 31. 5% year-over-year, compared to 14. 5% for MPLX Lp. Over a 3-year CAGR, MPLX leads at 3. 9% 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 — MPC or MPLX?
MPLX Lp (MPLX) is the more profitable company, earning 41.
6% net margin versus 3. 0% for Marathon Petroleum Corporation — meaning it keeps 41. 6% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: MPLX leads at 40. 3% versus 4. 3% for MPC. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — MPLX leads at 45. 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 MPC or MPLX more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) trades at 11.
1x forward P/E versus 12. 6x for MPLX Lp — 1. 5x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MPLX: 8. 2% to $60. 25.
08Which pays a better dividend — MPC or MPLX?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
MPLX Lp (MPLX) offers the highest yield at 7. 1%, versus 1. 5% for Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC).
09Is MPC or MPLX better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
30), 1. 5% yield, +654. 2% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (MPC: +654. 2%, MPLX: +179. 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 MPC and MPLX?
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: MPC is a mid-cap quality compounder stock; MPLX is a mid-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.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
Revenue Growth>
%
(MPC: 9.7% · MPLX: 5.2%)Net Margin>
%
(MPC: 3.4% · MPLX: 37.5%)P/E Ratio<
x
(MPC: 18.5x · MPLX: 11.5x)You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.