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Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC)
NYSE:MPC

Marathon Petroleum (MPC) AI Stock Analysis

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MPC

Marathon Petroleum

(NYSE:MPC)

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Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$194.00
â–¼(-1.40% Downside)
The score is led by solid financial fundamentals (strong revenue growth and ROE, improving free cash flow) and a positive, disciplined earnings outlook centered on lower 2026 CapEx, high-return projects, and continued shareholder returns. Offsetting factors are higher leverage and only moderate margins/cash conversion, while technical signals are mixed with slightly negative MACD and price below key mid-term moving averages.
Positive Factors
Operational reliability & margin capture
Sustained high utilization and above-100% margin capture indicate durable operational execution and commercial optimization. High reliability reduces downtime and supports steady throughput, which underpins consistent cash flow and competitive refining economics across market cycles.
Midstream cash generation (MPLX)
A strong, growing midstream platform provides predictable, fee‑like cash flows and sizeable distributions to MPC. MPLX's growth in gas/NGL services diversifies revenues, funds MPC dividends and capex, and materially strengthens long‑term cash generation and financial flexibility versus refining-only peers.
Disciplined capital allocation & high-return projects
Management's shift to lower, value‑enhancing CapEx and a pipeline of projects targeting 25%+ returns improves capital efficiency and ROIC. Clear net debt targets plus a policy to return excess FCF support disciplined liquidity management and sustainable shareholder returns over the medium term.
Negative Factors
High leverage
Elevated leverage limits balance sheet flexibility and increases sensitivity to interest rates and margin compression. In a cyclical refining business, high debt amplifies downside risk to cash flow and could constrain the ability to fund opportunistic investments or maintain distribution targets if refining spreads weaken.
Moderate margins and cash conversion
Low net margins and a weak operating‑cash‑to‑earnings ratio mean reported profits aren't fully translating into stable free cash flow. That elevates reliance on favorable crude/product differentials and midstream cash support to fund capex and distributions, increasing earnings volatility risk over time.
Labor negotiation risk
Protracted bargaining with the USW creates a structural operational risk for a labor‑intensive refining footprint. A difficult settlement or work disruptions could raise long‑term operating costs, impair throughput and delay projects, materially affecting cash flow trajectories and project timelines.

Marathon Petroleum (MPC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Marathon Petroleum Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMarathon Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated downstream energy company primarily in the United States. It operates in two segments, Refining & Marketing, and Midstream. The Refining & Marketing segment refines crude oil and other feedstocks at its refineries in the Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent, and West Coast regions of the United States; and purchases refined products and ethanol for resale. Its refined products include transportation fuels, such as reformulated gasolines and blend-grade gasolines; heavy fuel oil; and asphalt. This segment also manufactures aromatics, propane, propylene, and sulfur. It sells refined products to wholesale marketing customers in the United States and internationally, buyers on the spot market, and independent entrepreneurs who operate primarily Marathon branded outlets, as well as through long-term fuel supply contracts to direct dealer locations primarily under the ARCO brand. The Midstream segment transports, stores, distributes, and markets crude oil and refined products through refining logistics assets, pipelines, terminals, towboats, and barges; gathers, processes, and transports natural gas; and gathers, transports, fractionates, stores, and markets natural gas liquids. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 7,159 brand jobber outlets in 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Mexico through independent entrepreneurs. Marathon Petroleum Corporation was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyMarathon Petroleum generates revenue primarily through its refining and marketing operations. The company earns money by processing crude oil into various refined products at its refineries, which are then sold to wholesale and retail customers. Key revenue streams include the sale of gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products, as well as transportation and storage services through its extensive pipeline network. Additionally, MPC benefits from strategic partnerships and joint ventures, which enhance its operational efficiency and market reach. The company's ability to optimize refining margins and manage costs effectively also plays a significant role in its overall profitability.

Marathon Petroleum Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Highlights profitability across different business areas, indicating which segments drive earnings and where operational efficiencies or challenges exist.
Chart InsightsMarathon Petroleum's Refining and Marketing segment has seen a significant decline in adjusted EBITDA since mid-2022, reflecting market headwinds and operational challenges noted in the earnings call, such as lower capture rates and refinery downtime. Conversely, the Midstream segment has shown steady growth, supported by strategic acquisitions and operational efficiency. Despite challenges, the company's strong cash generation and increased shareholder returns signal confidence in its long-term strategy, bolstered by its integrated value chains and midstream growth potential.
Data provided by:The Fly

Marathon Petroleum Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 03, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized multiple strong operational and financial outcomes (high capture rates, strong utilization, record midstream EBITDA, robust cash flow, and $4.5B returned to shareholders), a disciplined capital plan with lower 2026 refining spend, and high-return project announcements. Near-term headwinds include Q4 midstream declines from divestitures, renewable margin weakness and a planned turnaround, ongoing labor negotiations, and market-feedstock volatility. Overall, positive fundamentals and clear capital allocation discipline outweigh the manageable near-term challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Full-Year Operational Metrics
Full-year margin capture of 105% and refining utilization of 94%, demonstrating high system reliability and competitiveness; company reported its strongest company-wide process safety performance in four years, lowest OSHA recordable injury rate, and fewest designated environmental incidents this decade.
Robust Financial Results
Adjusted EPS of $4.70 in Q4 and $10.70 for the full year; adjusted EBITDA of ~ $3.5 billion for Q4 and ~$12 billion for the full year; Q4 adjusted EBITDA was higher year-over-year by approximately $1.4 billion.
Strong Refining & Marketing Performance
R&M Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $2.0 billion; refining throughput just over 3.0 million barrels per day with Q4 refinery run rate of 95%; regional utilizations: Gulf Coast 98%, Mid‑Con 93%, West Coast 91%; Q4 capture of 114% and clean product yield of 86%.
Record Midstream Cash Generation and Growth Plans
Midstream (MPLX) full-year adjusted EBITDA reached a record of nearly $7 billion; MPLX plans $2.4 billion of growth capital with ~90% directed to natural gas/NGL services (Permian & Marcellus) and targets distribution growth of 12.5% over the next two years, implying expected future annual cash distributions to MPC of over $3.5 billion.
Strong Cash Flow and Capital Returns
Operating cash flow (ex. working capital) of $2.7 billion in Q4 (strongest in two years) and $8.7 billion for the year (Maria's figure); generated ~$8.3 billion in cash from operations per management commentary; returned $4.5 billion to shareholders in 2025 and reduced shares outstanding by 6.5%.
Disciplined Capital Allocation and Lower 2026 CapEx
2026 refining value-enhancing capital planned at roughly $700 million (nearly 20% reduction year-over-year); marketing spend of ~$250 million targeted for branded network expansion; company reiterates net debt-to-capital target of 25%-30% and $1 billion target cash balance.
High-Return Project Pipeline
Announced three new refining projects: Garyville feedstock optimization (+30,000 bpd) with $110M in 2026 (+$185M in 2027), Garyville export gasoline flexibility (+10,000 bpd) with $50M in 2026 (+$100M in 2027), and El Paso upgrades ($30M in 2026, online Q2 2026). Management targets returns >=25% for refining projects.
Commercial & Yield Optimization Momentum
Management highlights sustainable improvements in commercial execution and value-capture (capture improved year-over-year for multiple years to 105% full-year), monthly throughput records at Garyville and Robinson, and ability to pivot feedstock slate (system ~50% sour crude diet).
Renewables Segment Activity
Renewable facilities ran at 94% utilization in Q4 and benefited from a one-time sale of credits by the Martinez JV; company is optimizing renewable facilities and has a planned Martinez turnaround in Q1 (expected utilization ~70%).
Favorable Market Positioning & Demand Outlook
Management expects steady-to-improving refined product demand (gasoline and distillates each ~+1% and jet fuel ~+4% in latest year) and anticipates tight global refining system with limited new capacity in 2026, supporting continued favorable refining economics.
Negative Updates
Q4 Midstream Decline from Divestitures
Midstream Q4 results declined year-over-year primarily due to divestiture of non-core gathering and processing assets, reducing near-term segment EBITDA; however, full-year midstream remains a growth engine with multi-year CAGR of 5%.
Renewables Margin Pressure and Near-Term Turnaround
Renewable segment faced a weaker margin environment versus prior year even after a one-time credit sale; Martinez joint venture has a planned Q1 turnaround with expected utilization of ~70%, reducing near-term renewable output.
Project & CapEx Execution Elevated 2025 Spend
2025 MPC CapEx finished above initial expectations (e.g., earlier than planned spend on El Paso project) — management cites some inflation and project timing; while 2026 refining spend is guided down ~20% YoY, 2027-2028 guidance remains preliminary.
Labor Negotiations with USW Ongoing
Collective bargaining with the United Steelworkers (contracts expired Jan 31) remains active; rolling 24-hour extensions are in place and management reports productive dialogue but uncertainty around final agreement introduces negotiation risk.
Market & Supply Volatility Risks
Global supply dynamics (Venezuela re‑entry, Canadian pipeline apportionment, and new Asian capacity) create volatility in differentials and feedstock availability; while MPC views many developments as tailwinds, these remain sources of market uncertainty.
Midstream Q4 Headwinds to Near-Term Results
Although MPLX growth outlook is positive, the divestiture-related decline in Q4 midstream adjusted EBITDA highlights near-term variability in midstream contributions to MPC consolidated results.
Company Guidance
Guidance highlights include 2026 standalone capital spending of roughly $700 million in refining value‑enhancing CapEx (a nearly 20% reduction year‑over‑year) plus $250 million in marketing investment, with ~85% of refining spend directed to multiyear projects at Galveston Bay, Garyville, Robinson and El Paso; turnaround expenses are guided to $1.35 billion for the year (down vs. 2025) with further reductions planned in 2027–2028. MPC maintains a net debt‑to‑capital target of 25–30% and an annual cash balance target of $1.0 billion, and expects MPLX distributions to fund MPC’s dividends and standalone CapEx so MPC can return all excess free cash flow to shareholders in 2026. Project‑level 2026 spend includes Garyville feedstock optimization (~$110M in 2026, ~$185M in 2027) to add ~30,000 bpd, a Garyville export‑gasoline flexibility project (~$50M in 2026, ~$100M in 2027) to add ~10,000 bpd, and an El Paso investment of ~$30M in 2026 (targeted online Q2); J.T. Yield is expected online in 2026 and DHT by year‑end 2027, with MPC targeting returns of 25%+ on refining projects. MPLX plans ~$2.4 billion of growth capital (90% to natural gas/NGL services in the Permian and Marcellus) expected to generate mid‑teens returns and is targeting 12.5% distribution growth over two years—implying over $3.5 billion of future annual cash distributions to MPC; note Martinez renewable turnaround is planned in Q1 with expected utilization around 70%.

Marathon Petroleum Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement strength (TTM revenue growth of 55.6%) and solid ROE (16.54%) are tempered by moderate profitability (net margin 2.14%) and higher leverage (debt-to-equity 1.81). Cash generation is improving (TTM free cash flow growth 17.25%) but remains only moderate versus earnings (OCF/NI 0.34).
Income Statement
75
Positive
Marathon Petroleum shows a strong revenue growth rate of 55.6% in the TTM, indicating a robust recovery from previous declines. The gross profit margin of 9.57% and net profit margin of 2.14% suggest moderate profitability, with room for improvement. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are relatively stable, reflecting efficient operations despite industry volatility.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81 indicates a high level of leverage, which could pose risks if market conditions worsen. However, the return on equity of 16.54% demonstrates effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio of 20.53% suggests a balanced asset structure, though there is potential for strengthening equity.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.34 and free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.56 indicate moderate cash generation relative to earnings. The free cash flow growth rate of 17.25% in the TTM is a positive sign, although historical fluctuations highlight potential volatility in cash flow management.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue132.54B138.86B148.38B177.45B119.98B
Gross Profit9.85B9.29B16.51B22.57B6.61B
EBITDA11.54B10.60B18.56B24.88B7.45B
Net Income4.05B3.44B9.68B14.52B9.74B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets0.0078.86B85.99B89.90B85.37B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.65B3.21B10.22B11.77B10.84B
Total Debt0.0028.76B28.50B27.91B26.90B
Total Liabilities-23.89B54.35B54.59B54.82B51.79B
Stockholders Equity23.89B17.75B24.40B27.71B26.21B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow0.006.13B12.23B13.94B2.90B
Operating Cash Flow0.008.66B14.12B16.36B4.36B
Investing Cash Flow0.001.53B-3.10B623.00M14.80B
Financing Cash Flow0.00-12.43B-14.21B-13.65B-14.42B

Marathon Petroleum Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price196.76
Price Trends
50DMA
180.02
Positive
100DMA
184.92
Positive
200DMA
176.22
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
6.19
Negative
RSI
58.95
Neutral
STOCH
21.06
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MPC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 196.76 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 189.92, above the 50-day MA of 180.02, and above the 200-day MA of 176.22, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 6.19 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 58.95 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.06 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for MPC.

Marathon Petroleum Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$63.42B14.5915.25%3.68%-10.56%-53.06%
70
Outperform
$60.84B26.359.71%2.74%-8.48%-56.92%
69
Neutral
$59.99B15.1019.33%2.24%-6.37%-25.83%
68
Neutral
$9.49B16.616.19%4.26%-9.55%27.65%
67
Neutral
$9.40B26.936.21%6.88%-5.18%-33.14%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
54
Neutral
$3.88B-23.14-2.92%4.14%-15.35%-81.94%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MPC
Marathon Petroleum
196.76
47.27
31.62%
DINO
HF Sinclair Corporation
50.88
15.74
44.80%
PSX
Phillips 66
155.75
31.11
24.96%
VLO
Valero Energy
200.76
69.56
53.01%
PBF
PBF Energy
34.38
12.25
55.35%
SUN
Sunoco
62.54
8.59
15.92%

Marathon Petroleum Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Marathon Petroleum Appoints New Executive Vice President CFO
Positive
Dec 18, 2025

On December 18, 2025, Marathon Petroleum announced that Maria A. Khoury will join the company as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective January 19, 2026, succeeding John J. Quaid, who will remain in a non-executive role during a transition period. Khoury, a seasoned global finance executive with 25 years of experience at Danaher, GE Healthcare, GE Oil & Gas, GE Corporate, GE Capital Treasury and Cargill, will become Marathon’s principal financial officer, with an $800,000 base salary, a target annual cash bonus equal to her base pay, a $2.4 million 2026 long-term incentive target, standard company benefits, and a one-time $275,000 restricted stock unit grant to replace forfeited equity from her current employer, signaling a deliberate effort by Marathon to bolster its executive bench and financial leadership as it pursues its strategic and capital allocation objectives.

The most recent analyst rating on (MPC) stock is a Hold with a $196.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Marathon Petroleum stock, see the MPC Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Marathon Petroleum Announces New Chairman Appointment
Neutral
Nov 4, 2025

On November 4, 2025, Marathon Petroleum Corp. announced that Maryann T. Mannen, the current President and CEO, has been elected as Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026. This change follows the retirement of Michael J. Hennigan, who will step down from his role as Executive Chairman and board member on the same date. The transition marks a continuation of leadership under Mannen, who has been with the company in various executive roles since 2021, and is expected to guide MPC’s future growth and direction.

The most recent analyst rating on (MPC) stock is a Buy with a $200.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Marathon Petroleum stock, see the MPC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 03, 2026