
Marathon Petroleum is a leading American petroleum refining company that operates a network of refineries and pipelines across the United States. It was formed in 2011 through the spin-off of Marathon Oil's refining and pipeline business.
Marathon Petroleum's business model focuses on refining, marketing, and transporting petroleum products. The company operates a diverse portfolio of refineries, with a combined crude oil processing capacity of approximately 3.2 million barrels per day.
Marathon Petroleum's financial performance is closely tied to the global demand for petroleum products and the company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions. In 2020, the company reported net income of $4.2 billion on revenues of $73.5 billion.
The company's financial stability is underpinned by a strong balance sheet, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 1.23.
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Company History
Marathon Petroleum Corporation was formed on November 9, 2009, as a subsidiary of Marathon Oil.
The company's predecessor, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC, was formed in 1998 through the merger of Marathon Oil's refining operations and Ashland Inc.'s refining operations.
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This merger brought together several descendants of the Standard Oil trust, as Ashland had acquired several smaller Standard spinoffs while Marathon itself was directly owned by Standard Oil.
Marathon Ashland adopted the marketing slogan "An American Company Serving America", which was later adjourned to Marathon gas pumps.
In 2005, Ashland sold off its downstream assets and exited the retail business, making Marathon Petroleum a 100% owned subsidiary of Marathon Oil.
The company completed a $3.9 billion expansion of its refinery in Garyville, Louisiana, increasing the plant's capacity by 180,000 barrels per day in 2009.
Marathon Petroleum sold its 74,000 barrel-per-day refinery in St. Paul Park, Minnesota, along with associated terminals, pipelines, and inventory, as well as 166 SuperAmerica convenience stores to Northern Tier Energy for $900 million in 2010.
In 2006, the company adopted its current slogan, "Fueling the American Spirit", shifting emphasis on work ethic and the contributions of its employees.
The company began using STP-branded additives in its fuel in 2006.
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Refinery Operations
Marathon Petroleum operates 13 refineries, with a combined crude oil throughput of 2,950,000 barrels per calendar day. This is a significant amount of oil, and it's impressive to think about the scale of their operations.
Their refineries are spread across the country, with locations in Washington, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Texas, Louisiana, Alaska, North Dakota, Illinois, Utah, and Minnesota. Each refinery has a unique throughput capacity, ranging from 68,000 to 631,000 barrels per calendar day.
Here are the details of their refineries:
Refinery Fires
Refinery fires are a serious concern in the industry, resulting in significant losses and environmental damage. These fires can occur due to various reasons, including equipment failure, human error, and external factors such as lightning strikes.
A major refinery fire occurred in 2012 at the Chevron Richmond Refinery in California, releasing toxic chemicals into the air and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people.
The risk of refinery fires can be mitigated by implementing robust safety protocols, regular maintenance, and employee training.
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The Chevron Richmond Refinery fire was caused by a leak in a pipe carrying a flammable liquid, which ignited and spread rapidly.
Refinery operators must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a fire, with emergency response plans in place to minimize damage and prevent further incidents.
The consequences of a refinery fire can be severe, with significant economic losses, environmental damage, and potential harm to nearby communities.
Operations
The refinery operations are a complex and fascinating process. The company operates 13 refineries with a total crude oil throughput of 2,950,000 barrels per calendar day (bpcd).
These refineries are located across the United States, with the largest one being the Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, Texas, which processes 631,000 barrels per calendar day (bpcd). The smallest refinery is the Kenai Refinery in Kenai, Alaska, which processes 68,000 barrels per calendar day (bpcd).
Here is a list of the 13 refineries, including their location and throughput:
The company also has interests in approximately 8,400 miles (13,500 km) of petroleum pipelines and 5,000 miles (8,050 km) of natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines.
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Mergers and Acquisitions
Marathon Petroleum has been involved in several significant mergers and acquisitions. In 2018, the company acquired Andeavor, an independent refinery and oil company based in the Western United States, for $23 billion.
The acquisition was completed on October 1, 2018, and brought the SuperAmerica convenience stores back to Speedway. This deal also introduced the Marathon brand name at stations in the Western United States for the first time and made Marathon a national brand name.
Marathon's ownership of Andeavor also gave the company control of the ARCO brand. The acquisition had a significant impact on Marathon's business, making it a major player in the oil and gas industry.
In 2020, Marathon announced plans to spin off its Speedway convenience stores. Gary Heminger, the company's Chairman and CEO, would also retire as a result of the deal.
The spin-off of Speedway was completed in 2021, when Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. acquired the convenience store chain for $21 billion.
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Financial Information
Marathon Petroleum's financial situation is quite interesting. Their total cash on hand is a significant 1.67 billion dollars.
They also have a substantial amount of debt, with a total debt to equity ratio of 129.10% as of the most recent quarter.
Here are some key financial metrics for Marathon Petroleum:
- Profit Margin: 1.59%
- Return on Assets (ttm): 3.40%
- Return on Equity (ttm): 14.63%
- Revenue (ttm): 133.86 billion dollars
- Net Income Avi to Common (ttm): 2.13 billion dollars
- Diluted EPS (ttm): 6.88
Their levered free cash flow is a substantial 1.74 billion dollars, indicating a strong ability to generate cash from operations.
Financial Statements
Let's dive into the financial statements of a company. Total cash on hand is a staggering $1.67 billion as of the most recent quarter.
This amount is significant, but it's essential to consider the company's debt-to-equity ratio, which is a whopping 129.10%. This means the company's debt is more than 12 times its equity.
Now, let's look at the company's profitability. The profit margin is a relatively low 1.59%. This suggests the company may be struggling to maintain a healthy profit margin.
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The return on assets (ROA) is 3.40%, which is a decent indicator of the company's ability to generate profits from its assets. The return on equity (ROE) is a more impressive 14.63%, indicating the company is generating significant profits from its shareholders' equity.
The company's revenue is a substantial $133.86 billion as of the most recent quarter. This is a massive figure, but it's essential to consider the company's net income, which is $2.13 billion.
Here are some key financial metrics to keep in mind:
- Total Cash (mrq): $1.67B
- Profit Margin: 1.59%
- Return on Assets (ttm): 3.40%
- Return on Equity (ttm): 14.63%
- Revenue (ttm): $133.86B
- Net Income Avi to Common (ttm): $2.13B
Valuation Measures
Valuation Measures are a crucial aspect of understanding a company's financial health. Let's take a look at some key metrics for Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC).
The Market Cap of MPC is a staggering 58.44B, indicating a significant market presence.
Enterprise Value, which includes debt and cash, stands at 86.81B.
The Trailing P/E ratio of 27.94 suggests that investors are willing to pay a premium for MPC's shares.
In contrast, the Forward P/E ratio of 13.64 indicates a more reasonable valuation.
The PEG Ratio (5yr expected) of 1.27 suggests that MPC's stock price is somewhat overvalued compared to its growth prospects.
Here are the Valuation Measures for MPC in a concise table:
These metrics provide a comprehensive picture of MPC's valuation, helping investors make informed decisions.
Investment Analysis
Marathon Petroleum's investment rating has been consistently rated as HOLD by Argus, with a target price ranging from $192 to $201.
This rating suggests that Marathon Petroleum is a relatively stable investment, but not necessarily a high-growth opportunity. One report from Argus 7 days ago set the target price at $192, while another report 14 days ago set it at $201.
Here is a summary of Argus' ratings:
- Marathon Petroleum has an Investment Rating of HOLD with a target price of $192 (7 days ago)
- Marathon Petroleum has an Investment Rating of HOLD with a target price of $201 (14 days ago)
- Marathon Petroleum has an Investment Rating of BUY with a target price of $212 (21 days ago)
Analyst Recommendations
Marathon Petroleum Corp has been assigned an Investment Rating of HOLD by Argus, with a target price of $192.000000.
The rating has varied over time, with Argus also assigning a HOLD rating with a target price of $201.000000 14 days ago.

In contrast, Argus previously recommended a BUY rating with a target price of $212.000000 21 days ago.
Here's a summary of the ratings and target prices assigned by Argus:
It's worth noting that the target price has increased over time, from $192.000000 to $201.000000 and then to $212.000000.
Should You Buy a Top Dividend Stock?
When considering a top dividend stock, it's essential to analyze its performance metrics alongside similar companies. You can do this by selecting up to 4 stocks for comparison.
MPC, or Marathon Petroleum Corp, is a great example of a company that offers a strong dividend yield. As an integrated downstream energy company, MPC operates one of the largest refining systems in the US.
One of the key benefits of investing in MPC is its diverse product portfolio, which includes gasoline, distillates, renewable diesel, and petrochemicals. This diversification can help mitigate risks and provide a stable source of income.
MPC's products serve a range of industries, including transportation, construction, and energy. This is a testament to the company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on emerging trends.
Here are some key statistics that highlight MPC's performance in comparison to other companies in the industry:
MPC's strong financial performance is also reflected in its ranking among top companies in the industry. For example, it has been recognized as one of the top 10 oil refining companies in the world in 2021 by capacity.
By considering these factors and analyzing MPC's performance alongside similar companies, you can make a more informed decision about whether to buy a top dividend stock like MPC.
Company Overview
Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a United States-based energy company that operates as an integrated downstream energy company in the United States.
The company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. It has a long history, with its original company being founded as the Ohio Oil Company from the combination of several smaller companies.
Marathon Petroleum operates through three main segments: Refining & Marketing, Midstream, and Renewable Diesel. 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.
Its refined products include transportation fuels, heavy fuel oil, and asphalt. The company also manufactures propane and petrochemicals.
The Midstream segment gathers, transports, stores, distributes, and markets crude oil and refined products, including renewable diesel and other hydrocarbon-based products. This segment uses refining logistics assets, pipelines, terminals, towboats, and barges to transport its products.
Marathon Petroleum operates in more than 7,000 locations and 1,000 direct dealer sites, primarily in California. The company supports two major retail gas station brands, Marathon and Arco.
Here's a breakdown of the company's segments:
Marathon Petroleum had over 18,000 employees and was the largest petroleum refinery operator in the United States, with revenues of about $174.3 billion in the mid-2020s.
Competitor Comparison
Marathon Petroleum has some notable competitors in the industry. Marathon Petroleum is headquartered in the United States of America, specifically in Findlay, Ohio. Exxon Mobil Corp, another major player, is also based in the United States of America, with its headquarters in Spring, Texas.
The size of these companies is quite impressive. Exxon Mobil Corp has a significantly larger workforce, with 60,900 employees, compared to Marathon Petroleum's 18,300 employees. Shell plc, on the other hand, has a massive 96,000 employees.
Let's take a look at the key parameters of these competitors in a table:
All of these companies are public entities, with Marathon Petroleum, Exxon Mobil Corp, Shell plc, Chevron Corp, and BP Plc being publicly traded.
Impact
Marathon Petroleum has a significant impact on the economy and the environment. It is the largest refiner of petroleum products in the United States, accounting for about 14% of the country's total refining capacity.
The company's operations are a major contributor to the nation's energy production, with the ability to process over 3 million barrels of crude oil per day. This translates to a substantial portion of the country's daily energy needs.
Marathon Petroleum's refining capacity is a vital component of the country's energy infrastructure. Its refineries are strategically located near major population centers and transportation hubs, making them well-positioned to supply fuel to a wide range of customers.
The company's operations also have an impact on the environment, with the potential to emit significant amounts of air pollutants. However, Marathon Petroleum has implemented various measures to reduce its environmental footprint, including the installation of pollution-control equipment and the use of cleaner-burning fuels.
Marathon Petroleum's impact on the economy is also significant, with the company employing thousands of people directly and indirectly. Its operations also generate substantial tax revenues for local governments, which are used to fund public services and infrastructure projects.
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