Marathon Petroleum stock holds firm as oil slides
Published on 08/26/2026 at 11:43 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Marathon Petroleum stock (US56585A1025) is trading with a $103.73 billion market value after the shares opened at $355.31 on August 26, 2026, while a recent market note put the stock near its 52-week high of $367.60.
The latest quarterly update showed $17.73 in earnings per share on $51.99 billion of revenue, with revenue up 53.5% year over year and EPS ahead of the $14.27 estimate by $3.46.
Crude sets the backdrop
Oil prices extended losses on August 26, 2026, with Brent crude at $86.80 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate at $80.87, a shift that matters for Marathon Petroleum's refining margin outlook.
A separate market note tied the stock to a 1.1% dividend yield, a $1.00 quarterly payout and a 12.46 P/E ratio, which keeps valuation in view even after the strong second-quarter print.
Earnings power stays visible
The operating story is still anchored by the August 4, 2026 quarter, when net margin reached 5.48% and return on equity came in at 31.96%.
That combination of higher revenue, stronger earnings and a market cap above $100 billion gives investors a simple question to watch: can the margin profile stay this strong if crude keeps easing?
Refining scale matters
Marathon Petroleum's refining and marketing model turns crude into gasoline, diesel and other products, so its earnings profile tends to track utilization, crack spreads and the cost of feedstock.
The current setup leaves the stock tied to both commodity pricing and the company's ability to keep converting volume into cash flow.
Stock level to watch
Marathon Petroleum shares opened at $355.31 on August 26, 2026, leaving the stock below the recent $367.60 high but still far above the quarter's $51.99 billion revenue base.
Fact box
Company: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
ISIN: US56585A1025
Ticker: MPC
Exchange: NYSE
Price (as of August 26, 2026): $355.31 USD
Market cap: $103.73 billion
Sector / Industry: Energy / Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
Index membership: S&P 500
