BP p.l.c. (BP) vs Marathon Petroleum (MPC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Marathon Petroleum (MPC) has outperformed BP p.l.c. (BP) over the past year, gaining 130.9% versus a gain of 27.3%. Over five years, MPC leads with a +562.1% price change compared with +48.7% for BP. Marathon Petroleum is the larger company by market cap ($124.20 billion vs $114.64 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while BP p.l.c. is growing revenue faster (-1.1% vs -4.4%).
On valuation, BP p.l.c. trades at a lower forward P/E (8.3x vs 8.7x for Marathon Petroleum). Marathon Petroleum offers the higher dividend yield (0.90% vs 0.75%). Marathon Petroleum converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 3.0% versus 0.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BP | MPC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $44.51 | $442.26 |
| Market cap | $114.64B | $124.20B |
| 1-day change | -1.11% | +2.29% |
| YTD return | +28.16% | +171.94% |
| 1-year return | +27.28% | +130.90% |
| 5-year return | +48.71% | +562.07% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.71 | 15.31 |
| Forward P/E | 8.34 | 8.73 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.05 | $28.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.75% | 0.90% |
| Annual dividend | $0.336 | $4.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $192.55B | $132.70B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.07% | -4.44% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $55.00M | $4.05B |
| Gross margin | — | 9.99% |
| Operating margin | 6.57% | 6.25% |
| Net margin | 0.03% | 3.05% |
| 52-week high | $48.27 | $444.99 |
| 52-week low | $32.72 | $161.93 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -7.79% | -0.61% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +15.52% | -12.82% |
| Average volume | 8.76M | 2.53M |
| Shares outstanding | 2.58B | 280.82M |
| Employees | 93,700 | 18,500 |
| Sector | Energy | Energy |
| Industry | Integrated oil Companies | Integrated oil Companies |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- MPC has outperformed BP by 103.6 percentage points over the past year.
- BP p.l.c. trades at a higher earnings multiple (21.7x vs 15.3x trailing P/E).
About BP p.l.c.
BP stock →BP p.l.c., an integrated energy company, engages in the oil and gas business worldwide. The company operates through Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Oil Production & Operations, and Customers & Products segments.
Energy · Integrated oil Companies · 93,700 employees
About Marathon Petroleum
MPC stock →Marathon Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated downstream energy company in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Refining & Marketing; Midstream; and Renewable Diesel.
Energy · Integrated oil Companies · 18,500 employees
BP vs MPC FAQ
Which is bigger, BP p.l.c. or Marathon Petroleum?
Marathon Petroleum (MPC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $124.20B compared with $114.64B for BP p.l.c. (BP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BP or MPC?
MPC returned +130.90% over the past 12 months, compared with +27.28% for BP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BP or MPC?
MPC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.3, versus 21.7 for BP. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, BP p.l.c. or Marathon Petroleum?
Marathon Petroleum has the higher yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.75% for BP p.l.c..
Are BP p.l.c. and Marathon Petroleum in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Integrated oil Companies industry within the Energy sector.