Marathon Petroleum vs SLB

Marathon Petroleum Corporation and SLB are examined to provide a clear, impartial comparison. This page compares business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how each company operates within the energy sector. The focus is on neutral, accessible information without exhortation or prediction. Educational content, not financial advice.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation and SLB are examined to provide a clear, impartial comparison. This page compares business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand h...

About The Companies

Marathon Petroleum (MPC)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a large US downstream energy company focused on refining, marketing and midstream logistics, with a market capitalisation of about $55.60 billion. Investors should know MPC’s earnings are driven largely by refining margins, throughput volumes and the price of crude oil, while its midstream businesses provide fee-based cash flows and logistical scale. The company operates one of the country’s largest refining systems and sells transportation fuels under well-known retail brands. Key investment considerations include sensitivity to cyclical oil markets, changes in fuel demand, regulatory and environmental pressures, and capital intensity of the business. MPC has historically returned cash via dividends and buybacks, but distributions depend on cash flow and board decisions. This summary is educational only, not personal advice — values can rise and fall and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investors should assess suitability for their objectives and consider further research or professional advice.

SLB (SLB)

Schlumberger Limited (SLB) is one of the world’s largest oilfield services companies, providing drilling, well services, reservoir characterisation, production optimisation and digital solutions to upstream energy companies. Investors should know the business is closely linked to oil and gas capital expenditure cycles and commodity prices, which can drive revenue and profit volatility. Schlumberger’s global scale, broad service offering and investments in automation and data analytics can support margin improvement during industry upturns, while exposure to geopolitical risk, project timing and competitive pressure can weigh on results. Market cap is around $50.07B. This summary is for educational purposes only and is not personal investment advice; values can rise and fall and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Consider your own risk tolerance and review company filings before deciding.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

MPC

Metric

SLB

$55.84B

Market Cap

$58.94B

9.71%

Potential Profit

15.11%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

Why It's Moving

Marathon Petroleum powers through Q3 with robust cash flow and strategic midstream growth despite refining headwinds.

Refining & Marketing adjusted EBITDA hit $1.76 billion, bolstered by $427 million ethanol JV sale and $484 million BANGL acquisition gain, offsetting Gulf Coast and West Coast margin pressures.
MPLX to deliver $2.8 billion annualized distributions to MPC, funding dividends, capex, and extra capital allocation—a standout edge in energy.
Midstream expansions like Traverse Pipeline and Gulf Coast Fractionators ramp up Permian-to-Gulf value chain, tapping rising producer demand for long-term growth.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

SLB stock reacts to mixed signals: robust contract wins offset by softer North American activity and cautious margins guidance

International contract wins and backlog growth — SLB disclosed several sizable international awards in the past week that expand its integrated services footprint, reinforcing revenue visibility and validating its push into higher-value, technology-driven projects.
North America land softness — Management cautioned that U.S. land activity remains softer-than-expected, implying lower short-term service volumes in the core oilfield services book and pressure on utilization and pricing for traditional completions work.
Strategy and margin focus — SLB emphasized its tech-led repositioning and New Energy initiatives while noting margin headwinds from mix and pricing; the implication is that long-term structural upgrades could lift profitability, but near-term results depend on margin recovery and execution on international contracts.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Marathon Petroleum powers through Q3 with robust cash flow and strategic midstream growth despite refining headwinds.

Refining & Marketing adjusted EBITDA hit $1.76 billion, bolstered by $427 million ethanol JV sale and $484 million BANGL acquisition gain, offsetting Gulf Coast and West Coast margin pressures.
MPLX to deliver $2.8 billion annualized distributions to MPC, funding dividends, capex, and extra capital allocation—a standout edge in energy.
Midstream expansions like Traverse Pipeline and Gulf Coast Fractionators ramp up Permian-to-Gulf value chain, tapping rising producer demand for long-term growth.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

SLB stock reacts to mixed signals: robust contract wins offset by softer North American activity and cautious margins guidance

International contract wins and backlog growth — SLB disclosed several sizable international awards in the past week that expand its integrated services footprint, reinforcing revenue visibility and validating its push into higher-value, technology-driven projects.
North America land softness — Management cautioned that U.S. land activity remains softer-than-expected, implying lower short-term service volumes in the core oilfield services book and pressure on utilization and pricing for traditional completions work.
Strategy and margin focus — SLB emphasized its tech-led repositioning and New Energy initiatives while noting margin headwinds from mix and pricing; the implication is that long-term structural upgrades could lift profitability, but near-term results depend on margin recovery and execution on international contracts.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Oil & Gas

Fuel up with investment opportunities in the energy markets. This collection features carefully selected stocks from industry giants and innovators, chosen by professional analysts for their potential in the growing $6.93 trillion global oil and gas market.

Published: May 15, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Oil & Gas

Fuel up with investment opportunities in the energy markets. This collection features carefully selected stocks from industry giants and innovators, chosen by professional analysts for their potential in the growing $6.93 trillion global oil and gas market.

Published: May 15, 2025

Explore Basket

Investment Analysis